Smart Tunnels

This is interesting - -

An innovative new method for the assessment of subterranean tunnels is being developed by British engineering firm Costain in conjunction with researchers at the University of Cambridge in hopes of achieving more efficient installation of underground power lines in the UK capital of London.

 

The system uses optical fibres which are embedded within the concrete segments of the tunnels to assess the amount of axial and bending strain experienced at the tunnel lining.

 

The data collected by the optical fibres can be subsequently used by university researchers to analyse the performance of the tunnel lining both during and after construction, in order to determine which parts of the tunnel require less thickness so that greater efficiency can be achieved.

 

The Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CCISC) at Cambridge University devised the process after Constain requested that it explore potential innovations to facilitate the construction of the National Grid’s London Power Tunnels (LPT) project.

 

The LPT project will see the construction of 32 kilometres of underground tunnels in London, which will be used to supply residents of the British capital with power for decades to come.

 

Link to the story is here.