Mode of operation
Geotechnical applications are used where there is a need to monitor and understand ground movement such as in mines or with large geotechnical construction sites. Strain sensor cables are used in most cases. However, there are applications utilizing acoustic sensing to detect and report changes.
The sensor cables are installed in the ground along endangered routes. Displacements of the same cause elongation changes in the fiber. Pre-strained cables can be used to detect compression. Acoustic cables are used to detect vibrations caused by motion. Most systems are used where abrupt and significant movements can cause significant damage e.g. rock slides, earthquakes.
Geotechnical applications are the most common of the many in the broader area of geophysical measurement. It is specifically considered here because most repetitive conversions take place in this area. Solifos has supplied specialized sensing cables and expertise in many other areas. including:
- Atmospheric science: measurement of wind currents
- Global environmental testing: polar cap research
- Oceanography: Seismic oilfield detection
- Geology and Geophysics: Water flow measurement in cliffs
- Geothermal: Temperature monitoring and control
Distributed fiber-optic sensing applications are diverse and growing daily. As a globally recognized pioneer in specialty sensor cable design and installation, Solifos is pleased to provide expert advice and consulting for your application.
Advantages
Application Examples
Landslide / Slope Monitoring
Global warming has increased the elevation of permafrost zones and the risk of land slides in populated areas. Communities at risk receive early warnings of potential risk and can be evacuated utilizing Solifos’ sensor cables. Large geotechnical and construction projects face similar risks and can be protected by Solifos’ distributed fiber-optic sensing cables.
Installed Products:
Rockfall Detection
Critical transport infrastructure including mountain roads and train lines can be protected from falling rocks utilizing Solifos’ sensing cables. In particular, in cases where falling rock impedes the tracks or street in difficult to reach locations, drivers can be notified ahead of time. In this way, Solifos’ simple fiber-optic sensors replace expensive “Geophones” and special communications technologies.
Installed Products:
Tunnel Monitoring
Tunnels of all sorts for road traffic, trains or trams are monitored not only for fire risk. Monitoring their structural integrity is also becoming an increasingly important area, in particular for large tunnel projects. Strain sensitive cables can be cemented behind the isolation wall, and when mounted in a parallel spiral indicate changes in 3D-areas.
