The Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME) System: Technology Demonstrator for Remote Monitoring of Transportation Earthworks
Lead Research Organisation:
British Geological Survey
Department Name: Engineering Geology
Abstract
The proposed project seeks to change current asset management practice with an economically viable monitoring and early warning system, PRIME, that produces near-real-time information to provide decision support and 'solutions' for a range of infrastructure earthwork instability problems.
In particular, this project aims to demonstrate and validate newly developed geophysical monitoring technology as a means of improving the resilience of vulnerable rail and water transportation earthworks infrastructure to environmental risks, such as extreme weather and flooding. The new technology could stream near-real-time information on the internal condition of earthworks direct to geotechnical asset owners - thereby allowing slope failure processes to be identified at an early stage so low cost preventative intervention can be planned with minimal disruption to infrastructure (rather than high-cost renewal and remediation of catastrophic earthwork failures, which can be highly disruptive - particularly for the rail industry due to financial penalties associated with delays).
In response to guidance by the industrial partners we aim to further demonstrate and validate the PRIME concept by testing the approach in a greater range of operational settings, including a railway embankment and a water retaining structure on the canal network. This will allow the project team (asset owners, managers and research providers) to consider a range of practical deployment options, demonstrate an adaptive intelligent monitoring approach, undertake a cost benefit analysis, and formally assess the Technology Readiness Level of PRIME by drawing upon the outcomes of the case studies developed under this project and the study undertaken during the related Innovation B project. The overarching aim of the project is to provide the necessary evidence to the stakeholders that PRIME is applicable as an economically viable monitoring, early warning and decision support system (i.e. a 'solution') for a range of infrastructure earthwork instability problems.
In particular, this project aims to demonstrate and validate newly developed geophysical monitoring technology as a means of improving the resilience of vulnerable rail and water transportation earthworks infrastructure to environmental risks, such as extreme weather and flooding. The new technology could stream near-real-time information on the internal condition of earthworks direct to geotechnical asset owners - thereby allowing slope failure processes to be identified at an early stage so low cost preventative intervention can be planned with minimal disruption to infrastructure (rather than high-cost renewal and remediation of catastrophic earthwork failures, which can be highly disruptive - particularly for the rail industry due to financial penalties associated with delays).
In response to guidance by the industrial partners we aim to further demonstrate and validate the PRIME concept by testing the approach in a greater range of operational settings, including a railway embankment and a water retaining structure on the canal network. This will allow the project team (asset owners, managers and research providers) to consider a range of practical deployment options, demonstrate an adaptive intelligent monitoring approach, undertake a cost benefit analysis, and formally assess the Technology Readiness Level of PRIME by drawing upon the outcomes of the case studies developed under this project and the study undertaken during the related Innovation B project. The overarching aim of the project is to provide the necessary evidence to the stakeholders that PRIME is applicable as an economically viable monitoring, early warning and decision support system (i.e. a 'solution') for a range of infrastructure earthwork instability problems.
Organisations
- British Geological Survey (Lead Research Organisation)
- Kier Group (Collaboration)
- High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd (Collaboration)
- Department of Transport (Collaboration)
- National Research Council (Collaboration)
- Transport Scotland (Collaboration)
- ITM Monitoring (Collaboration)
- National Grid UK (Collaboration)
- CANAL & RIVER TRUST (Collaboration)
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (Collaboration)
- Atkins (United Kingdom) (Collaboration)
- Environment Agency (Collaboration)
- Scottish Canals (Collaboration)
- University of Parma (Collaboration)
- Network Rail (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Rail Safety and Standards Board (Collaboration)
- Arup Group (Collaboration)
- Canal and River Trust (Project Partner)
- Scottish Canals (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
Publications
1. Uhlemann S
(2015)
Geoelectrical Imaging of Moisture Dynamics in Engineered Slopes
1. Wilkinson P
(2015)
Inversion of long time series landslide movements from geoelectrical monitoring data
Boyle A
(2018)
Jointly reconstructing ground motion and resistivity for ERT-based slope stability monitoring
in Geophysical Journal International
| Description | We have established two test sites to demonstrate the newly developed PRIME monitoring hardware. The first site is on an operational railway near Nottingham, and the second is on a canal embankment in the Brecon Beacons. We have demonstrated the technology for monitoring these assets, we have considered the technology readiness level of the technology, disseminated information relating to the technology to potential end-users, and have developed a plan for progressing the technology development. |
| Exploitation Route | We have continued the development of PRIME technology by winning further innovation funding. Ultimately the goal is to commercialise the technology to facilitate end-user access and take-up. |
| Sectors | Construction Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Electronics Energy Environment Transport |
| Description | To provide an improved understanding of the condition of geotechnical assets (i.e. earthworks) owned by stakeholder partners. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2015 |
| Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Environment,Other |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | PRIME (Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation system) referred to in the context of planned Technology Trial in the Welsh Government 2022 White Paper titled "Coal Tip Safety (Wales) White Paper" |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| URL | https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2022-05/white-paper-on-coal-tip-safety-consu... |
| Description | Environmental Risk to Infrastructure Innovation Programme |
| Amount | £36,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NE/N012933/1 |
| Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2016 |
| End | 07/2016 |
| Description | Environmental Risks to Infrastructure Innovation Programme |
| Amount | £205,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NE/P00914X/1 |
| Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2016 |
| End | 06/2018 |
| Description | AMRITA - India |
| Organisation | Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences |
| Country | India |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Reconnaissance trip in advance of installation of landslide monitoring system. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Hosting project staff and collaborating with the installation of new landslide monitoring technology. |
| Impact | Too early. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | ARUP |
| Organisation | Arup Group |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member. |
| Impact | Ongoing - project just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | ATKINS |
| Organisation | WS Atkins |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member. |
| Impact | Ongoing - project only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | CNR-IMAA |
| Organisation | National Research Council |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Shared experience of landslide characterisation and monitoring. Hosted a visit by researchers from CNR-IMAA. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Shared experience of landslide characterisation and monitoring. Hosted a visit by researchers from BGS. |
| Impact | Too early. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Canal & River Trust |
| Organisation | Canal & River Trust |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Advice and expertise on the stability of geotechnical assets. Information on new and emerging technology that will be potentially beneficial to the partner. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Steerage of technology development project. Provision of test site for technology demonstration. Provision of data and information. Health and safety advice and support for technology installation at demonstration site. |
| Impact | New geophysical monitoring instrument (PRIME). New demonstration site on operational railway. New monitoring data arising from the test site. Conference papers. |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Environment Agency |
| Organisation | Environment Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Steering group member, provision of test site, site support and logistics. |
| Impact | On-going - project only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | HS2 |
| Organisation | High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member. |
| Impact | On-going - project only just starting. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Highways England |
| Organisation | Department of Transport |
| Department | Highways Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member, provision of test site, site support and logistics. |
| Impact | On-going - project only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | ITM Monitoring |
| Organisation | ITM Monitoring |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member. |
| Impact | On-going - project only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Kier |
| Organisation | Kier Group |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member. Pilot site support and logistics. |
| Impact | On-going - project only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | National Grid |
| Organisation | National Grid UK |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member, provision of pilot site, site support and logistics. |
| Impact | On-going - project has only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Network Rail |
| Organisation | Network Rail Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Advice and expertise on the stability of geotechnical assets. Information on new and emerging technology that will be potentially beneficial to the partner. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Steerage of technology development project. Provision of test site for technology demonstration. Provision of data and information. Health and safety advice and support for technology installation at demonstration site. |
| Impact | New geophysical monitoring instrument (PRIME). New demonstration site on operational railway. New monitoring data arising from the test site. Conference papers. |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | RSSB |
| Organisation | Rail Safety and Standards Board |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member. |
| Impact | On-going - project only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Scottish Canals |
| Organisation | Scottish Canals |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Advice and expertise on the stability of geotechnical assets. Information on new and emerging technology that will be potentially beneficial to the partner. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Steerage of technology development project. Provision of data and information. |
| Impact | New geophysical monitoring instrument (PRIME). Conference papers. |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | Transport Scotland |
| Organisation | Transport Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Project leader. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Project steering group member. |
| Impact | On-going - project only just started. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | University of Parma |
| Organisation | University of Parma |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Sharing expertise and experience in landslide and slope stability monitoring. Hosting visits by partners - including trips to field sites. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sharing expertise and experience in landslide and slope stability monitoring. Hosting visits by partners - including trips to field sites. |
| Impact | Too early. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Title | Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation System |
| Description | A new low-cost low-power geophysical ground imaging and monitoring instrument. The IPR for the system is owned by BGS. |
| IP Reference | |
| Protection | Protection not required |
| Year Protection Granted | |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | Commercial monitoring work using the new system has been undertaken. |
| Title | Lightning protector module for the BGS PRIME system. |
| Description | The BGS PRIME system enables continuous monitoring of the near-surface - through the permanent deployment of sensors and measurement instrumentation, which is controlled remotely using telemetry. When deployed in areas that are subject to severe electrical storms, damage to the sensitive electronics within the system can result. BGS has therefore developed a new lightning protector module for the system, which can be retro-fitted to existing systems. The lightning protector module is an array of gas discharge tubes that divert current away from the Prime system when a certain voltage is exceeded at the ERT electrodes. This limits the voltage that can reach the circuitry of the Prime to within a non-harmful level. Due to the number of ERT electrodes and the need to keep the ERT electrodes electrically separate, a commercial electrical surge protector was not suitable. |
| Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Impact | The new lightning protector module will allow the BGS PRIME system to be operated effectively in areas subject to intense electrical storms, and will reduce costs associated with system repair due to lightning strikes. |
| Title | Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME) system |
| Description | New low-cost low-power geophysical ground imaging and monitoring instrument. |
| Type Of Technology | Systems, Materials & Instrumental Engineering |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Impact | The new hardware system is being deployed for commercial work. |
| Title | Res-Imager |
| Description | Res-Imager is a low cost resistivity imaging system - enabling the collection of resistivity imaging data in the field and laboratory. The development is particularly targeted at ODA partners. Lead research engineer - Phil Meldrum. Project lead - Jon Chambers. |
| Type Of Technology | Systems, Materials & Instrumental Engineering |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Impact | The new technology is due to be deployed with partners in India and Africa. The low cost nature of the system means that it can be deployed in contexts where the costs of conventional resistivity imaging instrumentation would be prohibitive. Ongoing development to improve ruggedness and useability. |
| Description | CIRIA/NERC-ERIIP Webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A showcase of NERC-funded innovation projects that take the outcomes of existing research and translate these into industry-relevant information and tools to help UK infrastructure identify environmental risks, assess their impacts on infrastructure and develop solutions. This webinar will focus on the risks posed by geological hazards to infrastructure. I presented on PRIME technology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.ciria.org/CIRIA/Navigation/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=E17701 |
| Description | Digital Environment: Dynamic Ground Motion Map of the UK (12 November 2019, Bristol) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The aim of the workshop was to explore how existing satellite networks (i.e. InSAR) could be used to address environmental challenges posed by ground motion in the UK due to range of sources. This is part of a feasibility study funded by the UKRI Digital Environment Programme, and we were looking for input into the research that we should prioritise for the upcoming demonstrator phase. During the first part of the workshop, we sought to establish the environmental challenges and the current solutions/ capabilities. This was assisted by 5 minute 'lightning talks' by participants. In the second part, we discussed what a UK deformation service might look like and establish research priorities for the demonstrator phase. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Energy Networks Association - Invited Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk to Energy Networks Association Working Group, Horseferry Road, London, to discuss PRIME technology in relation to flood risk to energy networks. Audience include National Grid and representative of most of the UK energy supply companies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Geophysics for Critical Infrastructure, Meeting of the Geological Society, Nottingham, 16th July 2015. Talk title: 'Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation: automated time-lapse resistivity imaging for the assessment and management of infrastructure earthworks' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Talk given on PRIME technology at Geological Society meeting. The purpose of the talk was to disseminate knowledge and information about the new developed PRIME geophysical monitoring technology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| URL | https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/diary/gci-programme.pdf |
| Description | Ground Engineering Instrumentation and Monitoring Workshop - Invited Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited presentation given to an audience of civil engineers. Chambers, JE, 2016. The management and delivery of subsurface information from non-invasive ground imaging systems. Ground Engineering Instrumentation and Monitoring 2017, Asset Condition Monitoring Workshop, London, 15 March 2016. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Hosting of the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum, BGS, Nottingham, 3rd March 2016. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was involved in hosting the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum (GAOF) at BGS on 3rd March 2016. GAOF comprises representatives of the major UK geotechnical asset owners including Network Rail, London Underground, Scottish Canals, Canal and River Trust, Highways Agency and Scottish Transport. GAOF requested to hold their meeting at BGS so they could review the PRIME technology and visit the PRIME test site. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Invited attendance at the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum, CIRIA Offices, London, 07/02/17 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to attend the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum to discuss a new project set up by CIRIA called 'Deterioration and degradation modelling of infrastructure assets'. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2017 |
| Description | Invited keynote - "Electrical imaging methods in geotechnical applications: From site investigation to near-real-time monitoring and decision support" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Conference keynote talk. ISSMGE, 7th International Symposium on Deformation Characteristics of Geomaterials, Glasgow, 2019. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Invited keynote - 5th Asia Pacific Meeting on Near Surface Geoscience & Engineering , Taiwan, 2023 - talk title: "Automated geoelectrical monitoring of geotechnical assets: revealing moisture driven processes in earth embankments and dams" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited keynote "Automated geoelectrical monitoring of geotechnical assets: revealing moisture driven processes in earth embankments and dams". |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://eage.eventsair.com/5th-asia-pacific-meeting-on-near-surface-geoscience-engineering/keynote-s... |
| Description | Invited keynote - European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, 2nd Conference on Geophysics for Infrastructure Planning, Monitoring and BIM, France, 2021 - titled: "Geophysical Remote Condition Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Keynote presentation titled - Geophysical Remote Condition Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure Slopes |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.earthdoc.org/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202120077 |
| Description | Invited keynote lecture at the 4th International Workshop on Geoelectrical Monitoring, Vienna, 23/11/17 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Chambers, JE, Wilkinson, PB, Meldrum, PI, Uhlemann, S, Gunn, D, Kuras, O, Inauen, C, Swift, R, Merritt, A, Whiteley, J, 2017. KEYNOTE LECTURE: Geophysical characterization, monitoring and early warning of slope failure: a review of methodological developments at the Hollin Hill landslide observatory. GELMON 2017 - 4th International Workshop on Geoelectrical Monitoring, 22-24 November, Vienna, Austria. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Invited lecture at the Institute of Civil Engineers, London, 26th November 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited lecture at an event designed to promote PRIME technology to the civil engineering and geotechnical communities. The event was entitled 'Priming the industry: an innovation in earthworks monitoring' and consisted of the lecture followed by a discussion between an invited panel of geotechnical specialists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.ice.org.uk/eventarchive/priming-the-industry-an-innovation-in-earthworks-m |
| Description | Invited presentation at Geotechnica 2015 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited presentation given to geotechnical specialists/practitioners/consultants/contractors. Chambers, JE and Gunn, D, 2015. Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation. Geotechnica 2015, Leamington Spa 8 July 2015. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Invited presentation given at the EAGE Near Surface Geoscience 2018 'Geophysics in Support of Infrastructure Planning' Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Chambers, JE, Meldrum, PI, Wilkinson, PB, Uhlemann, S, Swift, R, Inauen, C, Kuras, O, Abbott, S, Butler, S, Whiteley, J, Kendall, JM, 2017. Monitoring the condition of infrastructure earthworks and slopes using low-cost low-power autonomous electrical resistivity tomography technology. EAGE Near Surface Geoscience 2018, Workshop - Geophysics in support of infrastructure planning, Malmo, Sweden, September 2017. (Invited Presentation). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Invited presentation to the NERC Knowledge Exchange Network 'Seeing inside the subsurface - an introduction to the Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation System', Portsmouth, 25/05/18 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk given to NERC KEN. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Invited talk 'Remote condition monitoring of geotechnical assets: an introduction to the Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME) System', given at the Arup offices, London, 21/03/17. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk given to the geotechnical staff at the Arup offices in Bloomsbury, London. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Invited talk - "Remote-condition-monitoring of critical geotechnical infrastructure - towards a practical geophysical solution" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk, 2019. Remote-condition-monitoring of critical geotechnical infrastructure - towards a practical geophysical solution. Geophysics in the Critical Zone, Geological Society, London. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Invited talk - "Towards an improved geotechnical understanding of landslide hazard from ground-based geophysical survey and monitoring", AGU Fall Meeting 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | For slope-scale forecasting of moisture driven landslide events (in both natural and engineered slopes), the complex subsurface structure (materials, strata) and hydrogeology need to be characterized and understood in 3D, and at resolutions and timescales consistent with the processes driving slope failure. Recent years have seen key advances in several relevant and complementary areas including 3D geomechanical approaches to slope stability modelling and the 3D characterisation and 4D monitoring of slopes using geotechnical and geophysical approaches (e.g. geoelectrical, seismic). There is a growing interest in linking hydrogeological and geomechanical models to improve understanding of landslide failure processes, but progress has been limited by an inability to provide high spatial and temporal resolution input data on the physical properties of the subsurface (e.g. strength, composition) and changes associated with hydraulic processes (e.g. pore pressure, moisture content). The hypothesis that we are ultimately seeking to test is that recent advances in hydrogeophysical and geotechnical monitoring can now provide timely information to inform and update geomechanical models - thereby enabling near-real-time estimates of stability (e.g. slope factor of safety) to aid forecasting of landslide events at the slope scale. Here we present results from a range of studies deploying geophysical approaches to characterise and monitor unstable natural and engineered slopes. We demonstrate the use of these approaches (supported by laboratory based determinations of geophysical-geotechnical property relationships) to provide an improved assessment of geological heterogeneity and the development of 3D ground models, and the long-term monitoring of moisture driven processes within the slopes. We conclude with an initial consideration of how geophysical monitoring results can directly inform geomechanical models of slope stability. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Invited talk - 'Geophysical characterisation and monitoring of unstable slopes' at 4th International Symposium (on-line) on New Techniques for Geohazards Research and Management, Institute of Hazards Prevention and Ecological Restoration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Research workshop exploring new tool, methods and approaches for geohazard mitigation. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Invited talk - 1st Workshop on NDT, CM, and SHM requirements for civil structures, Institution of Civil Engineers, London, 2022 - title: "Development of geoelectrical imaging for the remote condition monitoring of engineered structures" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk - Development of geoelectrical imaging for the remote condition monitoring of engineered structures |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.ciria.org/CIRIA/Events/Supported_events.aspx?hkey=15e0e251-f4b3-4bd2-a2b8-fc3fe55020e2 |
| Description | Invited talk - EAGE, Engineering and Mining Geophysics 2021 - title: "Geophysical Monitoring of Natural and Engineered Slopes: Towards Improved Early Warning of Landslides" |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk - Geophysical Monitoring of Natural and Engineered Slopes: Towards Improved Early Warning of Landslides |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.earthdoc.org/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202152175?crawler=true |
| Description | Invited talk - Novel geophysical approaches for monitoring and visualising the subsurface: from autonomous data acquisition to web-based decision support |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk to the "Geological Society Contaminated Land Group: Land condition early careers network - handling big data" meeting, 12th February 2020 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Invited talk - Priming the industry: innovation in earthworks monitoring |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Chambers, JE, Priming the industry: innovation in earthworks monitoring. Institution of Civil Engineers, Edinburgh, 8th October 2019. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Invited talk - Remote-condition-monitoring of safety-critical natural and engineered slopes - towards a practical geophysical solution |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Chambers, JE, Meldrum, PI, Wilkinson, P, Gunn, D, Hobbs, P, Reeves, H. Remote-condition-monitoring of safety-critical natural and engineered slopes - towards a practical geophysical solution.US Corp of Engineers, 18th December 2019. (Webinar) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Invited talk at the British Dam Society 20th Biennial Conference, Swansea University, 13-15 September 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk entitled "Experiences in the use of PRIME", given within the "Remote Monitoring" session of the conference. The talk was intended to provide civil engineers engaged in dam infrastructure monitoring with information on a new monitoring technology (i.e. PRIME). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Invited talk at the British Dam Society 20th Biennial Conference, Swansea University, 13-15 September 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited talk entitled "Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME): remote condition monitoring of earth dams using a novel low-power autonomous ground imaging system", given within the 'Innovative Technologies for Improving the Management of Dams and Reservoirs' session of the conference. The talk was intended to provide civil engineers engaged in dam infrastructure monitoring with information on a new monitoring technology (i.e. PRIME). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Keynote at World Canals Conference 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Chambers, JE, 2016. Remote condition assessment of canal earthworks using novel geophysical monitoring technologies. World Canals Conference (Keynote), Inverness, 19 September 2016. Talk given to a mixed audience of engineers, volunteers, government (including cabinet member of Scottish Government). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://wccscotland.com/speakers/ |
| Description | NERC ERIIP Brokerage Event - Invited Presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited presentation on 'Innovation Success' relating to the NERC ERIIP PRIME project. Given to a mixed audience of industry and academics. Chambers, JE, 2016. The Proactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME). NERC Environmental Risks to Infrastructure Innovation Programme brokerage event. London, 8th March 2016. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Overview of KE Fellowship - presented to the NERC Environmental Risks to Infrastructure Innovation Programme (ERIIP) Board, London, 16/01/17 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to provide an overview of my KE fellowship to the ERIIP board. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | PRIME: innovative subsurface monitoring for asset management (CIRIA event) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Background The processes leading to internal deterioration and subsequent failure of assets evolve at scales greater than single point subsurface measurements, and at depths unreachable using surface-only observations. PRIME (PRoactive Infrastructure Monitoring and Evaluation) is a novel geophysical monitoring system that images the internal structure of embankments, cuttings and other key geotechnical infrastructure at the whole-asset scale. Using time-lapse electrical resistivity measurements to map structure and monitor water migration, PRIME offers a low-cost, non-intrusive means of providing 4D asset-scale data. These measurements assist in the assessment of critical failure criteria, management of ageing infrastructure, and decision-making for asset maintenance and remediation, prior to costly and dangerous failures. This event will showcase the developments in PRIME technology and its expanding portfolio of case studies in assessing, monitoring and protecting the built and natural environment. Including a demonstration of the PRIME-Calyx (Socotec) web-based data visualisation platform, case studies presented by the development team and an open forum on the future directions and needs of adaptable, affordable and innovative asset monitoring technology, this event aims to summarise the state-of-the-art and direction of travel in resistivity imaging for asset management. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.ciria.org/CIRIA/Navigation/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=E22706&WebsiteKey=3f18c87a... |
| Description | US Transportation Research Board - Webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | United States National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine - Transportation Research Board Webinar. The goal of the webinar was to provide training to (1) recognize geotechnical related applications using electrical resistivity, and (2) understand how to use electrical resistivity to assess site variability and assist in the rapid site characterization for transportation project delivery. The audience was approximately 350. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.trb.org/Calendar/Blurbs/174866.aspx |
| Description | Visit to National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis (CNR-IMAA), 5th to 6th November. Talk title: 'The development of time-lapse electrical imaging for landslide and infrastructure monitoring' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit and talk given at CNR, Italy. Purpose of the visit was for knowledge exchange in the area of technologies for monitoring unstable slopes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Visit to the University of Parma |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Visit to the University of Parma to give an invited lecture and to discuss potential collaboration. New links made with a number of academics, postgraduate students and practitioners. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |