Orica Digital Solutions' GroundProbe radar technology and geotechnical expertise are helping to improve safety and accessibility on Cape Tribulation Road in Queensland Australia. Their 24/7, real-time monitoring of the slip face above the road ensures motorists can continue to use this vital route safely.
July 2, 2024 -- This road faced even greater difficulties after Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023. The Category 2 storm brought two years' worth of rain within a week. One of the hardest-hit areas was Noah’s Range, where a 56-metre-high landslide buried the road under eight meters of dirt and debris. After tireless efforts by Council crews, the massive mass was brought down to size in late March, enabling the reopening of this crucial stretch of road.
The GroundProbe radar provides real-time monitoring of the slip face at Noah Range, supported by GroundProbe’s Geotechnical Support Services monitors live stability data 24/7 and responds to any wall movement and alarms. Following a project-specific Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) developed in collaboration with on-site experts, they maintain close contact with the Council, to alert them, of any slip face movements.
Questions around this news
How is radar monitoring being used on Cape Tribulation Road?
The release says radar monitors the slip face at Noah Range in real time, around the clock. GroundProbe’s Geotechnical Support Services team watches the stability data and responds to movement or alarms. The monitoring supports early warnings to the Council and helps it manage access to the road while maintaining safety for motorists and workers.
How does radar-based slope monitoring work?
Radar-based slope monitoring repeatedly measures a slope’s surface and detects changes in its position over time. Those measurements can help identify movement that may signal instability. Monitoring teams can review the data and use defined procedures to assess alerts and communicate potential risks to people responsible for the site.
What is a Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP)?
A Trigger Action Response Plan sets out what actions to take when specified conditions or warning levels are reached. For a slope-monitoring project, it can guide how data and alarms are assessed, who is notified, and how access or work may be managed. The release says a project-specific plan was developed with on-site experts.
What happened to Cape Tribulation Road after Tropical Cyclone Jasper?
According to the release, the storm brought two years’ worth of rain within a week, and a landslide at Noah’s Range buried the road under dirt and debris. Council crews reduced the landslide mass, allowing that stretch to reopen in late March. Final rectification work is continuing with engineers and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
This real-time monitoring and early warning capability ensures proactive management of geohazard risks, improving safety for motorists and supporting extended access to the road.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon highlighted the importance of the radar technology at Noah Range, noting its role in extending access hours.
"The safety of the local community tourists, and Council staff has been our priority sine recovery works began on Noah Range" Mayor Scomazzon said.
"This technology has given Council confidence to extend access hours, as live monitoring enables us to monitor any movement at the slip face late at night outside of daylight hours."
The council continues to collaborate with engineers and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority on final rectification works at Noah Range, further ensuring the long-term stability and safety of Cape Tribulation Road.
To learn more about Orica Digital Solutions visit orica.com/digitalsolutions or groundprobe.com
GroundProbe radar providing real-time monitoring at Noah Range
Landslide at Cape Tribulation after Tropical Cyclone Jasper, December 2023
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At a glance
- Company
- Orica Digital Solutions
- Location
- Cape Tribulation Road, Queensland, Australia
Key figures
- Monitoring schedule
- 24/7
- Landslide height
- 56-metre-high
- Debris covering the road
- eight meters
- Rainfall during the storm
- two years' worth of rain within a week
- Storm category
- Category 2
People
- Lisa ScomazzonDouglas Shire Mayor
