An integrated conceptual approach for the monitoring and modelling of geo-structures subjected to climatic loading

Abstract

Advancement of knowledge on the behaviour of unsaturated soil through constitutive modelling is an area of active research within the geotechnical community. Given that most of the Earth surface can be considered unsaturated and most of the geotechnical infrastructures constitute of compacted soil, advancements in predictive modelling are needed for reliable management of geo-infrastructures. Moreover, the complex processes of soil collapse, shear failures and excessive soil swelling underneath artificial and (or) natural structures necessitates continuous monitoring or periodic assessment of relevant field parameters. To address this problem, geophysical and proximal optical sensing methods can be utilised for high-density spatial characterisation of relevant soil properties and features for monitoring of geotechnical structures. In this paper, we combined knowledge in unsaturated soil behaviour on the basis of the recent Monash-Peradeniya-Kodikara (MPK) framework and surface/subsurface soil characterisation using proximal soil sensing techniques and discrete sensing for ground-truthing to envisage a combined observation and predictive modelling paradigm for geo-infrastructures. We discussed the concepts by demonstrating its usefulness in predicting potential landslides and slope stability issues. The overarching impact of the ideas discussed in this paper is expected to generate new research priority areas that can be highly beneficial in monitoring geo-infrastructures subjected to climate loading. Furthermore, we identified future research areas that can provide modern benefits of geophysical techniques in geotechnical problems. In particular, we note that developments in pedophysical transfer functions relating soil resistivity to commonly utilised geotechnical soil properties can be highly beneficial to geotechnical practitioners involved in monitoring of critical geo-infrastructures.