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MEMS technology and applications in geotechnical monitoring: a review

Version 2 2024-05-30, 11:37
Version 1 2022-02-08, 13:59
journal contribution
posted on 2024-05-30, 11:37 authored by Milad Barzegar TouchahiMilad Barzegar Touchahi, Stan Blanks, Bre-Anne SainsburyBre-Anne Sainsbury, Wendy TimmsWendy Timms
Abstract In-situ monitoring is an important aspect of geotechnical projects to ensure safety and optimise design measures. However, existing conventional monitoring instruments are limited in their accuracy, durability, complex and high cost of installation and requirement for ongoing real time measurement. Advancements in sensing technology in recent years have created a unique prospect for geotechnical monitoring to overcome some of those limitations. For this reason, micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology has gained popularity for geotechnical monitoring. MEMS devices combine both mechanical and electrical components to convert environment system stimuli to electrical signals. MEMS-based sensors provide advantages to traditional sensors in that they are millimetre to micron sized and sufficiently inexpensive to be ubiquitously distributed within an environment or structure. This ensures that the monitoring of the in-situ system goes beyond discrete point data but provides an accurate assessment of the entire structures response. The capability to operate with wireless technology makes MEMS microsensors even more desirable in geotechnical monitoring where dynamic changes in heterogeneous materials at great depth and over large areas are expected. Many of these locations are remote or hazardous to access directly and are thus a target for MEMS development. This paper provides a review of current applications of existing MEMS technology to the field/s of geotechnical engineering and provides a path forward for the expansion of this research and commercialisation of products.

History

Journal

Measurement Science and Technology

Volume

33

Article number

052001

Pagination

1-24

Location

Bristol, Eng.

ISSN

0957-0233

eISSN

1361-6501

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Issue

5

Publisher

IOP Publishing