Feasibility Study of Interlayer Slide Monitoring Using Postembedded Piezoceramic Smart Aggregates

Abstract

Utilizing embedded transducers is an effective approach to monitor a landslide. However, for existing structures, sensors can only be postembedded, which involves drilling and grouting, and may change the original state of the structure, which calls for the need to study the effectiveness of postembedded transducers. The main focus of this paper is the feasibility study of the interlayer slide detection using postembedded piezoceramic smart aggregates (SAs). In this study, a small landslide structure that involves a weak layer is studied and two pairs of SAs were embedded in predetermined positions inside the structure. To study the difference, one pair of transducer was preembedded and the other pair was postembedded. Within each pair, one SA was employed as an actuator to generate stress waves, and another SA used as a sensor to detect wave responses. Active-sensing approach was developed to perform continuous monitoring during structural loading that was used to induce an interlayer slide. The occurrence of interlayer slide attenuates wave energy and decreases signal intensity. A wavelet-packed index was proposed to detect the occurrence and development of interlayer slide. Experimental results demonstrated that SA installation through postembedding process is an innovative yet effective approach to monitor interlayer slide.