A Multi-Source Early Warning System of MEMS Based Wireless Monitoring for Rainfall-Induced Landslides

Zongji Yang,Taro Uchimura,Xiaoqin Lei,Dong Huang,Jianping Qiao,Wei Shao,Hongling Tian

doi:10.3390/app7121234

Abstract

Landslide monitoring and early warning systems are the most successful countermeasures to reduce fatalities and economic losses from landslide hazards. The traditional strategies such as GPS and extensometers are relatively expensive and difficult to be installed in steep, high mountains. In this study, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) based multivariate wireless monitoring sensor unit was used to build a monitoring and early warning system for rainfall-triggered landslides, as one of the most practical and cost-effective countermeasures for hard-reached mountains. The multi-source wireless monitoring system and its well-developed equipment were tested in a landslide-prone slope to monitor the triggering of landslides and debris flows in the Wenchuan earthquake region, China. The variations of several state variables were observed, including the soil moisture content, soil matric suction, rainfall, inclination and ground vibration. The results of a slope stability analysis were benchmarked with the in situ measurements to identify the multivariate early warning parameters for rainfall-induced landslides. The proposed early warning system for the slope stability analysis can provide a more accurate prediction for rainfall-induced landslides and debris flows in earthquake hit regions.

Highlights

The prediction and early warning of rainfall-induced landslides is critical in preventing landslide disasters
Recent studies stated that the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based slope stability monitoring instruments and systems are practically versatile and effective, it was widely used in landslide monitoring and early warning, and generated considerable recent research interest [1,2,3,4]
AnAn early warning wirelessmonitoring monitoringfor forrainfall-induced rainfall-induced landslides is proposed.This

Summary

Introduction

The prediction and early warning of rainfall-induced landslides is critical in preventing landslide disasters. Typical non-structural landslide monitoring systems use inclinometers, GPS and extensometers to observe the displacements of slopes. These measures have been widely used and proved to be an effective way for early warning of landslide hazards. These methods usually come with a high cost, both in terms of the equipment and in terms of its installation, meaning that their application is limited to well-funded projects. A low-cost and portable monitoring method is needed for early warning of landslides in mountainous areas with a large number of landslides, for example in the Wenchuan earthquake region of China. Recent studies stated that the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based slope stability monitoring instruments and systems are practically versatile and effective, it was widely used in landslide monitoring and early warning, and generated considerable recent research interest [1,2,3,4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion