The Integration of TLS and Continuous GPS to Study Landslide Deformation: A Case Study in Puerto Rico

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) andGlobal Positioning System (GPS) technologies provide comprehensive information on ground surface deformation in both spatial and temporal domains. These two data sets are critical inputs for geometric and kinematic modeling of landslides. This paper demonstrates an integrated approach in the application of TLS and continuous GPS (CGPS) data sets to the study of an active landslide on a steep mountain slope in the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. Major displacements of this landslide in 2004 and 2005 caused the closing of one of three remaining access roads to the national forest. A retaining wall was constructed in 2009 to restrain the landslide and allow the road reopen. However, renewed displacements of the landslide in the first half of 2010 resulted in deformation and the eventual rupture of the retaining wall. Continuous GPS monitoring and two TLS campaigns were performed on the lower portion of the landslide over a three-month period from May to August 2010. The TLS data sets identified the limits and total volume of themovingmass, while the GPS data quantified themagnitude and direction of the displacements. A continuous heavy rainfall in late July 2010 triggered a rapid 2-3 meter displacement of the landslide that finally ruptured the retaining wall. The displacement time series of the rapid displacement is modeled using a fling-step pulse from which precise velocity and acceleration time series of the displacement are derived. The data acquired in this study have demonstrated the effectiveness and power of the integrating TLS and continuous GPS techniques for landslide studies.