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Slope monitoring by using 2-D resistivity method at Sungai Batu, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Muhamad Iqbal Mubarak Faharul Azman, Azim Hilmy Mohd Yusof, Nur Azwin Ismail, and Noer El Hidayah Ismail
View online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4990910 View Table of Contents: http://aip.scitation.org/toc/apc/1861/1 Published by the American Institute of Physics
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AIP Conference Proceedings 1861, 030027 (2017); 10.1063/1.4990914 Slope Monitoring by Using 2-D Resistivity Method at Sungai Batu, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Muhamad Iqbal Mubarak Faharul Azman 1, a), Azim Hilmy Mohd Yusof1, Nur Azwin Ismail1, Noer El Hidayah Ismail2 1 Geophysics Department, School of Physics, 11800 Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia 2 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Universiti of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia a) Corresponding author: mimfa93@gmail.com
Abstract. Slope is a dynamic system of geo-environmental phenomena that related to the movement of the soil and rock masses. In Pulau Pinang, the occurrence of slope related phenomena such as landslide and rock fall has become a huge issue especially during rainy season as the government would have to invest more for the people safety. 2-D resistivity method is one of the geophysical methods that can be applied to overcome this issue thus prepare countermeasure actions. Monitoring is one of the common acquisition technique that has been used in solving such issue. This technique was applied to identify and monitor changes at the suspected area and thus, countermeasure steps can be taken accordingly and not blindfolded. Starting from August until November 2016, a 200 m survey line of 2-D resistivity survey had been conducted monthly at Sungai Batu, Pulau Pinang slope for monitoring purpose. Three resistivity ranges were able to detect within the subsurface. Resistivity value of 250 – 400 Ωm indicated the low resistivity value and interpreted as the weak zone located at distance of 90 – 120 m with depth of 10 m. Intermediate resistivity value was interpreted as weathered granite zone with resistivity value of 400 – 1500 Ωm was found at almost along survey line. High resistivity value was > 5000 Ωm and interpreted as granitic bedrock located at depth of > 20 m. Aside from weathered granite zone and weak zone, a fracture was found develop over time at distance of 130 – 140 m. The features found have the potential to be the cause for slope failure phenomena to occur. As a conclusion, monitoring slope using 2-D resistivity method is a success and indeed helpful in overcome landslide and rock fall issue as a pre-countermeasure action.
INTRODUCTION Slope is not an uncommon structure in Malaysia. It can be seen alongside the highways, federal roads and also residential areas. Thus, slope failure phenomena are common especially during rainy season. Slope is a dynamic system of geo-environment phenomena that are related to the movement of soil and rock masses. Some examples of slope failure including avalanche of the rocks, debris and soil flow, collapse of the blocks and landslides. In order for a slope to fail, there is a process related to deformation of the rock mass, accumulation of stress and mineralogical changes involved. The body movement only occurs as the last stage and associated directly with mechanical and geological condition of the rock mass [1]. Slope monitoring is one of the common acquisition technique that can be apply with geophysical methods to solve engineering and environment issues. Over the years, people have gained interest in using geophysical methods to deal engineering and environmental issues [2]. This aims to identify and to monitor changes at the suspected area and thus, countermeasure steps can be taken accordingly and not blindfolded. In this study, 2D resistivity method is chosen as the monitoring method and aims to monitor the slope at Sungai Batu, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
1st International Geo-Electromagnetic Workshop (Geo-EM 2017)
AIP Conf. Proc. 1861, 030023-1–030023-4; doi: 10.1063/1.4990910 Published by AIP Publishing. 978-0-7354-1535-5/$30.00
030023-1 STUDY AREA The study area is selected based on previous landslide studies in Penang Island regarding distribution of landslide occurrences as well as the recent cases reported. This was to ensure the reliability of the results. Generally, the Penang Island is igneous rocks with mainly granites in term of Streckeisen classification [3]. The selected study area is located at Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar, Pulau Pinang (Fig. 1a) where a landslide was reported occurred behind SK Sungai Batu. A 200 m 2-D resistivity survey line was conducted perpendicular to the slope. The conducted survey line was also crossed the landslide area. Significant results are expected from this area.
(a) (b) FIGURE 1: (a) Geographical map of Pulau Pinang and study area [4]. (b) Geological map of Pulau Pinang [3].
2-D RESISTIVITY METHOD
In this study, 2-D resistivity method was chosen due to its potential and advantages that it holds. As this is for monitoring purpose, the data acquisition was conducted once a month starting from August 2016 until November 2016. This aims to monitor and to detect any changes within the suspected area. Electrical surveys are capable of determining the subsurface resistivity values based on the ground surface measurement. These ground measurements are related to various parameter such as fluid content, porosity and degree of water saturation in the rock. There are several common electrode configurations can be applied to 2-D resistivity method in order to achieve the desired results. In this study, electrode configuration of Wenner-Schlumberger array was used. This is a hybrid array of Wenner and Schlumberger array. This array is moderately sensitive to both horizontal (for low ‘n’ values) and vertical (for high ‘n’ values) [5].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Slope monitoring has been conducted starting from August 2016 until November 2016. However, there was no result for October 2016 since no data acquisition was conducted in the month. By using an inversion software called RES2DINV, the results were modelled in form of resistivity model inversion. Based on the result (Fig. 2), three resistivity ranges were detected at the study area. Low resistivity was indicated by value of 250 – 400 Ωm interpreted as weak zone detected at distance of 90 – 120 m with depth of 10 m. For information, this location was coincided with the location for previous landslide which occurred few months back. Intermediate range was between 400 – 1500 Ωm which was interpreted as the weathered granite can be detected almost along the entire resistivity survey line with depth of 10 m and granitic bedrock was indicated by high resistivity value of > 5000 Ωm detected at depth of > 20 m along the survey line. No obvious signature of faulting or fractured was detected aside from weak zone which consists of highly fractured area.
030023-2 FIGURE 2: Resistivity model inversion for August 2016.
The same resistivity ranges and interpretation was applied. Based on the resistivity model inversion contour (Fig. 3), the weak zone had detected with lower resistivity value compared from previous result. The same phenomenon happens to the weathered granite which lower resistivity value was detected within the same subsurface. This showed there were changes within the subsurface. A fracture was inferred starting to develop at distance of 130 – 140 m.
FIGURE 3: Resistivity model inversion for September 2016.
Using the same resistivity range and interpretation, the resistivity model inversion (Fig. 4) showed further changes detected within the subsurface. Based on the resistivity value contouring, the weak zone had more lower resistivity value than previous results. Weathered granite also had lower resistivity values than before. This showed that the changes were significant within the subsurface. Fractured detected at distance 130 – 140 m had become more obvious as the resistivity value > 10 000 Ωm was separated into two.
FIGURE 4: Resistivity model inversion of November 2016.
For further analysis, the resistivity values were extracted from the model inversions to form resistivity profiles for easier comparison between months. Based on Figure 5, the resistivity values of the weak zone at distance 90 – 120 m is decreasing with time. The probability of these values keep decreasing is high. Thus, this showed that the weak zone has the potential to collapse if there is no countermeasure step taken. Another significant feature is the weathered granite zone at distance of 50 – 70 m. The resistivity values are decrease in November compared to values in August. In September,
030023-3 some of the values increased may due to factor such as weather. This also showed there is potential for these values to keep decreasing and may end up to be loose and triggering a new landslide or rockfall.
Weathered zone
Weak zone
FIGURE 5: Resistivity profile of the Sungai Batu survey
CONCLUSION As a conclusion, Sungai Batu study area has the tendency for slope failure to occur. Features such as weak zone at distance of 90 – 120 m, fracture at distance of 130 – 140 m and weathered granite zone at almost along the entire resistivity survey line can be the cause for the ground to slide down if no countermeasure steps are taken effectively. The main reason that may lead to landslide is the features are unstable and consists of loose material. For the worst, the loose material will allow the flow of water between them making the ground more vulnerable to slide and collapse. Slope failure phenomena such as landslide and rockfall are likely to occur during rainy season. This study has successfully shown the potential of 2D resistivity method for slope monitoring purpose. 2D resistivity method is able to detect the changes within the subsurface and thus located the probable cause for slope failure to occur.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost, thank to Allah the Almighty and Most merciful for giving me the opportunity to further studies. My family and friends for the continuous supports and encouragement. The Fellowship scheme of Universiti Sains Malaysia for sponsoring my tuition fees and well as my financial support.
REFERENCES [1] Frashëri A 2012 “Slope Stability Evalution and Landslide Investigations using Integrated Geophysical Methods,” in 3rd International Conference – Geosciences and Environment Open Lecture. [2] Jongmans D and Garambois S 2007 “Geophysical Investigation of Landslides: A Review,” in Bulletin de la Société géologique de France 178(2) pp. 101-112. [3] Ong W S 1993 The Geology and Engineering Geology of Pulau Pinang, Jabatan Penyiasatan Kajibumi Malaysia. [4] Google Earth, (2016). [5] Loke M H 2001 Instruction Manual for The 2D Resistivity Forward Modelling Program RES2DMOD (Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia).
