Ensuring Stability of the Panhala MSE Wall

Panhala Fort - Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India

The road between Panhala and Kolhapur in Maharashtra, South-West India, serves as a crucial infrastructure link, vital for local tourism and the regional economy due to its historical and cultural importance. When a landslide damaged a significant section of this road near the 17th-century Panhala Fort, prompt action was necessary to mitigate further impacts from geohazards and ensure the safety of the infrastructure.

To address this, the TensarTech Sierrascape system was installed, creating a 25-metre-high retaining wall designed to repair and support the road. While the system appeared effective in theory, its real-world performance needed validation to confirm its success in infrastructure including roadways and retaining structures.

To achieve this, Geofem utilised InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) analysis. This advanced remote sensing technique uses radar satellites to capture high-resolution SAR images, providing detailed insights into ground movements and surface deformation. The analysis utilised time series data from radar images to monitor the retaining wall over an 18-month period.

By analysing persistent scatterers—areas that reflect radar signals consistently—InSAR allowed for precise measurement of any potential displacements. This enabled effective infrastructure monitoring and confirmed that the TensarTech solution was performing as intended, with no unwanted slope movement detected.

The successful application of InSAR technology for asset management demonstrated its effectiveness in infrastructure projects. This approach offered a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-situ surveillance, providing continuous updates on performance and ensuring the stability of the infrastructure without extensive physical inspections.

Want to learn more? Contact Geofem today to discover how InSAR can support your geotechnical needs.