AI-based crack gauge for rockfall

Published: 29 September 2022
Last edited: 24 March 2023

AI-based crack gauge for rockfall is a device that monitors the occurrence of rockfall and the crack displacements in real-time by installing an observation sensor in a rockfall risky area located along the trail. Since 2013, automatic and manual crack gauges have been installed on steep slopes with a high risk of collapse, and 525 units are currently in operation at 174 locations. The rockfall measuring device is divided into risk levels of 'interest, caution, alert, and serious'. In the interest stage, regular and frequent inspections are carried out. In the caution stage where cracks are less than 5 mm and less than 2°, monitoring is strengthened. In the alert stages, precise investigation and action plans for the disaster are prepared. In the serious stage, the adjacent trails are controlled and emergency measures such as rockfall removal are implemented.

Classifications

Category
Technical interventions and infrastructure
Scale of implementation
National
Phase of solution
Implementation
Monitoring

Enabling factors

Prior to the installation of the AI-based crack gauge, a dedicated investigation team composed of geologists and disaster prevention experts was established in advance to systematically manage rockfalls and steep slopes to investigate areas with risk of rockfall accidents along the trails of national parks. In addition, the safety hazardous areas were graded from A to E according to the degree of risk, steepness, and other geologic characteristics and converted into databases. 

Lessons learned

81 rockfall events have occurred in the national park during the last 10 years, resulting in 3 deaths and 6 injuries, damaging properties of about  KRW 2.1 billion. However, since 2018, when the AI-based crack gauge was used, there has been no fatality or injury to visitors due to rockfalls. In addition, it took a lot of time and labor to inspect all the crack gauges installed throughout the national park one by one. With the saved time park rangers can concentrate more on park other management activities, which greatly improved the internal satisfaction.

Do you want to share your inspirational story?

Have you been inspired by a solution or building block on PANORAMA? Then share your experiences and tell us how you have been inspired and what you did to replicate a solution! What was needed in order to adapt the solution to your context? Tell us how you enabled a successful knowledge transfer to create more positive impacts for a healthy planet!