Combined ERT and GPR Data for Subsurface Characterization of Weathered Hilly Slope: A Case Study in Zhejiang Province, Southeast China

Yajing Yan, Yongshuai Yan, Guizhang Zhao, Yanfang Zhou and Zhoufeng Wang
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Yajing Yan: Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient Utilization of Water Resources, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China
Yongshuai Yan: School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230002, China
Guizhang Zhao: School of Geosciences and Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China
Yanfang Zhou: School of Foreigh Studies, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China
Zhoufeng Wang: Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710054, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 13, 1-20

Abstract: Rain-triggered landslides frequently threaten public safety, infrastructure, and the economy during typhoon seasons in Zhejiang Province. Landslides are complex structural systems, and the subsurface features play a significant role in their stability. Their early identification and the evaluation of potential danger in terms of the rupture surface and unstable body are essential for geohazard prevention and protection. However, the information about the subsurface acquired by conventional exploration approaches is generally limited to sparse data. This paper describes a joint application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with a 100 MHz antenna and the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method with the Wenner configuration to identify the stratum structure and delineate the potentially unstable body of a clay-rich slope, the results of which were further verified using borehole data and field observation. The acquired results from the GPR and ERT surveys, consistent with each other, indicate two stratigraphic layers comprising silty clay and silty mudstone. Moreover, the potential rupture zone very likely exists in the highly weathered mudstone in the depth range of 3–7 m, and the average depth is 5 m. In addition, the thickness of the unstable mass is greater on the east and crest parts of the slope. Conclusively, the optimum combination of ERT and GPR is reliable for conducting rapid and effective delineation of subsurface characteristics of clayey slopes for risk assessment and mitigation during the typhoon season.

Keywords: hilly slope; electrical resistivity tomography (ERT); ground-penetrating radar (GPR); subsurface structure; potential sliding surface; Zhejiang; typhoon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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