Smart slope monitoring through the use of fibre optic sensors

Abstract: This study demonstrates the use of fibre optic instrumentation such as an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer as well as Fibre Bragg Grating sensors on a small-scale physical 1-g model to monitor potential slope movement. The scope is to improve current knowledge in the field of slope monitoring through the im- plementation of optic fibre sensors. Single-mode and multi-mode hetero-core optic fibre displacement sensors were created and directly embedded into layers of coarse-grained soil. By inducing critical slope conditions in the small-scale model through the course of several experiments we were able to identify localised failure zones and quantify signal attenuation. Using a calibrated source, it was possible to indirectly estimate microstrain and investigate spatial resolution of the sensing cable. Laboratory testing of the sensors and the sensing system allowed for further development of sensor integration techniques