3-D geomechanical rock mass characterization for the evaluation of rockslide susceptibility scenarios

An integrated methodology based on traditional field and remote surveys such as terrestrial laser scanning and terrestrial infrared thermography is proposed, with the aim of defining susceptibility scenarios connected to rock slopes affected by instability processes. The proposed methodology was applied to a rock slope threatening a coastal panoramic roadway located in western Elba Island (Livorno district, central Italy). The final aim of the methodology was to obtain an accurate three-dimensional rock mass characterization in order to detect the potentially more hazardous rock mass portions, calculate their volume, and collect all the required geomechanical and geometrical parameters to perform a detailed stability analysis. The proposed approach proved to be an effective tool in the field of engineering geology and emergency management, when it is often urgently necessary to minimize survey time when operating in dangerous environments and gather all the required information as fast as possible.