Classification of natural and engineered rock slopes using UAV photogrammetry for assessing stability

Abstract Ground failure on natural and engineered rock slopes is a geological hazard with potentially fatal consequences to the public or personnel in mining industry. Aerial reconnaissance use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) rapidly becoming standard practice for geotechnical engineering site investigations, enabling faster safer data collection slopes, which are often difficult access foot. Data obtained from alongside conventional field investigations assist development an model that can form basis various stability analyses including kinematic, limit equilibrium finite element analyses, even fall simulations. This paper presents two case studies remote used as initial method investigation classify slopes. The San Leo Italy open pit mine Caribbean demonstrate effectiveness these techniques developing preliminary be derived predict future ground behaviour managing risks associated hazard.