International Journal of Electronic Devices and Networking
2024, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A
Applying drone-based photogrammetry to optimize pit-wall stability, slope steepening, and geotechnical risk forecasting
Author(s): Lukman Ademola Alabede
Abstract: The increasing scale and complexity of modern open-pit mines demand more precise and continuous geotechnical monitoring to maintain pit-wall stability and ensure safe, economically optimized slopes. Traditional survey methods such as periodic total-station readings, manual inspections, and sparse prism networks struggle to capture the spatial and temporal variability of slope deformation, especially in rapidly evolving benches or hazardous zones where ground access is restricted. Drone-based photogrammetry has emerged as a transformative solution by enabling high-resolution, repeatable, and cost-effective 3D mapping of pit walls, benches, and haul-road geometries. At a broad level, drone photogrammetry enhances situational awareness by generating detailed point clouds and digital surface models that reveal rock-mass structure, discontinuity patterns, erosion channels, and emerging instabilities with exceptional clarity. Narrowing the focus, these datasets play a pivotal role in slope-steepening initiatives, where small increases in inter-ramp or bench-face angles must be justified by rigorous structural characterization. Photogrammetric outputs allow geotechnical engineers to accurately measure bench dimensions, berm widths, catch-berm degradation, and block geometry, supporting more informed design modifications that balance economic gains with acceptable risk. Furthermore, drone-based temporal monitoring enables the detection of micro-deformation trends, wall relaxation, bench-scale slabbing, and block displacement. When integrated with numerical models and geotechnical hazard forecasting tools, these datasets support predictive analytics capable of identifying failure precursors earlier than traditional monitoring systems. This predictive capability strengthens mine-planning decisions, supports proactive reinforcement strategies, and enhances overall geotechnical risk governance. Ultimately, drone-based photogrammetry provides an adaptive, multi-scale monitoring framework that significantly improves slope-management efficiency, supports safe slope steepening, and equips mines with data-driven forecasting tools that enhance operational resilience in increasingly challenging geotechnical environments.
DOI: 10.22271/27084477.2024.v5.i2a.88
Pages: 60-71 | Views: 127 | Downloads: 60
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How to cite this article:
Lukman Ademola Alabede. Applying drone-based photogrammetry to optimize pit-wall stability, slope steepening, and geotechnical risk forecasting. Int J Electron Devices Networking 2024;5(2):60-71. DOI: 10.22271/27084477.2024.v5.i2a.88
