Landslide Inventory and Unstable Slope Monitoring Along Highways in Eastern Tennessee

This research introduces an unstable slope management program (USMP) for Tennessee based on federal slope management standards, along with improved methods for landslide monitoring with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) lidar and photogrammetry. In mountainous regions, monitoring slope hazards is a critical function of transportation management. A mobile field assessment form created with Survey123 was used to collect 22 unstable slope ratings in eastern Tennessee. Location points were appended with photographs, notes, and site information. Landslide scores ranged from 325 (Fair) to 1005 (Poor). UAS monitoring of a slow-moving soil landslide along I-40 near Rockwood, TN, produced high-resolution lidar and photogrammetry terrain models with orthoimagery. Change detection with 2015 lidar found active surface features with vertical changes of -7.4ft to +6.6ft over 8 years. UAS results informed limit equilibrium stability analysis, finding overall slope factor of safety of 0.760. This research presents improved data-driven, risk-based landslide monitoring strategies for Tennessee highways.