Original Insights Into Rock Slope Damage Processes Until Collapse From Passive Seismic Monitoring

Abstract

We performed a passive seismic monitoring of the La Praz ∼14,000 m³ unstable slope (French Alps) spanning over 10 years. During the last 6 months prior to collapse, we detected a clear 24% decrease in the slope's fundamental resonance frequency, f₀, caused by a reduction in overall rock mass stiffness. The combined study of f₀ and slope deformation suggested the alternating importance of sudden brittle failure processes versus more ductile phases with possible sliding. Seismic monitoring revealed slope damage that remained ambiguous or undetected with ground surface deformation monitoring, and highlighted critical periods with intense damage. Only some of these critical damage periods could be related to clear external forcing factors such as intense rainfall episodes. These new insights into rock slope's structural condition at depth represent an asset for future monitoring systems. Surface deformation and passive seismic stiffness tracking combined could reveal active slopes with ongoing damage processes.