Development of smart sensor system for soft soil engineering and construction safety

Developing an alternative to traditional geotechnical monitoring

Challenge

Geoinventions is a specialist geotechnical engineering consultancy that provides solid advice on all geotechnical issues. While assessing geo conditions during and after construction of infrastructure such as roads and slopes, Geoinventions identified the needs for smart geo sensing technology to support the risks associated with constructions of high-road embankments along the Australian coast.

Proposed Solution

In collaboration with Griffith University, Geoinventions will develop smart geotechnical sensors that will monitor the health of Australian coastal roadways.

As part of the 10-months project, the research team will use micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to develop small, waterproof and energy efficient novel sensors tailored for the Australian market. In the first instance, a prototype monitoring the safety of road embankments constructed on soft soils will be developed and tested at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) at Griffith University. The project aims to enhance Australian technology in geotechnical MEMS sensors, advance manufacturing capabilities and create new jobs in the sector.