Feasibility Study of Interlayer Slide Monitoring Using Postembedded Piezoceramic Smart Aggregates

Jianchao Wu,Gangbing Song,Qingzhao Kong,Ing Lim

doi:10.1155/2018/1953528

Abstract

Utilizing embedded transducers is an effective approach to monitor a landslide. However, for existing structures, sensors can only be postembedded, which involves drilling and grouting, and may change the original state of the structure, which calls for the need to study the effectiveness of postembedded transducers. The main focus of this paper is the feasibility study of the interlayer slide detection using postembedded piezoceramic smart aggregates (SAs). In this study, a small landslide structure that involves a weak layer is studied and two pairs of SAs were embedded in predetermined positions inside the structure. To study the difference, one pair of transducer was preembedded and the other pair was postembedded. Within each pair, one SA was employed as an actuator to generate stress waves, and another SA used as a sensor to detect wave responses. Active-sensing approach was developed to perform continuous monitoring during structural loading that was used to induce an interlayer slide. The occurrence of interlayer slide attenuates wave energy and decreases signal intensity. A wavelet-packed index was proposed to detect the occurrence and development of interlayer slide. Experimental results demonstrated that SA installation through postembedding process is an innovative yet effective approach to monitor interlayer slide.

Highlights

IntroductionLandslides are usually triggered by environmental changes, such as earthquake, heavy rainfall, or rise of ground water levels
Landslides may cause immense property damage and even loss of life
We demonstrated that an interlayer slide can be effectively monitored using preembedded smart aggregates with the active sensing approach [56]

Summary

Introduction

Landslides are usually triggered by environmental changes, such as earthquake, heavy rainfall, or rise of ground water levels. These factors can amplify the inherent weakness inside a landslide body, which is defined as a weak layer [1]. Landslides occur due to interlayer slide along the weak layer. The interface between the weak layer and the surrounding medium transfers internal stress when the slope mass is subjected to vertical loading compression. The friction between these two regions accumulates until the accumulated stress is suddenly released and the mass slips along the weak sliding surface. It is essential to develop an effective detection technique to monitor and study interlayer slide damage to provide early warning

Methods

Results

Conclusion