- National Chung Hsing University, Soil and Water Conservation, Taichung, Taiwan
Advances in UAV technology and data processing platforms have opened new possibilities for studying complex geophysical processes. Landslide dams, formed by large-scale landslides or debris flows, present significant hazards due to their potential for sudden breaching. While overtopping failures have been studied through various scales of experiments, seepage-induced failures remain less understood due to their inherently complex nature. Unlike overtopping, seepage-induced failures are characterized by unpredictable failure locations, internal structural weakening, and dynamic seepage progression, making real-time monitoring particularly difficult. Small-scale laboratory experiments are often inadequate for studying seepage-induced failures due to scaling effects and the inability to fully replicate real-world conditions. This study underscores the importance of conducting large-scale field experiments, where natural seepage processes can be observed in greater detail and under realistic conditions. We introduce an innovative UAV-based framework that employs multiple UAVs equipped with onboard cameras to simultaneously construct high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and track particle motion in 3D to capture the flow field during large-scale seepage-induced dam failure experiments. By coordinating multiple UAVs and applying automated calibration of control points, the system achieves high-precision 3D surface modeling and velocity field extraction in real time. Preliminary results show that this UAV-based approach effectively captures critical seepage-driven structural weakening and internal collapse processes, providing a detailed 3D representation of flow dynamics. The developed methodology addresses key limitations of small-scale laboratory experiments and offers a scalable solution for investigating complex geohazard phenomena. It opens new opportunities for applying UAV technology in geohazard research, including hydrological studies, geomorphological investigations, and disaster mitigation.
How to cite: Hung, C.-Y., Su, Y.-T., Wang, H.-Y., and Chen, S.-C.: Utilizing UAVs for Simultaneous DEM Construction and 3D Velocity Tracking in Seepage-Induced Landslide Dam Failures, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-18333, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-18333, 2025.