A multi-methodological workflow for fractured rock slope stability and block volume estimation

Fracture networks characterization is fundamental for assessing the stability of engineered slopes; although fractures are primary drivers of rock mass behavior, capturing their complexity across scales remains a significant challenge. This study presents a multidisciplinary workflow that integrates field-based geological interpretation with advanced remote sensing and numerical modeling to characterize fractured rock slopes. While recent progress in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and Structure from Motion (SfM) has optimized 3D data acquisition, a gap persists in standardizing the transition from Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs) to representative geomechanical models, such as the rock block volume (Vb).

To bridge this gap, we propose an integrated workflow that compares and integrates results from field surveys, DOM and Discrete Fracture Networks (DFNs). By moving beyond traditional analyses (e.g., Markland Test and ISRM suggested approaches), which often oversimplify spatial complexity, our approach leverages high-resolution 3D data to improve the identification and prioritization of critical structural features. This framework was applied to the Molassana quarry (Genoa, Italy) as part of the SkyMetro project, demonstrating how us a multi-methodological workflow provides a more robust, data-driven assessment for large-scale engineered fracture slopes.