Development of Distributed Optical Sensing Technique for Ground Monitoring and Support

This research will focus on the physical testing (with a view to mine and tunnel site implementation) of ground support elements that are associated with mining and tunnelling works. The support elements will be monitored using fibre optics. In addition to providing insight into the behaviour of such support elements, this type of instrumentation also has significant potential to be used as a ground probe that can ‘sense’ the ground and provide insight into the potential fracture zones, stress patterns, discontinuities and conditions beyond the excavation face. This research line intends to improve ground support design, optimize operations, increase safety during construction, and reduce costs for industry. It will also provide the industry partner (YieldPoint Inc.) and the intern the opportunity to showcase such technologies internationally.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nicholas Vlachopoulos

Student:

Partner:

YieldPoint Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

Queen's University

Program: