DFEC — Dutch Engineering & Consulting

Digital Geotechnics

See the slope. Understand the structure.Design with confidence.

DFEC uses image-based surveying and three-dimensional rock-surface models to support safer, more complete and reproducible engineering assessment. Where appropriate, drone or terrestrial photogrammetry is combined with ShapeMetriX-assisted evaluation to map discontinuities, measure geometry and strengthen the geological basis of stability analysis.

Panoramic 3D aerial mapping and rock-mass characterization terrain

Workflow

  1. 01

    Capture

    Plan controlled aerial or terrestrial image acquisition around the engineering question.

  2. 02

    Reconstruct

    Generate an appropriately scaled and referenced three-dimensional surface model.

  3. 03

    Map

    Identify geological structures, discontinuity orientations, traces, blocks and relevant features.

  4. 04

    Interpret

    Combine digital observations with field mapping, ground information and engineering judgment.

  5. 05

    Analyse

    Assess credible failure mechanisms, stability and rockfall behavior using appropriate tools.

  6. 06

    Communicate

    Issue clear annotated models, plans, sections, hazard maps and design inputs.

ShapeMetriX

Contact-free mappingused as an engineering instrument.

ShapeMetriX supports contact-free geological mapping, 3D geometry measurement and reproducible rock-mass documentation. DFEC uses it to measure discontinuity orientation, persistence and spacing on high-resolution models built from aerial or terrestrial imagery—producing a structural record that can be reviewed, repeated and fed into stability analysis.

Digital mapping supports, but does not automatically replace, competent field verification, ground-truthing or project-specific engineering judgment.

Applications

  • High or inaccessible rock cuts
  • Rockfall-source mapping
  • Discontinuity-set characterization
  • Geometry and volume measurement
  • Excavation documentation
  • Change detection and post-event review
  • Design verification and stakeholder visualization

Engage DFEC

Facing a complex groundor slope problem?

Engage DFEC early to define the risk, evaluate practical options and develop a buildable engineering solution.

Discuss a Project