Having come into existence from the earliest of human civilizations, tunnels have long been a part of mankind. However, things have changed drastically, when it comes to the whole lifecycle of a bridge, right from its very ideation to long-term maintenance.
A key role played in this lifecycle is by geotechnical monitoring, which ensures that a tunnel isn’t just maintained, but also exists harmoniously with other structures around it. In this blog, we’ll explore a specific part of Geotech monitoring that gets this job done: tunnel monitoring sensors.
Importance of a Tunnel Monitoring System
Before diving into the numerous types of tunnel monitoring sensors, it’s key to know why they’re significant. Ultimately, all these instruments are implemented to create a complete monitoring system to analyse the tunnel’s behaviour over time. Moreover, it also helps to verify the stability of the tunnel, understand if its design is credible or not, and assess the sequence and intensity of the various operations its construction will involve.
All in all, tunnel monitoring reflects its significance in three main areas: –
During a tunnel’s design, wherein instrumentation is installed to gather data on existing ground conditions. Here, the monitoring sensors are usually installed in the boreholes and exploratory tunnels available on the surface. Monitoring tunnels to collect this data is a key part of optimising the tunnel’s design and making it as safe and effective as possible.
During the construction stage. This is probably the most important area where tunnel monitoring is required. The various sensors installed to capture and transmit data, indicate if the initial design assumptions were correct, and how the design is performing in reality. This is extremely vital as it helps to fix design loopholes beforehand, saving both time and money.
The tunnel monitoring instrumentation installed on the surface, provide data on the subsurface and surface conditions. These sensors are also installed on structures on the surface that fall within the construction’s vicinity, and hence, are likely to be affected.
Monitoring tunnels for the long run is also where these sensors come into play. These continue to monitor the tunnel during its operational stages, maintaining and ensuring its stability, safety, and determining any natural calamity’s effect on the structural integrity. This also streamlines the maintenance schedules and contributes to the tunnel’s longevity.
The Various Tunnel Monitoring Sensors Involved
Now that we’ve covered the role played by tunnel monitoring, it’s time to take a look at the instruments that aid this, i.e., the sensors. At Encardio-rite, we offer a wide range of tunnel monitoring instrumentation, applicable for various use-cases. Here’s the complete list: –
1. In-place inclinometers
Our vertical in-place inclinometers, model EAN-52M, consists of various biaxial probes, and are mounted vertically with SDI-12 output, in a borehole. Using a daisy chain manner, these sensors are connected via a single output cable to consistently monitor sub-surface lateral movements.
2. Piezometers
Piezometers are also one of the most commonly used sensors for monitoring tunnels. The Encardio-rite EPP-30V model, a vibrating wire piezometer, is used along with the ESVI-10VB SDI-12 or ESVI-01-01 interface box to monitor pore pressure variations.
3. Extensometers
Extensometers, namely our EDS-70V multiple point borehole extensometers (vibrating wire type), with an ESVI-01-04 SDI-12 interface box, is installed for tunnel monitoring. These extensometers are used to monitor lateral movements and sub-surface settlements at specific depths.
4. Tilt meters
Biaxial tiltmeters are usually installed on multiple locations on the various structures within the influence zone while a tunnel is constructed. Our model EAN-93M-B or EAN-92M-B are examples of such tiltmeters used to record tilt changes in the structures.
5. Crack meters
Vibrating wire crack meters, like our EDJ-40V, help to monitor the opening or displacement of existing cracks in the structures situated within the influence zone. These are installed with interface boxes, such as Encardio-rite’s model ESVI-01-01 SDI-12.
6. Load cells
When it comes to tunnel monitoring instrumentation, load cells are quite commonly used as well. Center hole load cells (resistive strain gauge type), such as our ELC-30SH/30S model, are installed along with interface boxes to monitor tension in rock bolts and anchors. On the other hand, strut load cells are mounted to monitor the stress on struts, support beams, piles, etc ...[Continue reading]
コメント