An algorithm for the 3D ROck Slope Kinematic Analysis (ROKA) based on RPAS digital photogrammetry data.

Among the several adopted methods for the kinematic analysis of the possible modes of failure that could affect a rock slope, the Markland test is the most used. Whereas, it has the advantage of being simple and fast, it has some limits, as the impossibility to manually consider the several different slope orientations and their interaction with the discontinuity dimensions and positions.

Recently, the improvements in the Remote Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) digital photogrammetry techniques for the development and mapping of Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs) have given the possibility of developing new automatized digital approaches. In this study, ROKA (ROck slope Kinematic Analysis) algorithm is presented. It is an open-source algorithm, written in MATLAB language, which aims to perform the kinematic analysis of the stability of a rock slope using the discontinuity measurements collected onto 3D DOMs. Its main advantage is the possibility to identify the possible critical combination between the 3D georeferenced discontinuities and the local surface of the slope. In particular, the critical combinations that can activate the planar sliding, flexural toppling, wedge sliding and direct toppling modes of failures can be detected and highlighted directly on the DOM. Hence, the ROKA algorithm can make the traditional approach for the kinematic analysis of a rock slope more effective, allowing not only to simplify the analysis, but also to increase its detail. This can be very important, in particular, for the analysis of large and complex rock slopes.