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Monitoring of landslides

• We have considerable experience of landslide monitoring using remote sensing techniques.  For example, we have specialist knowledge of the use of aerial photography, high resolution optical remote sensing, and radar technologies for examining change through time and landslide movement. 
• We specialise ion the use of field instruments for landslide monitoring.  In addition, we currently maintain a network of 25 piezometers in North Yorkshire, and have worked extensively on the analysis of movement records.  We have our own capability for installing instruments, consisting of a shell and auger drill that we can deploy to the field using our own Land Rover 110 Station Wagon.
• We are the world leaders in the use of terrestrial laser scanning technologies for landslide and cliff monitoring, and we have used this technique with a range of clients and collaborators in environments as diverse as the UK, Gibraltar, Bhutan, the Canary Islands, and south Spain.

Laboratory research and testing

• We can undertake basic characterisation of landslide materials, including particle size analysis (we have two laser particle granulometers), atterberg limits tests, moisture content, etc.
• We can undertake basic direct shear testing using a 100 mm sample size ELE direct shear machine with automated logging capabilities
• We have a basic ELE stress path cell that we use for routine triaxial and stress path testing
• We have a Wykeham Farance dynamic triaxial testing machine that can take samples of up to 100 mm diameter
• We have a brand new GDS advanced stress path cell, which also has the capability for partially saturated sample testing
• We have a new, custom-built, back-pressured direct shear machine that has the capability to simulate accurately conditions within a slope during changes in pore pressure conditions
• We have a new triaxial testing machine that is capable of confining pressures and back pressures of up to 64 MPa.  It is located within a unique, custom-built, 400 kN load frame
• We have a computer controlled environmental cabinet allowing simulation of a range of weathering environments
• We also have access to the range of equipment within the Department of Geography, including an CP-MS, a dionex, bathymetry equipment mounted on an inshore boat, Leica GPS survey equipment, and pollen analysis

Modelling

We are very experienced in the application of a range of modelling packages, including:

• The ELFEN combined FEM / discrete particle code
• The Itasca FLAC finite difference code
• The Itasca UDEC discrete element code
• The Slopew Slope stability code

Training and Education

• We can organise a tailored training package lasting between one hour and two weeks on almost any aspect of landslide problems.  We can deliver such packages within in Durham or at the clients offices, or even in the field.  We can provide a range of online and offline training materials to support these packages.
• The nature of our funding means that we are often able to provide training to government agencies or NGOs in less developed countries at no cost to the client.