A method for monitoring existing cracks in a sea wall

Abstract

This invention discloses a monitoring method for existing cracks in seawalls, comprising the following steps: collecting and marking the locations of existing cracks on the seawall surface through manual inspection or an image acquisition system; classifying the cracks at the marked locations into horizontal, vertical, or diagonal cracks; planning the most suitable armored optical fiber deployment scheme based on the crack type and extension direction; cleaning the seawall surface at the installation location based on the deployment scheme; installing telescopic guide rails on both sides of the crack opening and closing direction, and inserting the armored optical fiber into the telescopic guide rails; dynamically monitoring the cracks; triggering a re-inspection of the location by the image acquisition system or manual inspection when the crack exceeds a threshold, and selecting appropriate repair measures or key monitoring; dynamically monitoring existing cracks to monitor their development trend, focusing on high-risk cracks, and notifying management personnel to take appropriate remedial measures when necessary to ensure the safety of life and property of coastal residents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls. Background Technology

[0002] Seawalls are hydraulic structures built along coastlines to protect against tides and waves, serving as crucial safeguards for the lives and property of coastal residents. Because seawalls are often built on deep, soft soil foundations, significant uneven settlement occurs under their own weight, vehicle loads, and wave loads, leading to cracks in the seawall crest and body. For example, patent application number 202211040777.1, entitled "A Method, Device, Equipment, and Medium for Monitoring Cracks in Water Conservancy Project Dikes"; and patent application number 202411708878.0, entitled "A System and Method for Monitoring and Early Warning of Cracks in Dikes."

[0003] The basic concept adopted by the above patents is to make a preliminary judgment based on coordinate data, and then identify or monitor the cracks based on the cracks in the image. Although this technical solution avoids a lot of manpower for manual observation and inspection, the monitoring is not real-time dynamic monitoring and cannot detect the development and changes of cracks in the first moment. Moreover, there is a risk of misidentification based solely on image acquisition and judgment, and the monitoring accuracy is insufficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides a monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls. This monitoring method is for the dynamic monitoring of existing cracks, monitoring the development trend of cracks, focusing on monitoring cracks with high risk, and notifying management personnel to take corresponding remedial measures when necessary, so as to ensure the safety of life and property of coastal people.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls, comprising the following steps: S1: Collect and mark the locations of existing cracks on the surface of the seawall through manual inspection or image acquisition system, and record the number of each crack and the basic parameters of the initial width and length of the corresponding crack to form the original dataset; S2: Classify the cracks in the marked locations according to their type, determining whether each crack is horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Based on the crack type and its direction of extension, plan the most suitable armored fiber optic deployment scheme. S3: Based on the most suitable armored fiber optic deployment scheme, the surface of the embankment at the installation location is cleaned, and then telescopic guide rails are installed on both sides of the crack opening and closing direction. The telescopic direction of the telescopic guide rails is the same as the crack opening and closing direction. The armored fiber optic cable is inserted into the telescopic guide rail. S4: Dynamic monitoring of cracks is implemented. If the dynamic monitoring data exceeds the threshold after temperature compensation processing, the image acquisition system or manual inspection is triggered to re-inspect the location and select appropriate repair measures or key monitoring.

[0006] Furthermore, in step S2, the most suitable armored fiber optic deployment scheme includes ensuring that the monitoring range of the armored fiber optic covers the main direction of crack opening and closing, and that the angle between the armored fiber optic and the direction of crack opening and closing is no greater than 30°. Under the premise of meeting the monitoring requirements, the minimum number of armored fibers or the shortest total length of armored fibers is used to complete the monitoring of all cracks.

[0007] Furthermore, in step S3, the telescopic guide rail and the armored optical fiber are monitored independently. The telescopic guide rail is equipped with color markings in the telescopic section. The armored optical fiber is slidably connected to the telescopic guide rail and is tightly attached to the embankment body with adhesive. When a crack changes, the telescopic guide rail exposes the corresponding color marking to form a visual observation, and the corresponding armored optical fiber generates a strain signal, thus realizing dual monitoring and verification.

[0008] Furthermore, in step S3, the telescopic guide rail and the armored optical fiber are monitored synchronously. The two ends of the armored optical fiber are fixedly connected to the telescopic section of the telescopic guide rail through connectors. The telescopic section's extension and contraction causes the armored optical fiber to stretch or compress, thereby generating a strain signal in the armored optical fiber.

[0009] Furthermore, the telescopic guide rail includes multiple sets of symmetrically arranged telescopic units. Each telescopic unit includes a connecting section with a cavity and a telescopic section that is slidably connected to the connecting section. Both ends of the connecting section are provided with an inclined surface on the side near the armored optical fiber, and a first sliding groove is provided on that side. The bottom of the connecting section is provided with a waist-shaped through groove. The telescopic section is provided with a sliding protrusion corresponding to the waist-shaped through groove. The sliding protrusion is connected to the surface of the embankment. The telescopic section is provided with a second sliding groove corresponding to the first sliding groove.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper end face of the connecting section is provided with a semi-circular through groove communicating with the cavity. The semi-circular through groove is equipped with a semi-circular cover. The semi-circular through groove and the semi-circular cover enclose each other to form a sliding cavity. The upper end face of the telescopic section is provided with a limiting block corresponding to the semi-circular through groove. A first telescopic spring is connected between the limiting block and the groove wall of the semi-circular through groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the telescopic section has a groove with a parallelogram-shaped cross-section. Multiple telescopic blocks are slidably connected in the groove through a second telescopic spring. When the telescopic section extends a preset distance, the telescopic blocks are released from the restriction of the connecting section and pop out to fit against the inclined surface of the connecting section, thereby aligning the second sliding groove with the first sliding groove.

[0012] Furthermore, anchoring points are provided on both sides of the embankment in the direction of the crack opening and closing, and the anchoring points are connected to the sliding protrusions; or the sliding protrusions are fixed to the embankment by concrete pouring.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a junction box, which is installed using either an embedded or anchored method according to the armored fiber optic deployment scheme, and waterproof measures are taken for the junction box.

[0014] Beneficial effects: 1. This application uses this monitoring method to dynamically monitor existing cracks, monitor the development trend of cracks, focus on monitoring cracks with high risk, and notify management personnel to take corresponding remedial measures when necessary to ensure the safety of life and property of people in coastal areas.

[0015] 2. There are two schemes for the telescopic guide rail and optical fiber setup in the monitoring method. The first scheme is to fix the telescopic section of the telescopic guide rail to both ends of the optical fiber. The telescopic section drives the optical fiber to stretch / compress, forming an integrated monitoring structure. This can convert the opening and closing deformation of the crack into an optical fiber strain signal, avoiding signal delay or distortion. It can quickly capture minute changes in the crack, and is especially suitable for scenarios that require real-time tracking of the dynamic development of the crack. The other scheme sets the optical fiber strain monitoring and the telescopic guide rail to monitor independently. Even if one monitoring method fails, the other can still function normally, avoiding missed detections caused by the failure of a single monitoring method and improving the overall reliability of the monitoring system. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the monitoring method. Figure 2 Side view of the installation of telescopic guide rails and fiber optic cables on the embankment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation layout; Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the telescopic guide rail and optical fiber fixed to the embankment body; Figure 5 Schematic diagram of dual independent monitoring installation; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the fixed connection between the telescopic section and the optical fiber; Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the disassembly of the telescopic unit; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting segment; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion joint; Figure 10 This is a top view of the cross-section of the expansion joint.

[0017] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Armored optical fiber; 2. Telescopic guide rail; 3. Telescopic unit; 4. Connecting section; 5. Telescopic section; 6. Inclined surface; 7. First sliding groove; 8. Waist-shaped through groove; 9. Sliding protrusion; 10. Second sliding groove; 11. Semi-circular through groove; 12. Semi-circular cover; 13. Limiting block; 14. First telescopic spring; 15. Telescopic block; 16. Connection box; 17. Embankment body; 18. Second telescopic spring. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0019] For reference Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls, including the following steps: S1: Collect and mark the locations of existing cracks on the surface of the seawall body 17 through manual inspection or image acquisition system, and record the number of each crack and the basic parameters of the initial width and length of the corresponding crack to form the original dataset. S2: Classify the cracks in the marked crack areas to determine whether each crack is horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Based on the crack type and extension direction, plan the most suitable armored fiber optic 1 deployment scheme. S3: Based on the most suitable armored optical fiber 1 deployment scheme, the surface of the embankment 17 at the installation location is cleaned, and then telescopic guide rails 2 are installed on both sides of the crack opening and closing direction. The telescopic direction of the telescopic guide rails 2 is the same as the crack opening and closing direction. The armored optical fiber 1 is inserted into the telescopic guide rails 2. S4: Dynamic monitoring of cracks is implemented. If the dynamic monitoring data exceeds the threshold after temperature compensation processing, the image acquisition system or manual inspection is triggered to re-inspect the location and select appropriate repair measures or key monitoring.

[0020] Specifically: like Figures 1-10 As shown, existing cracks on the surface of the seawall 17 are collected and their locations are marked through manual inspection or image acquisition system. Each crack number and its initial width and length are recorded to form an original dataset, which facilitates subsequent comparison of crack changes. The crack areas at the marked locations are classified into different types, such as transverse, vertical, or diagonal cracks. Based on the crack type and extension direction, the most suitable armored fiber optic cable 1 deployment scheme is planned. The most suitable armored fiber optic cable 1 deployment scheme includes ensuring that the monitoring range of the armored fiber optic cable 1 covers the main direction of crack opening and closing, and that the angle between the armored fiber optic cable 1 and the crack opening and closing direction is no greater than 30°. Under the premise of meeting the monitoring requirements, the minimum number of armored fiber optic cables 1 or the shortest total length of armored fiber optic cables 1 is used to complete the monitoring of all cracks.

[0021] One embodiment is as follows: the telescopic guide rail 2 and the armored optical fiber 1 are monitored synchronously. Both ends of the armored optical fiber 1 are fixedly connected to the telescopic section 5 of the telescopic guide rail 2 via connectors. The extension and retraction of the telescopic section 5 causes the armored optical fiber 1 to stretch or compress, generating a strain signal. The extension and retraction of the telescopic section 5 can trigger fiber strain. Figure 7-10As shown, the telescopic guide rail 2 includes multiple symmetrically arranged telescopic units 3. Each telescopic unit 3 includes a connecting section 4 with a cavity and a telescopic section 5 slidably connected to the connecting section 4. The connecting section 4 has a sloping surface 6 on both sides near the armored optical fiber 1, and a first sliding groove 7 on that side. The bottom of the connecting section 4 has a waist-shaped through groove 8. The telescopic section 5 has a sliding protrusion 9 corresponding to the waist-shaped through groove 8. The sliding protrusion 9 is connected to the surface of the dike body 17 on both sides of the crack. When the crack deforms, the dike body 17 on both sides will move, and the sliding protrusion 9 will move synchronously with the dike body 17 on both sides, causing the telescopic section 5 to extend. The optical fiber synchronously generates tensile strain, and the corresponding data parameters are obtained through a demodulator. Specifically, the dike body 17 on both sides of the crack opening and closing direction has anchoring points, which are connected to the sliding protrusion 9; or the sliding protrusion 9 is fixed to the dike body 17 by concrete pouring.

[0022] Parameters such as Figure 7-10 As shown, the upper end face of the connecting section 4 is provided with a semi-circular through groove 11 that communicates with the cavity. The semi-circular through groove 11 is equipped with a semi-circular cover 12. The semi-circular through groove 11 and the semi-circular cover 12 enclose each other to form a sliding cavity. The upper end face of the telescopic section 5 is provided with a limiting block 13 corresponding to the semi-circular groove. A first telescopic spring 14 is connected between the limiting block 13 and the groove wall of the semi-circular through groove to avoid the problem of the telescopic guide rail 2 easily extending or retracting due to the environment.

[0023] For reference Figure 4 As shown, for a scheme with multiple fiber optic monitoring cracks, a junction box 16 is also required to form a branch fiber optic cable monitoring system. The junction box 16 is installed using either embedded or anchored installation and is waterproofed. Specifically, the embedded installation involves excavating and pouring concrete on the surface of the embankment 17 at the corresponding installation location to form a placement trench. A waterproof membrane is laid inside the placement trench, and the junction box 16 is installed inside the placement trench and protected by a waterproof cover.

[0024] For reference Figure 5 As shown, this application also provides a second embodiment, which is basically the same as the first embodiment, except that: the telescopic guide rail 2 and the armored optical fiber 1 are dual independent monitoring, and the telescopic guide rail 2 is equipped with color markings on the telescopic section 5; the armored optical fiber 1 is slidably connected to the telescopic guide rail 2 and the armored optical fiber 1 is tightly attached and fixed to the embankment body by adhesive. When a crack changes, the telescopic guide rail 2 exposes the corresponding color marking to form a visual observation, and the corresponding armored optical fiber 1 generates a strain signal to achieve dual monitoring and verification.

[0025] Specifically: such as Figure 5As shown, the telescopic guide rail 2 and the armored optical fiber 1 are dual independent monitoring devices. The telescopic guide rail 2 has color-coded markings on its telescopic section 5. The armored optical fiber 1 is slidably connected to the telescopic guide rail 2 and is tightly bonded to the seawall body with adhesive. When a crack changes, the telescopic guide rail 2's telescopic section 5 will be exposed by the color-coded markings on both sides of the seawall body, creating a visual observation. This corresponds to the strain signal generated by the armored optical fiber 1, which monitors and captures the crack's strain. However, temperature changes can easily cause false strain signals in the optical fiber. Furthermore, if the optical fiber breaks or loosens, it cannot accurately receive strain signals. Therefore, the color-coded markings and the optical fiber form a complementary verification mechanism. When the optical fiber detects an excessive strain value, the exposed length of the color-coded markings determines whether the crack is truly open or closed. If the optical fiber signal is interrupted, the color-coded markings can still serve as visual information about the crack's opening and closing. The crack deformation state can be judged through manual inspection or an image acquisition system, avoiding monitoring blind spots caused by the failure of a single sensor. Simultaneously, this second embodiment's technical solution solves the problem of crack detection in areas without power supply or network access along the seawall edge. The color-coded markings provide intuitive early warnings without the need for power supply or network. For inspection personnel, visually observing the exposed length of the color-coded markers allows for a quick assessment of whether a crack has reached the warning threshold. For example, a visible red marker indicates a crack width exceeding 0.5mm. This, combined with specialized testing equipment, improves inspection accuracy. The color-coded markers also serve as a physical calibration benchmark. During troubleshooting, if the fiber optic signal is abnormal, comparing the exposed state of the color-coded markers quickly pinpoints the problem: if the color-coded markers remain unchanged but fiber optic strain exceeds the limit, it's highly likely to be due to temperature interference or a fiber optic fault; if the color-coded markers are visible and fiber optic strain exceeds the limit, it confirms a genuine crack deformation, avoiding unnecessary excavation and repair, and reducing maintenance costs.

Claims

1. A monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Collect and mark the locations of existing cracks on the surface of the seawall through manual inspection or image acquisition system, and record the number of each crack and the basic parameters of the initial width and length of the corresponding crack to form the original dataset. S2: Classify the cracks in the marked locations to determine whether each crack is horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Based on the crack type and extension direction, plan the most suitable armored fiber optic deployment scheme. S3: Based on the most suitable armored fiber optic deployment scheme, the surface of the embankment at the installation location is cleaned, and then telescopic guide rails are installed on both sides of the crack opening and closing direction. The telescopic direction of the telescopic guide rails is the same as the crack opening and closing direction. The armored fiber optic cable is inserted into the telescopic guide rail. S4: Dynamically monitor the cracks. If the temperature-compensated dynamic monitoring data exceeds the threshold, trigger the image acquisition system or manual inspection to re-inspect the location and select appropriate repair measures or key monitoring.

2. The monitoring method based on seawall crack formation according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, The most suitable armored fiber optic deployment scheme includes ensuring that the monitoring range of the armored fiber optic cable covers the main direction of crack opening and closing, and that the angle between the armored fiber optic cable and the direction of crack opening and closing is no greater than 30°. Under the premise of meeting the monitoring requirements, the minimum number of armored fibers or the shortest total length of armored fibers should be used to complete the monitoring of all cracks.

3. The monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step S3, the telescopic guide rail and the armored optical fiber are monitored independently. The telescopic guide rail is equipped with color markings in the telescopic section. The armored optical fiber is slidably connected to the telescopic guide rail and is tightly attached to the embankment body with adhesive. When a crack changes, the telescopic guide rail exposes the corresponding color marking to form a visual observation, and the corresponding armored optical fiber generates a strain signal, thus realizing dual monitoring and verification.

4. The monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step S3, the telescopic guide rail and the armored optical fiber are monitored synchronously. The two ends of the armored optical fiber are fixedly connected to the telescopic section of the telescopic guide rail through connectors. The telescopic section's extension and contraction causes the armored optical fiber to stretch or compress, resulting in a strain signal in the armored optical fiber.

5. The monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The telescopic guide rail includes multiple sets of symmetrically arranged telescopic units. Each telescopic unit includes a connecting section with a cavity and a telescopic section that is slidably connected to the connecting section. Both ends of the connecting section are provided with an inclined surface on the side near the armored optical fiber, and a first sliding groove is provided on that side. The bottom of the connecting section is provided with a waist-shaped through groove. The telescopic section is provided with a sliding protrusion corresponding to the waist-shaped through groove. The sliding protrusion is connected to the surface of the embankment. The telescopic section is provided with a second sliding groove corresponding to the first sliding groove.

6. The monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper end face of the connecting section is provided with a semi-circular through groove that communicates with the cavity. The semi-circular through groove is equipped with a semi-circular cover. The semi-circular through groove and the semi-circular cover enclose each other to form a sliding cavity. The upper end face of the telescopic section is provided with a limiting block corresponding to the semi-circular through groove. A first telescopic spring is connected between the limiting block and the groove wall of the semi-circular through groove.

7. The monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls according to claim 6, characterized in that: The telescopic section has a groove with a parallelogram-shaped cross section. Multiple telescopic blocks are slidably connected in the groove through a second telescopic spring. When the telescopic section extends a preset distance, the telescopic blocks are released from the restriction of the connecting section and pop out to fit against the inclined surface of the connecting section, so that the second sliding groove is aligned with the first sliding groove.

8. The monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls according to claim 7, characterized in that: Anchoring points are provided on both sides of the embankment in the direction of the crack opening and closing, and the anchoring points are connected to the sliding protrusions; or the sliding protrusions are fixed to the embankment by concrete connection.

9. The monitoring method based on existing cracks in seawalls according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a junction box, which is installed using either an embedded or anchored method according to the armored fiber optic deployment scheme, and waterproof measures are taken for the junction box.

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