Institute of Transportation, MOTC

　　To improve the limitations of rainfall-based slope warning system, a new framework that integrated the hydro-mechanical slope analysis and wireless sensing module for shallow ground response monitoring is under development to establish a customized, time-dependent warning system for shallow slope failures triggered by rainfalls. A coupled hydro-mechanical analysis considers both the hydraulic infiltrations and mechanical responses of unsaturated soils in slope stability analysis. Wireless sensing module based on micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) components with wireless communication module will be developed to monitor ground movements and subsurface conditions, including ground inclination, ground movement, water content profile, and pore water pressures. Combining the real-time monitoring and rigorous analysis, a customized, time-dependent warning system might be feasible.