Combined System of Magnetic Resonance Sounding and Time-Domain Electromagnetic Method for Water-Induced Disaster Detection in Tunnels

Abstract

Underground construction projects such as tunnel construction are at high risk of water-induced disasters. Because this type of disaster poses a serious threat to worker safety and productivity, instruments and methods that can accurately detect the water source are critical. In this study, a water detection instrument that combines Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) and Time-domain Electromagnetic Method (TEM) techniques to yield a joint MRS-TEM interpretation method was developed for narrow underground spaces such as tunnels. Joint modules including a transmitter and receiver were developed based on a dual-purpose and modular design concept to minimize the size and weight of the instrument and consequently facilitate transportation and measurement. Additionally, wireless control and communication technology was implemented to enable inter-module cooperation and simplify instrument wiring, and wireless synchronization was accomplished by implementing a Global Positioning System (GPS)-based timing scheme. The effectiveness and reliability of the instrument were verified via indoor laboratory tests and field measurement signal tests. Furthermore, the practicability of the combined instrument and its interpretation method was verified via a field case performed in a tunnel in Hubei, China.