GNSS/Levelling-Based Assessment of Vertical Deformation along the Jonathan Bypass Airport Road, Calabar (Nigeria), Using the 3-Sigma Statistical Criterion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1010-5198Keywords:
GPS/leveling, 3-Sigma rule, Deflection of the Vertical, Calabar's Airport Road, DeformationAbstract
Recently, urban areas have seen a rise in road subsidence accidents, endangering citizens. Detecting structural movement early means catching small movements, allowing for timely intervention. Various high-precision methods have been tested and implemented to mitigate these risks. This study uses the 3-sigma rule to isolate outliers and detect deformation. It combines GNSS and leveling techniques to determine vertical deflection, identifying areas prone to cave-ins and correlating them with road surface deformation. The study derived optimal Deflection of Vertical (DoV) along Calabar's Airport Road with millimeter accuracy, using geodetic coordinates (ϕ, λ, h) and orthometric height (H). The 3-sigma test showed an SD of less than 4mm and DoV of less than 4mm, indicating inliers. Correlation analysis of DoV revealed moderate positive correlation (0.460) between 2022-2023, strong positive correlation (0.802) between 2022-2024, and moderate positive correlation (0.551) between 2023-2024. The study has demonstrated the effectiveness of GNSS and leveling techniques in monitoring road deformation, thereby highlighting areas of significant change in Calabar’s Airport Road profiles. Alternative methods, such as GNSS/leveling techniques, are recommended for obtaining reliable, high-quality DoV data. These methods offer solutions to the high costs of gravimeters and satellite data resolution limitations in Nigeria, exacerbated by the economic downturn.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Lucas Atoki; Echeng Isaac Edoki, Ojodugbowa Shedrack Omachoko, Korede Samuel Buraimoh, Sikiru Temitope Ibraheem, Emmanuel Oluwayinka Akinwale, Oluwagbotemi Odesola
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