Abstract: The unique advantages of acoustic emission (AE) technology in signal collection and positioning of slope collapse failure are expounded by analyzing and summarizing existing slope monitoring technologies. By detailing the development and current situation of AE slope monitoring technology, the influential factors of AE slope monitoring are put forward. Case analysis demonstrates that AE technology could not only locate slip surface, but also can be used to judge the failure state by classifying the acoustic emission parameters into different damage levels. In addition, problems in waveguide, coupling agent, and sensor arrangement are pointed out. The selection of waveguide and coupling materials, the arrangement of sensors, and the correlation between acoustic emission from coupling material and surrounding rock mass are to be further studied and explored.

Key words: slope monitoring, acoustic emission, waveguide, coupling material, slip plane positioning