Distributed Fiber Optics Strain Measurements for Monitoring Geotechnical Structures

Recent advances in strain measurement using optical fibers provide new opportunities for monitoring the performance of geotechnical structures during and after construction. Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR) is an innovative technique that allows measurement of full strain profiles using standard optical fibers. In this paper, two case studies illustrating the application of the distributed optical fiber strain sensors are presented. One is monitoring of an old masonry tunnel when a new tunnel was constructed nearby and the other is monitoring the behavior of secant piled walls for basement construction. Both sites are located in London. The advantages and limitations of this new sensor technology for monitoring geotechnical structures are discussed

Fibre optic monitoring and finite element analysis of well integrity in methane hydrate reservoirs

Well integrity is crucial for sustainable hydrocarbon production from oil and gas reservoirs. The number of new wells can be minimized by maintaining the integrity of existing wells. Also, oil and gas leakage due to compromised well integrity can be curtailed through proactive well integrity management. The present research focuses on well integrity analysis and monitoring for methane hydrate reservoirs. Methane hydrate reservoirs are susceptible to large deformation due to their unconsolidated nature, which could substantially compromise well integrity during well construction as well as gas production periods. Therefore, in the present research, finite element analyses (FEA) and laboratory experiments of well integrity are carried out for the case of the Nankai Trough methane hydrate reservoir in Japan, in order to contribute to a better well integrity management. FEA on well construction and reservoir compaction processes as well as cement shrinkage process is conducted. Laboratory experiments are carried out with a distributed fibre optic monitoring technique called Brillouin optical time domain reflectometry/analysis (BOTDR/A) on the strain development of laboratory-scale well specimens subjected to tensile and bending loading. The primary contributions of the present research are as follows. First, cement shrinkage volumes for the Nankai Trough formation case are estimated to be up to 0.7%. Second, cement shrinkage of 0.7% during well construction induces stress concentrations in the high hydrate saturation layers of the Nankai Trough formation. Third, the well is found to become most vulnerable to damage in the initial stages of hydrate dissociation under large depressurisation. Forth, fibre optic cables with minimal number of coating layers and tight interlayer buffering will be effective for accurate in-well integrity monitoring with BOTDR/A. Fifth, fibre optic cables should be attached on the casing rather than in the cement in the well to facilitate accurate bending curvature monitoring with BOTDR/A

Review: optical fiber sensors for civil engineering applications

Optical fiber sensor (OFS) technologies have developed rapidly over the last few decades, and various types of OFS have found practical applications in the field of civil engineering. In this paper, which is resulting from the work of the RILEM technical committee “Optical fiber sensors for civil engineering applications”, different kinds of sensing techniques, including change of light intensity, interferometry, fiber Bragg grating, adsorption measurement and distributed sensing, are briefly reviewed to introduce the basic sensing principles. Then, the applications of OFS in highway structures, building structures, geotechnical structures, pipelines as well as cables monitoring are described, with focus on sensor design, installation technique and sensor performance. It is believed that the State-of-the-Art review is helpful to engineers considering the use of OFS in their projects, and can facilitate the wider application of OFS technologies in construction industry

Experimental Evaluation of a Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor for Mining Application

Triggered remote seismic events have been widely studied in the earthquake engineering context where various possible explanations have been provided, including directivity of dynamic stresses, a critically stressed environment, the presence of hydrothermal geological environments at remote distances, and so on. Similar events have been observed in underground mining regions; however, they have rarely been studied in terms of the underlying mechanisms such as the presence of faults of marginal stability, increases in the stress gradient between mined out regions as a result of connective fractures, unclamping effect on geological features such as dikes or joint swarms, and so on. This research was triggered in part by the hypothesis that remote seismic events in mines could be triggered when gravity-driven displacements are transferred to distances far from active mining (10’s to 100’s of metres). Accordingly, the thesis focuses on experimental research on a novel deformation sensing sensor for future verification of this assumption. A secondary focus is mathematical modeling to help understand the deformation mechanisms and magnitudes that may take place in a jointed rock mass. Distributed Brillouin sensing systems (DBSs) have found growing applications in engineering and are attracting attention in the field of underground structures including mining. The capability for continuous measurements of strain over large distances makes DBSs a promising monitoring approach for understanding deformation field evolution within a rock mass, particularly when the sensor is installed away from “excavation damaged zones” (EDZ). A purpose-built fiber optic sensing cable, a vital component of DBSs, was assessed in laboratory conditions to establish the capability and limitations of this technology to monitor deformation fields over large distances. A test program was performed to observe DBSs response to various perturbations including axial and shear strain resulting from joint movements. These tests included assessments of the strain-free cable response and the application of extensional and lateral displacement to various sensing cable lengths (strained lengths from 1 m down to 1 cm). Furthermore, tests were done to evaluate the time-dependent behavior of the cable and to observe the effect of strain transfer using a soft host material (i.e., a soft grout) under lateral displacement. The noise level of the DBSs range was ±77 µε, determined through repeated measurements on an unstrained cable. Stretching test results showed a linear correlation between the applied strain and the Brillouin frequency shift change for all strained lengths above half the spatial resolution of the DBSs. However, for strained lengths shorter than half the spatial resolution, no strain response was measurable and this is due to the applied internal signal processing of the DBSs to detect peak Brillouin gain spectrum and noise level. The stability with time of the measurements was excellent for test periods up to 15 hours. Lateral displacement test results showed a less consistent response compared to extension tests for a given applied displacement. The Brillouin frequency shift change is linearly correlated with the applied displacement in tension but it shows a parabolic variation with lateral displacement. Moreover, the registered frequency response (correlated with strain) of the system decreased significantly when the sensing cable was embedded in a sand-filled tube compared with direct cable displacement. A comprehensive laboratory scale testing program was undertaken to study the response of the system to different loading paths in time and space domains. Purely extensional displacement fields were applied to demonstrate that the system could produce repeatable displacement responses for three different configurations of distributed strained patterns. A borehole installation method was developed by testing the sensing cable’s response while embedded in mortar beams. When the cable is directly embedded in the mortar, uncontrolled self-debonding happens that introduces uncertainties in the measurements. This limitation was overcome by anchoring debonded sections of the sensing cable at regular spacing. This arrangement produced consistent strain patterns for each strained interval. It was shown that the performance of the debonded sections changes for longer anchor spacing and for closely spaced joints where more than one joint crosses the debonded interval. The influence of borehole diameter and strength of the filling material were evaluated for their possible effects on the strain transfer process to the sensing cable. With the anchored arrangement of debonded cables, these properties of the grout did not have a measurable effect on the results, and as long as the tensile strength of the grout is low enough to break at the joint locations, the strain transfer performance from the rockmass to the sensing cable was excellent. A study was devoted to understanding such a deformation monitoring system under various shear displacement conditions. These included the difference in response of the system in direct shear compared to tests performed in direct tension. The system response was evaluated for various strained lengths as well as distances over which the bending strains are acting (kink lengths). The latter was found to be an important factor influencing monitoring results. In addition, the system behavior under shear displacement where the sensor is inclined with respect to the joint strike was evaluated to understand the effect of a combined extension and shear displacement. The effect of the existence of two joints over the strained lengths was assessed in both direct and inclined shear. A new relation was established between the registered Brillouin frequency shift change and all contributing components of deformation when the sensor is elongated while under shear displacement. The testing program shows that Distributed Brillouin Sensing (DBS) technology has promise for detecting deformations over long distances. Not only strain localization occurring at pre-existing discontinuities or at developing cracks can be detected by this sensor, but also strain levels well below the typical damage initiation threshold (~0.1%) for hard brittle rocks are above the basic noise level of the system. However, the sensing element is quite fragile when under shear displacement and can easily break at small shear displacements. Therefore, it is better to have an idea of the dominant deformation mechanism in the rock mass before the installation of the sensor. The sensor would be much more durable where the rock mass experiences less shearing. Mathematical simulations of a 2D rock mass were carried out using the distinct element method. Two major parameters including interlocking degree and pre-existing conditions such as mined-out zones at higher levels were studied. Different rock mass models with varying block sizes, joint set orientations, and joint persistency were built to study the effect of interlock on the displacement pattern away from mining. In general, displacement as large as 5 cm could travel distances as far as 500 m away from the active mining zone. The exact displacement pattern is largely controlled by the characteristics of the joints sets. However, the transfer of large displacements was limited to distances of the size of the mining boundary, where rock mass interlocking promote arching. Furthermore, with non-persistent joint sets, a few shear slip events were noticed at higher levels whereas more remote joints did not show slip. All slip events were close to the mining boundary. Remote shear slip events, could not be generated by changing parameters representing the degree of interlock in the rock mass. When a backfilled old mine was added to the middle height of the model, some 500 m away from active mining, results showed that a large number of joints around the old mining zone slipped due to displacements induced by the distant deeper mining. It was found that the pre-existing excavation and the mine extraction strategy is a critical factor for providing conditions under which such slip events at remote distances occur from active mining

Fiber Optic Monitoring of Active Faults at the Seafloor: the FOCUS project

Laser reflectometry (BOTDR), commonly used for structural health monitoring (bridges, dams, etc.), will for the first time be applied to study movements of an active fault on the seafloor 25 km offshore Catania Sicily. The goal of the European funded FOCUS project (ERC Advanced Grant) is to connect a 6-km long strain cable to the EMSO seafloor observatory in 2100 m water depth. Laser observations will be calibrated by seafloor geodetic instruments and seismological stations. A long-term goal is the development of dual-use telecom cables with industry partners

Monitoring of strain and temperature in an open pit using brillouin distributed optical fiber sensors

Marble quarries are quite dangerous environments in which rock falls may occur. As many workers operate in these sites, it is necessary to deal with the matter of safety at work, checking and monitoring the stability conditions of the rock mass. In this paper, some results of an innovative analysis method are shown. It is based on the combination of Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors (DOFS), digital photogrammetry through Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), topographic, and geotechnical monitoring systems. Although DOFS are currently widely used for studying infrastructures, buildings and landslides, their use in rock marble quarries represents an element of peculiarity. The complex morphologies and the intense temperature range that characterize this environment make this application original. The selected test site is the Lorano open pit which is located in the Apuan Alps (Italy); here, a monitoring system consisting of extensometers, crackmeters, clinometers and a Robotic Total Station has been operating since 2012. From DOFS measurements, strain and temperature values were obtained and validated with displacement data from topographic and geotechnical instruments. These results may provide useful fundamental indications about the rock mass stability for the safety at work and the long-term planning of mining activities

Responses of calcareous sand foundations to variations of groundwater table and applied loads

The long-term settlement of calcareous sand foundations caused by daily periodic fluctuations has become a significant geological hazard, but effective monitoring tools to capture the deformation profiles are still rarely reported. In this study, a laboratory model test and an in situ monitoring test were conducted. An optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR) with high spatial resolution (1 mm) and high accuracy (±10-6) was used to record the soil strain responses to groundwater table and varied loads. The results indicated that the fiber-optic measurements can accurately locate the swelling and compressive zones. During the loading process, the interlock between calcareous sand particles was detected, which increased the internal friction angle of soil. The foundation deformation above the sliding surface was dominated by compression, and the soil was continuously compressed beneath the sliding surface. After 26–48 h, calcareous sand swelling occurred gradually above the water table, which was primarily dependent on capillary water. The swelling of the soil beneath the groundwater table was completed rapidly within less than 2 h. When the groundwater table and load remain constant, the compression creep behavior can be described by the Yasong-Wang model with R2 = 0.993. The daily periodically varying in situ deformation of calcareous sand primarily occurs between the highest and lowest groundwater tables, i.e. 4.2–6.2 m deep. The tuff interlayers with poor water absorption capacity do not swell or compress, but they produce compressive strain under the influence of deformed calcareous sand layers

Strain-monitoring of a concrete tunnel lining with distributed optical fiber sensors

Despite their advantageous performance and reliability, distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) still constitute a recent technology and their reliability and accuracy when applied to real world structures is still under probation since there is still room for improvement and for widening their applicability. In general, standardized guidelines need to be developed to ensure success in every DOFSs deployment regarding fiber bonding to the structure, temperature affections on readings, postprocessing of reading anomalies, among other factors. However, real applications, as in the one presented in this paper, show that DOFS are anticipated to have a very important role in Structural Health Management of tunnels in the near future if correctly understood and developed. This paper addresses the implementation of a Distributed Optical Fiber Sensor system (DOFS) to the existing TMB L-9 metro tunnel in Barcelona for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) purposes as the former could potentially be affected by the construction of a nearby residential building. The results show a good performance of this novel technique in the monitoring of strain along the whole affected sections during the construction of a nearby building. In fact, the DOFS readings reproduce very accurately the tunnel deformation process. The tendencies observed by the sensors were forecasted by a simple theoretical model. The monitoring of the strain at many points in the critical section allowed to conclude that the nearby construction only slightly affected the lining stresses and that safety was guaranteed during the whole monitored period.The authors thank COTCA and TMB respectively for providing access to the necessary data regarding the case study and supporting this research. We would also like to thank Ph D student Mattia F. Bado who provided insight that greatly assisted this research during the data post-processing phase. The authors are indebted to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for the funding provided through the research project BIA2017-86811-C2-1-R. All these projects are funded with FEDER funds. Authors are also indebted to the Secretaria d’ Universitats i Recerca de la Generalitat de Catalunya for the funding provided through Agaur (2017 SGR 1481).Postprint (author's final draft

Structural behaviour of concrete segmental lining tunnels: towards design optimisation

The deployment of engineering models and design methods divorced from the effect that mechanised shield tunnelling with tunnel boring machines (TBMs) has on concrete segmental linings (CSLs) can lead to either material waste or structural damage within the tunnel design life. Most research to date on CSL behaviour during construction neglects the sequential ring loading and TBM-lining transverse interactions, which this thesis proved to be key in the short and long term behaviour of CSLs and whose study is essential if the design and maintenance of CSL structures is ever to be optimised. This thesis investigates the longitudinal and transverse behaviour of CSL structures simultaneously backfilled with bicomponent grouts (BGs) during tunnelling, and how this early response influences long term behaviour. The research work is drawn on three pillars that enable cross-validation of conclusions: analytical models, three-dimensional numerical simulations and the interpretation of the Crossrail’s Thames tunnel (CTT) field data, which included distributed fibre optic strain (DFOS) data. A theoretical framework ranging from construction loading scenarios to the mechanisms underlying structural damage is described for the future development of limit state design methods. Analytical models of longitudinal behaviour are also proposed. The study of joint geometries, temporary spear bolts and DFOS sensing in CSL construction monitoring is included as ancillary research. The solution developed for a sequential elastic rod subjected to a trilinear temperature profile and in shear interaction with the elastic ground predicts accurately the early tunnel pre-stressing relaxation caused by grout hardening, e.g. ≈50% in the CTT. The proposed sequential elastic beam model, which incorporates the effects of stage-varying net TBM moments, transverse loads and lining pressure gradients within the tunnel unsupported length, estimates satisfactorily the history of tunnel beam response during construction for a realistic expression of the lining stiffness. A potential damage assessment method for the early detection of tunnel sections prone to ring joint damage was proposed. The TBM-lining transverse interaction determines the CSL ring behaviour at the early stages of tunnelling. The ring response resultant from this interaction is irrecoverable and contributes to the long term total deformations and internal forces; in tunnels excavated in grounds with Ko≈1, it becomes the major source of ring distortion. The main transverse actions are the sealing pressures, which are inversely related to the tail clearance, and the transverse load of oblique hydraulic jacks. When the non-bedded rings are eccentric with respect to the shield tail, the ring distortion increases the risk of cracking near the rear corners and spalling at the ram pad interspaces of constrained segments. The ring distortion is directly related to the pressure gradients, the unsupported length and the ring flexibility. When individual segments rotate outwards under the action of transverse ram loads, e.g. the outer springline segment during pronounced TBM steering around a horizontal curve, the localised action of the sealing pressures can result in longitudinal cracking at the intrados of the segment front. This study represents a qualitative leap towards the optimisation of CSL design, shifting the attention of researchers and designers to TBM-lining transverse interactions as the most determinant factor of structural response during construction in CSLs simultaneously backfilled with BGs.Engineering and Physical Science Research (EPSRC): grant number 135734

Moiré Method Based Tilt Sensing System For Landslides Monitoring Using Raspberry PI

Landslides may lead to appalling loss such as loss of life, economic decline, decimation of infrastructure, and impacts river ecosystems. The purpose of this research is to develop a tilt sensing device based on moiré fringe pattern theory for landslide monitoring using Raspberry Pi. An algorithm to detect the centroid of the moiré fringe pattern was developed. The main advantage of using moiré fringe pattern theory is it able to show changes in pattern even it experienced tiny displacement. The prototype algorithm was tested with simulated moiré fringe pattern to prove workability of moment theory before fabricating the tilt sensing device. The effect of camera working distance onto the quality of image captured by using Logitech HD Webcam C310 was studied to determine the suitable camera working distance. The Raspberry Pi was connected with 2 different colour of light-emitting diodes (LED) to show to signal as the output. The results obtained after the centroid detection algorithm applied moiré fringe patterns produced, and it showed the algorithm manage to detect the centroid of the moiré fringe patterns and its coordinate value. Some potential improvements are suggested in this report which can be made to achieve a better and portable tilt sensing device for landslide monitoring