Several application examples are shown in which Light Emitting Deformation Sensors are used for deformation monitoring of infrastructures (slopes, tunnels, etc) and other purposes. Unlike conventional method of data acquisition, the use of this new device enables real-time data processing and visualization onsite, so that the state of deformation for a rock structure in concern is grasped with no delay in time and is shown visually to anyone nearby. Rationally designed use of this sensor could minimize risks not only during construction of infrastructures but also during their service time.
Landside disasters due to heavy rainfall cause collapse of house and damage infrastructure, involving in most cases some casualties. Measures to minimize damages in these circumstances have been taken in every country. However, the death toll still remains at a considerable level. It is difficult to cover all of dangerous regions already identified. A primary reason for this is the cost required for installation of modern monitoring systems. In addition, the speed required for a monitoring system in order to give emergency warning signal or message to nearby citizens, might not be fast enough even for a very "so called" advances monitoring system. To overcome these problems, a new deformation sensor has been developed. This sensor can be produced at a relatively low cost, is easy to install for arbitrary situations, can change its color and informthe real-time state of deformations to people nearby. This sensor is called LEDS (Light Emitting Deformation Sensor). In this paper, the basic concept of the LEDS is introduced briefly. Also described are some application example of the LEDS, associated with rock fall detection, deformation monitoring for bridge, and some other cases for engineering education.
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the fundamental structure of the device.