Optimisation of sensor locations for reliable and economical early warning of rainfall-induced landslides

Rainfall-induced landslide monitoring and early warning is an effective technique for minimising potential landslide risks, especially in circumstances where structural countermeasures are not economically or technically feasible. In this regard, a number of methods have been developed to monitor susceptible slopes and warn against possible slope failures. The majority of real-time slope monitoring systems involve sensor networks that measureslope inclination/displacement, volumetric water content and rainfall, enabling the determination of pre-failure deformation. However, no systematic approach has been made to install such sensors in critical locations to enhance the cost-effectiveness of slope monitoring systems and the accuracy of landslide early warnings. Thisstudy has developed guidelines for a systematic approach for the determination of critical sensor installation points using RTK-GPS surface movement measurements, numerical transient seepage and slope stability analysis for the economic and technical optimisation of landslide monitoring and early warning systems