Methods of monitoring of metro lining in Prague

There are several reasons for monitoring of underground structures and they have already been discussed many times, e.g. from the view of ageing or state after accidental event like flooding of Prague metro in 2002. Monitoring of Prague metro is realized in the framework of international research project sponsored by ESF-S3T. The monitoring methods used in Prague are either classical one or new or developing one. The reason for different monitoring methods is the different precision of each method and also for cross-checking between them and their evaluation. Namely we use convergence, tiltmetres, crackmetres, geophysical methods, laser scanning, computer vision and finally installation of MEMS monitoring devices. In the paper more details of each method and obtained results will be presented. The monitoring methods are complemented by wireless data collection and transfer for real-time monitoring. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group.

Micro-measurement and monitoring system for ageing underground infrastructure (Underground M3)

Advances in the development of computer vision, miniature Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) offer intriguing possibilities that can radically alter the paradigms underlying existing methods of condition assessment and monitoring of ageing civil engineering infrastructure. This paper describes some of the outcomes of the European Science Foundation project "Micro-Measurement and Monitoring System for Ageing Underground Infrastructures (Underground M3)". The main aim of the project was to develop a system that uses a tiered approach to monitor the degree and rate of tunnel deterioration. The system comprises of (1) Tier 1: Micro-detection using advances in computer vision and (2) Tier 2: Micro-monitoring and communication using advances in MEMS and WSN. These potentially low-cost technologies will be able to reduce costs associated with end-of-life structures, which is essential to the viability of rehabilitation, repair and reuse. The paper describes the actual deployment and testing of these innovative monitoring tools in tunnels of London Underground, Prague Metro and Barcelona Metro. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group.