Monitoring of sinkholes using combined optic fiber sensing and satellite imaging (C. Abadie, GERS, UGE)

This talk will present recently published work conducted as part of the SINEW project (SINkhole Early Warning), and aimed at proving the feasibility of using combined Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) and Satellite imaging (DInSAR) as an early warning system for sinkhole detection. The work involves 1g experiments using a plane strain trapdoor and scaled to provide insight into the formation of a sinkhole in sand, in which DFOS cables are laid at selected depths. The DFOS data are compared with the geomechanics of the soil displacement, recorded using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Finite Element analyses to further understanding applications in the field. Satellite imagery of a sinkhole collapse in Naples are presented in parallel. The results show the potential for the incorporation of DFOS and DInSAR in the construction of critical infrastructure to enable early detection of sinkhole formation and thus opportunity for remedial action to prevent catastrophic failures.