Part 1: Technical Talk on "Innovations in Tunnel Monitoring: Insights to Advanced Technologies"

Tunnel monitoring has advanced significantly with the emergence of cutting-edge technologies, each offering unique advantages and addressing specific challenges. This technical talk provides a comparative overview of three prominent methods: Total Stations, Shape Acceleration Arrays (SAA), and Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS), showcasing their respective strengths, limitations, and practical applications.

Total Stations are renowned for their high precision in angular and distance measurements, making them indispensable for assessing structural shifts with pinpoint accuracy. However, their reliance on line-of-sight observations and manual setup may pose challenges in complex or obstructed environments.

SAA systems, on the other hand, excel in tracking overall deformations and displacements of tunnel geometries. Their capability to provide continuous deformation profiles makes them suitable for monitoring large-scale structural movements. Yet, their resolution is limited compared to localized strain measurements, and their deployment may require careful alignment to capture critical data effectively.

DFOS introduces a novel approach by monitoring distributed strain and temperature along structural elements. This technology offers unparalleled insights into localized changes, making it ideal for identifying stress points or thermal variations. Despite its advantages, DFOS can be more expensive to install and maintain, and its effectiveness heavily depends on the quality of the optical cable installation and the type of interrogator.

Through real-world examples and recent project case studies, this session will highlight how understanding the pros and cons of these methods enables engineers to select the most appropriate technology for specific tunnel monitoring needs. Join us to gain valuable insights into tailoring monitoring solutions for modern infrastructure challenges.


Speaker : Dr. Henry Tan

Dr Henry Tan is currently the Technical Director for Geonamics (S) Pte. Ltd. He has been involved in various instrumentation projects, especially in land reclamation and tunnelling related projects since year 2005. Dr Tan continuously embarks on research projects that are related to ground improvement, and geotechnical instrumentations. Besides instrumentation, he is also involved in other research, such as geothermal deep slimhole drilling works, soil sintering, robotic integrated total system (RITS) and geotextile materials testing.


Part 2: Technical Talk on “Enhancing Tunnel Safety with Distributed Fibre Optic Sensor, Real-time wireless sensor and Digital Imager Deformation Monitoring System”

Instrumentation plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and structural integrity of tunnels, particularly when addressing challenges posed by unstable geological conditions such as loose rock fragments, fault zones, shear zones, karst formations, and cavities. These geological hazards can lead to deformation, partial collapses, or structural damage, jeopardizing the tunnel’s functionality and safety. Effective monitoring is essential not only during construction but also throughout the tunnel’s operational lifespan.

Advanced instrumentation systems provide real-time data, enabling engineers to detect, analyze, and mitigate potential issues before they develop into critical failures. Modern tunnel monitoring leverages a combination of technologies to measure parameters such as displacement, strain, pressure, temperature, and water ingress. The integration of these systems ensures comprehensive and precise monitoring, reduces risks, and supports informed decision-making.

The integration of advanced instrumentation technologies such as Distributed Fibre Optic Sensors (DFOS), remote wireless sensors, and digital imager deformation monitoring systems, have become essential in modern tunnel engineering. These systems enhance the ability to monitor and respond effectively to geological challenges, safeguarding tunnels during both construction and long-term operation. This seminar will explore the application of DFOS, remote wireless sensors, and digital imager deformation monitoring systems in tunnel monitoring. Their capabilities, advantages, and limitations will be discussed.


Speaker: Dr. Tee Bun Pin

Dr. Tee Bun Pin is a civil engineer with extensive experience in both academia and industry. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Dr. Tee has over six years of experience as a consulting engineer in high-rise building and infrastructure design, and five years of experience as infrastructure and building contractor.

Since 2012, Dr. Tee has focused in the research and application of Fibre Optic Sensing Technology, successfully implementing this technology in various civil engineering projects across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia and Kazakhstan. His work has been widely published, with numerous papers presented at international conferences and journals, focusing on topics such as structural assessment, pile load testing, and underground structure monitoring using Fibre Optic Sensing system.

As the founder and General Manager of Smart Sensing Technology Sdn Bhd (SST), established in 2015, Dr. Tee leads the company in providing advanced foundation testing, geotechnical instrumentation, and structural health monitoring services using Fibre Optic Sensing system and other innovative and conventional instrumentation. SST has played a important role in projects such as MRT2, LRT3, Merdeka 118, and Exchange 106 @ TRX, Changi Airport, Penang Second Bridge, TNB Penang monopole transmission tower, ECRL, SUKE among others.

Dr. Tee is also an experienced speaker, having conducted seminars and workshops on Fibre Optic Sensing Technology and pile testing at various institutions and conferences in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Kazakhstan. His expertise covers a broad range of applications, including varies type of shallow and deep foundation testing, bridge monitoring, building monitoring and tunnel deformation monitoring.