A smart sensor capable of detecting signs of ground or structural collapse has been developed by a team of researchers from The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT).

According to its developers, the KICT smart sensor detects signs of ground or structural collapse in real-time. Installed 1 m to 2 m apart in areas susceptible to collapse, the ground sensing smart sensor activates a corresponding LED warning light as soon as it detects ground movement. Further, the sensor’s optical transmitting lens technology enables the LED alert to be visible to the unaided eye, at distances of 100 m — day or night.

Source: KICTSource: KICT

The smart sensor is reportedly sensitive enough to detect changes in slope as subtle as 0.03°, is easy to install and functions well under temperature extremes. An algorithm analyzes and evaluates risk of collapse to prevent false alarms.

The researchers suggest that the smart sensors could be installed at construction sites, public works, historical buildings, mines, underground structures, tunneling work and areas vulnerable to landslide.

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