Senceive is excited to announce a powerful new application for our trusted InfraGuard™ technology – rockfall monitoring.
Designed specifically to address the unique challenges posed by rockfall hazards, this innovative solution provides near real-time detection of sudden rockfall events, offering rapid, precise alerts with high-quality photo verification for quick, actionable insights when every second counts.
Rock slopes, unlike soil slopes, are characterised by the unpredictable movement of individual boulders or localised debris, which can be missed by a typical wireless slope monitoring system because material can fall in between tilt sensor locations. This poses a significant threat to railways and other infrastructure and a bespoke solution was needed. Enter Senceive’s latest development, created in close collaboration with Network Rail, the world’s largest user of wireless slope monitoring technology.
In early 2024, Network Rail commissioned trials at a test site in Switzerland, which allowed Senceive to develop an innovative wireless detection system specifically tailored for rocky slopes. The system revolves around monitoring the effects of rockfall debris impacting catchfences and provides a robust, reliable solution with a high detection rate and a minimal incidence of false alarms.
Camera confirmation for different types of rockfall events including:
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rockfall detected by draw wire sensors. This method is based on sensors detecting the extension of a series of draw wires fixed to the fence as a result of loading by rockfall debris. It is particularly sensitive to the gradual accumulation of material over an extended period of time.
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impact on catchfence detected by tilt sensors. This approach is based on impact sensors in the Senceive NanoMacro tilt nodes mounted on catchfence stakes detecting a sudden acceleration or shock. It is ideal for detecting instantaneous events such as a small-to-medium sized boulder hitting the fence.
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rotation of catchfence stakes detected by tilt sensors. This approach is based on the detection of rotational movement by the highly sensitive tilt sensors in the same NanoMacro nodes described above. Because it requires movement of the catchfence stakes it is the most reliable way of detecting a large-scale rockfall event that hits the fence with significant force.
Each of these detection methods is powered by InfraGuard’s intelligent monitoring platform, which accelerates reporting and ensures immediate, automated transmission of high-resolution site images following an event. Equipped with cameras capable of detecting football-sized objects from 50 meters in any lighting conditions, this system enables rapid decision-making, helping to significantly reduce the risk of infrastructure disruptions, accidents, and derailments.
Designed for Challenging Environments
Built to withstand the most rugged and remote locations, Senceive’s rockfall monitoring solution operates independently, requiring no external power or fixed communications infrastructure. This makes it an ideal choice for deployment in challenging, inaccessible areas where rockfall presents a serious risk to rail, road, and other critical infrastructure.
By integrating these detection capabilities with proven technology, Senceive’s rockfall monitoring system allows operators and engineers to respond quickly and effectively to rockfall hazards, ensuring safer, more resilient infrastructure.
Learn more about how Senceive’s rockfall monitoring solution works by visiting our Rockfall Application page.
Created on: Tue 17th Sep 2024
