Subsurface real time multiparametric monitoring systems dedicated to geophysics explorations and stability control of engineering works

Abstract

The contribution focus on the subsurface real time monitoring techniques and early warning approaches dedicated to stability control of soil, civil engineering works and exploration of geophysics parameters. The electronic devices described are state-of-the-art geotechnical in-place instrument for stability control and differential monitoring of rocks, structures, in casing or borehole, designed mainly to evaluate danger levels of potentially instable areas. The systems can be assembled `in situ' forming an instrumented column, connecting the required number of modules, each containing one or more sensors and the electronic boards for data collection, logging and transmission. The standard structure of the column is composed of a sequence of hard tubular modules connected with each other by special 2D flexible junctions and contains all the electronic sensors for measurement, control and RS485 (or CANopen) transmission. Electronic control devices can support mono and biaxial inclinometers, piezometers, accelerometers, digital compasses etc., to fulfill specific requirements of the monitoring project. The link between sensors and control unit is realized with differential digital mode protocol for a maximum of 256 sensors nodes linked to the central unit basic configuration. The control unit provides for the readings at regular time intervals, according to the requested program. Remote control, download, storage and processing of data are made with a remote control station, equipped with GSM/GPRS integrated transmission and specific software.