Improving Safety through Digital Geological Mapping Technology

A massive rockslide thundered down the slope in October 2017 at the Stinkal quarry near Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France. As a precaution, authorities immediately ordered all activity stopped at this major aggregate production site. 

Tractebel experts from Belgium and Germany were called upon to determine the cause of the rockslide and assess the impact on the adjacent village. Our teams used in-house developed 4DGM methodology - 3D digital geological mapping combined with time lapse scanner surveys - to reproduce the geological setup and identify geotechnical failure mechanisms. 

Results confirmed that there was no danger to the village nearby. Based on Tractebel’s findings, local authorities declared the area safe and gave the green light to continue production at the Stinkal quarry. Site operator Eiffage was therefore able to safely exploit the million-ton rock reserve trapped in the rockslide.
 

Stinkal quarry, Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France

Tractebel’s 4DGM methodology for safer sites

The unique 4 digital geological mapping (4DGM) method is a hazard assessment tool that provides quick and accurate data by integrating the entire site data history into a 2D/3D database. Combined with extensive digital time lapse monitoring of surface deformation, the data provides a predictive tool to diagnose instability and detect potential hazards rapidly and accurately. 4DGM methodology also includes a 3D scan of the rock front structure, rock stability diagnosis and slope stability monitoring.