Landslide sensor probe, using optical fiber

Abstract

Extreme climatic events are increasing as well as its consequences, in the last years. Among them can be cited landslides due to heavy rains, with desastrous effects in destruction of buildings and lifes. It is propose here, as part of a larger monitoring system, the development of a sensor bar to be embedded on the terrain in risc zones. This bar will be curved by the mechanical action of moving land and its curvature detected by and optical movement sensor, using optical fiber and mounted on the inside of thebar. The interrogation of this sensor is by using OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometry) techniques. So, by the use of only a single optica fibers connection to the sensor, it can be monitored and logged in distances of various kilometers. This sensor system is completely passive without the use of remote eletrical powering, solar panel and batteries. This project is part of a larger one that includes the dislocation sensor, the optical network with the interrogation system and the monitor and control software to attend various sensors sharing the same optical fiber. Finally, this project will have the technical collaboration of reseachers from the Centro de Tecnologia da Informação Renato Archer - CTI in Campinas. (AU)