Tunnel Deformation Monitoring via Structured Light Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tunnel deformation monitoring during construction are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lack real-time capabilities, posing safety hazards and being insufficiently dense, especially for tunnels under construction using the blasting method.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing structured light sources installed in unstable tunnel areas and a monitoring terminal in the secondary lining area for real-time deformation monitoring, which analyzes structured light curves to detect settlement, convergence, and integral settlement of tunnel sections, enabling dense and automatic monitoring without interrupting construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a total station with reflective prisms is used for manual monitoring, then measurement capability is provided, but installation convenience deteriorates and construction safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical total station with reflective prisms with a camera-based image recognition system. The camera captures images of the tunnel wall, and image recognition algorithms automatically detect deformation by analyzing changes in the image data over time, eliminating the need for manual installation and adjustment of reflective prisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-monitoring by using the camera to continuously capture images and the image recognition algorithm to automatically detect and measure deformation without human intervention. The system performs its own measurement and monitoring functions autonomously.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manual monitoring with total station is performed, then deformation detection is achieved, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by having the camera continuously capture images of the tunnel wall at regular intervals. This continuous data collection allows the system to detect deformation in real-time without interruption, replacing the periodic manual measurements that pause construction progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image recognition system replaces time-consuming manual measurement operations with automatic digital image analysis, significantly reducing the time required for deformation monitoring and allowing construction to proceed without frequent interruptions.
3Device complexity
If sparse monitoring points (3-7 points per section) are used, then monitoring complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates and disaster warning capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tunnel wall into multiple monitoring regions, each with its own set of reference features and measurement points. The image recognition algorithm analyzes deformation at multiple discrete locations within each region, providing precise measurements across the entire tunnel section without requiring a single dense network of sensors throughout the whole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of reference features (such as distinctive marks or patterns) at different locations on the tunnel wall. By capturing images of these replicated features and analyzing their relative positions and movements, the system achieves high measurement precision through redundant observations without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time, dense, and automatic monitoring of tunnel deformation, reducing construction delays and improving safety by providing immediate alerts for potential disasters, applicable to both construction and operational tunnels without the need for top-mounted equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a data processing unit analyzes imaging changes of the structured lights, detects deformation degrees and offset distances of the tunnel in real time
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and a device for real-time monitoring of tunnel deformation. The monitoring method includes: S1, erecting a plurality of structured light sources in an unstable area to be monitored of a tunnel structure, and erecting a monitoring terminal in a relatively stable region of the tunnel structure, where the monitoring terminal may communicate with the plurality of structured light sources; S2, observing all structured lights in the unstable area of the tunnel structure and obtaining structured light curves in real time by the monitoring terminal; S3, analyzing imaging changes of the structured lights, detecting deformation degrees and offset distances of the tunnel in real time, and monitoring the diseases such as settlement, convergence of a single-section of the tunnel and integral settlement of a multi-section of the tunnel by the data processing unit.