Citation

McCauley ML. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 581: 25-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The microsonic activity (subaudible rock noise) that is recorded in a material can be used to evaluate the stability of slopes in the area. The method can be used in conjunction with other monitoring devices for more thorough monitoring of slope stability. The California Department of Transportation, through a series of research studies, has shown the feasibility of the technique. Currently, the method is used to provide information on activity of landslides, stability of cut slopes, and effectiveness of field corrections for stability problems. Several case histories illustrate uses of microsonic monitoring. The Porto Marina landslide was monitored to minimize the hazard and inconvenience to traffic on Calif-1. Monitoring of the Thornton Bluffs landslide illustrates the relationship of microsonic activity, slope indicators, and nail measurements. Newly constructed cut slopes have been monitored to determine potential for slope failures. Corrective measures for the American Canyon landslide were monitored to evaluate their effectiveness.