Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review

Maleki, Zeynab Rosa; Wilkinson, Paul; Chambers, Jonathan; Donohue, Shane; Holmes, Jessica Lauren; Stirling, Ross

Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review

Maleki, Zeynab Rosa; Wilkinson, Paul; Chambers, Jonathan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8135-776X; Donohue, Shane ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8694-6571; Holmes, Jessica Lauren; Stirling, Ross ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0069-6621. 2025 Geophysical Survey and Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes (TISs): A Review. Geosciences, 15 (6), 220. 10.3390/geosciences15060220

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060220

Abstract/Summary

This review examines the application of the geophysical methods for Transportation Infrastructure Slope Monitoring (TISM). In contrast to existing works, which address geophysical methods for natural landslide monitoring, this study focuses on their application to infrastructure assets. It addresses the key aspects regarding the geophysical methods most employed, the subsurface properties revealed, and the design of monitoring systems, including sensor deployment. It evaluates the benefits and challenges associated with each geophysical approach, explores the potential for integrating geophysical techniques with other methods, and identifies the emerging technologies. Geophysical techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), and Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) have proven effective in monitoring slope stability and detecting subsurface features, including soil moisture dynamics, slip surfaces, and material heterogeneity. Both temporary and permanent monitoring setups have been used, with increasing interest in real-time monitoring solutions. The integration of advanced technologies like Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), UAV-mounted sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) promises to enhance the resolution, accessibility, and predictive capabilities of slope monitoring systems. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for integrated monitoring frameworks that combine geophysical data with real-time analysis to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure management.

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.3390/geosciences15060220

ISSN:

2076-3263

Date made live:

11 Sep 2025 13:13 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/540212