Development of slope monitoring device using accelerometer

Abstract

There are many types of instruments that have been used for monitoring the high risk slopes as a precaution to prevent the loss of lives. Unfortunately, there is no such works of installation slope monitoring instrumentation as detectors and preventive actions before the slope failure. Automatic Wireless Accelerometer Monitoring System (AWAM) is a new device of monitoring system using accelerometer, introduced in this research. It is more efficient than conventional techniques and less expensive. The application and operation of this system does not interrupted by physical obstacles, different climate conditions, and the construction works at site. In addition, no contact is required since the accelerometers are installed on the slope. Consequently, geomorphology limitations are not considered as limitations of the system operation. This paper discusses the sensor database system by AWAM and shows the effectiveness of the device to monitor slope failures and act as a warning sign. It was presented in two parts; the first part consisted of the physical modelling calibration test from sensor database system (AWAM device) and from load cell test while the second part discussed on the numerical model simulated by using software (Slope/W and LimitState) and the data from vane shear test. The AWAM device can be used as a monitoring system to detect soil movements. However, accelerometer was able to give AWAM’s readings if the device is moving in tilting modes.