The role of distributed sensing in understanding the engineering performance of geotechnical structures

K. Soga, V. Kwan, L. Pelecanos, Y. Rui, T. Schwamb, H. Seo, M. Wilcock

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Engineering design limits are often based on strain and/or stress developing in the structure. For structures interacting with soil (e.g. underground infrastructure such as foundations, tunnels or pipelines), the ground loads are distributed spatially (i.e. not point loads) and hence the state of the structure will be better understood if the complete in situ strain regime (or displacement profile) is known. An innovative distributed fibre optic strain measurement system allows having thousands of "strain gauges" along a single cable connected to structures, embedded in soil or grouted into boreholes. Because of the simple and quick installation technique, distributed optical fibre sensing can be as practical as the other conventional measurements. This paper describes four case studies that utilised distributed strain sensing to understand the engineering performance of piles, thermal piles, diaphragm walls and concrete tunnel linings, in which fibre optic cables were either attached or embedded. Engineering insights obtained from the data interpretation and numerical analysis are presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInvited Papers
EditorsMike G. Winter, Mike G. Winter, Peter J.L. Eldred, Peter J.L. Eldred, Derek M. Smith, David G. Toll
PublisherICE Publishing
Pages13-48
Number of pages36
ISBN (Electronic)9780727760678
StatePublished - 2015
Event16th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, ECSMGE 2015 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 13 Sep 201517 Sep 2015

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Engineering for Infrastructure and Development - Proceedings of the XVI European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, ECSMGE 2015
Volume1

Conference

Conference16th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, ECSMGE 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period13/09/1517/09/15

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