Natural rock slopes require accurate engineering–geological characterization to determine their stability conditions. Given that a natural rock mass is often characterized by a non-uniform fracture distribution, the correct, detailed, and accurate characterization of the discontinuity pattern of the rock mass is essential. This is crucial, for example, for identifying the possibility and the probability of kinematic releases. In addition, complete stability analyses of possible rockfall events should be performed and used to create hazard maps capable of identifying the most dangerous parts of a rock mass. This paper shows a working approach that combines traditional geological surveys and remote sensing techniques for engineering–geological investigations in a natural rock slope in Northern Italy. Discontinuities were identified and mapped in a deterministic way by using semi-automatic procedures that were based on detailed 3D Unmanned Aerial Vehicle photogrammetric-based point cloud data and provided georeferenced representations of thousands of fractures. In this way, detailed documentation of the geo-mechanical and geo-structural characteristics of discontinuities were obtained and subsequently used to create fracture density maps. Then, traditional kinematic analyses and probabilistic stability analyses were performed using limit equilibrium methods. The results were then managed in a GIS environment to create a final hazard map that classifies different portions of the rock slope based on three factors: kinematic predisposition to rockfall (planar sliding, wedge sliding, toppling), fracture density, and probability of failure. The integration of the three hazard factors allowed the identification of the most hazardous areas through a deterministic and accurate procedure, with a high level of reliability. The adopted approach can therefore be very useful to determine the areas in which to prioritize remediation measures with the aim of reducing the level of risk.

This study focuses on slope stability and geological hazard analyses at the Italian Paleolithic site of Grotta Paglicci. The site is characterized by a cave that contains rich archaeological and anthropological finds, spanning various Paleolithic periods, and includes faunal remains, lithic artifacts, human burials, ornaments, mobiliary art objects, and unique Paleolithic wall paintings. The study employs a multi-technique approach that includes topographic surveys carried out by the robotic total station and GNSS receivers, photogrammetric acquisitions with an unmanned aerial system, 3D SLAM-based LiDAR mapping, and an engineering geological survey. The collected data allowed for the creation of georeferenced 3D models that were utilized in rock slope stability analysis and modeling. The results of this comprehensive survey highlighted how the bedding and joint discontinuities influence rock stability in both the external and internal areas of the cave. The integrated use of SLAM-based LiDAR and photogrammetry has been proven to be an efficient and essential tool in the evaluation of the structural interactions between the external morphology and the cave, thus allowing the proposal of safety measures that will keep the site accessible for future activities.

This paper describes scientific research conducted to highlight the potential of an integrated GPR-UAV system in engineering-geological applications. The analysis focused on the stability of a natural scree slope in the Germanasca Valley, in the western Italian Alps. As a consequence of its steep shape and the related geological hazard, the study used different remote sensed methodologies such as UAV photogrammetry and geophysics survey by a GPR-drone integrated system. Furthermore, conventional in-situ surveys led to the collection of geological and geomorphological data. The use of the UAV-mounted GPR allowed us to investigate the bedrock depth under the detrital slope deposit, using a non-invasive technique able to conduct surveys on inaccessible areas prone to hazardous conditions for operators. The collected evidence and the results of the analysis highlighted the stability of the slope with Factors of Safety, verified in static conditions (i.e., natural static condition and static condition with snow cover), slightly above the stability limit value of 1. On the contrary, the dynamic loading conditions (i.e., seismic action applied) showed a Factor of Safety below the stability limit value. The UAV-mounted GPR represented an essential contribution to the surveys allowing the definition of the interface debris deposit-bedrock, which are useful to design the slope model and to evaluate the scree slope stability in different conditions.

Rockfall phenomena are considered highly dangerous due to their rapid evolution and difficult prediction without applying preventive monitoring and mitigation actions. This research investigates a hazardous site in the Municipality of Vecchiano (Province of Pisa, Italy), characterized by vertical rock walls prone to instability due to heavy fracturing and karst phenomena. The presence of anthropical structures and a public road at the bottom of the slopes increases the vulnerability of the site and the site’s risk. To create a comprehensive geological model of the area, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) photogrammetric surveys were conducted to create a 3D model useful in photointerpretation. In accessible and safe areas for personnel, engineering–geological surveys were carried out to characterize the rock mass and to define the portion of rock walls to be monitored. Results from nine multitemporal Robotic Total Station (RTS) measurement campaigns show that no monitoring prisms recorded significant displacement trends, both on the horizontal and vertical plane and in differential slope distance. Additionally, satellite Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) analysis indicates that the slopes were stable over the two years of study. The integration of these analysis techniques has proven to be an efficient solution for assessing slope stability in this specific rockfall-prone area.

The present research illustrates the application of a methodological approach to studying the stress–strain distribution in a marble quarry of the Apuan Alps mining area (Italy). This study has been carried out in the framework of a project involving the University of Siena and the UOC Ingegneria Mineraria—USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, Tuscany Region. This stress–strain analysis aims foremost to monitor the slope stability conditions to guarantee a safe workplace for the personnel involved in mining activities, and to enable more sustainable long-term planning for excavation and production. The involved survey activities are as follows: (i) terrestrial laser scanning; (ii) engineering–geological data mapping; and (iii) in situ marble stress measuring through four CSIRO-type cell tests executed in different locations and at various depths within the underground excavation walls. The gathered data converged into numerical models of the quarry, both in 2D (DEM) and 3D (FEM), calibrated by in situ stress results through a rigorous back analysis assessment using least squares procedures. The created models represent a valuable tool for the identification and securing of risk areas and for future excavation planning in respect of the site efficiency and safety.

Wood distillate (WD) has recently emerged as a promising bio-stimulant for sustainable legume crop production, owing to its ability to enhance seed yield and quality. However, no studies exist on the effects of WD on chickpea plants at pre-harvesting stages, hindering the farmers’ ability to acquire valuable knowledge on the early action of WD on the plants’ status and preventing the establishment of proactive measures to optimize WD use in agriculture. In this study, two multispectral, thermographic and spectroradiometric surveys, along with in-situ measurements of specific plant biometric traits, were conducted across the reproductive stage of field-grown chickpea in order to evaluate the early involvement of WD on plant health. The acquired multispectral images were used to calculate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), revealing a notable ~35% increase in NDVI scores of WD-treated plants at the onset of physiological maturity, and indicating an improved plant status compared to the control (water-treated) plants. Moreover, control and WD-treated plants exhibited distinct spectral signatures across the visible, near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectra, suggesting potential changes in their photosynthetic capacity, structural properties and water content both at the leaf and at the pod level. Furthermore, WD-treated plants showed a 25% increase in pod production, particularly at the beginning of seed maturity, suggesting that enhancements in plant status were also reflected in higher pod yields. These results point to a beneficial effect of WD on plant health during the preliminary stages of seed formation and indicate that a combination of both multispectral and spectroradiometric analyses can provide critical insights on the status of chickpea crops at pre-harvesting stages. In addition, these findings emphasize the importance of analyzing pre-harvesting stages to gain insights into the early involvement of WD in promoting plant health and, ultimately, in predicting final crop yields.