Warta Geologi, Vol. 46, No. 2, August 2020, pp. 94–98

Slope stability assessment in opencast quarry – an UAV
approach

Nur Emilia Qistina Mohd Anua, Hareyani Zabidi*, Aisyah
Shahirah Juhari, Solihin Yaacob, Syaran Suri

Mineral Resources Engineering, School of Materials and
Mineral Resources Engineering,

Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang,
Malysia

* Corresponding author email: srhareyani.zabidi@usm.my

Abstract:
Evaluation on the stability of rock slope is a prime, interesting and
formidable aspect in environmental issues. The mechanics of instability depend
commonly on nature, strength, and structures of the rock mass. In this
research, the structure of rock mass was studied using a technological advanced
tool, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to determine the stability of the selected
quarry face. To achieve this, photogrammetric mapping and kinematic analysis
were carried out consequently at Hume Cement Quarry in Gopeng. The results
indicate that the quarry slope has ten (10) major discontinuity sets and there
are two (2) possible modes of failure consist of wedge and toppling failure.
The UAV approach in determining the stability of rock slope have a lot of
advantages and the usage of UAV could be wider as it can be used in many
sector.

Keywords:
Discontinuities, UAV, photogrammetric mapping, quarry, Kinta Limestone
formation

DOI :
https://doi.org/10.7186/wg462202009

ISSN
0126–5539; e-ISSN 2682-7549