Early warning system using tiltmeters for a road construction project in New Caledonia

Abstract

During the construction of 2.2 km long critical access road through mountainous terrain in tropical soils, a landslide halted the completion of the earthworks and stabilization of the road cuts. An early warning system (EWS) using tiltmeters was designed for the site after the landslide to monitor potential construction-induced movements, allow the engineering team to better assess and manage risk, and provide a safe work zone for the contractors and increase confidence in the short- and long-term stability of the slope. This paper will inform the reader on the geological, historical geohazard, and site activities context of the project, a description of the tiltmeter EWS and how it was implemented on site.