Development of a Method for Detecting Unstable Behaviors in Flume Tests using a Univariate Statistical Approach

We describe a method for detecting slope instability in flume tests using pore pressure and water content data in conjunction with a statistical control chart analysis. Specifically, we conducted univariate statistical analysis on x-MR control chart data (pore pressure and water content) collected at several points along the flume slope, which we separated into three parts: upper, middle, and lower. To assess our results in the context of landslide forecasting and warning systems, we applied control limit lines at $1{\sigma}$, $2{\sigma}$, and $3{\sigma}$ levels of uncertainty. In doing so, we observed that dispersion time varies depending on the control limit line used. Moreover, the detection of instabilities is highly dependent on the position and type of sensor. Our findings indicate that different characteristics of the data on various factors predict slope failure differently and these characteristics can be identified by univariate statistical analysis. Therefore, we suggest that a univariate statistical approach is an effective method for the early detection of slope instability.