Distributed fibre optic sensing for sinkhole early warning: experimental study

This paper presents experimental work aimed at proving the feasibility of using distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) as an early warning system for sinkhole detection. The 1g experiments were conducted a plane-strain trapdoor and scaled to provide insight into formation in sand, which DFOS cables laid selected depths. data are compared with geomechanics soil displacement, recorded particle image velocimetry (PIV). It was demonstrated that exhibits signature strain profile location sinkhole, allowing be located data. Differences PIV are, however, apparent – notably magnitudes. Nonetheless, it is possible estimate size depth Using preliminary study development zone subsidence, range relative densities, then predict extent damage ground surface. Such results show potential incorporation construction critical infrastructure enable detection thus opportunity remedial action prevent catastrophic failures.