New engineering insights gained using new generation of sensor systems

Kenichi Soga
Professor of Civil Engineering, Department of Engineering
University of Cambridge, U.K.

Abstract: In recent years, research and technology development on sensor and communications have been undergoing a revolution. In particular, we are starting to see certain innovative sensing techniques such as computer vision, fibre optic sensing, miniature sensors (Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)) and wireless sensor network introduced in engineering practice for condition assessment and monitoring of structures, and in some cases replacing the existing methods. Using such innovations, there are great opportunities for civil engineers to advance our understanding of the performance of structures. Active monitoring will provide engineering intelligence when the actual behaviour of the structure is compared to the design prediction. Several case studies in London will be presented in the talk to demonstrate that we can be more proactive than we used to be in closing the gap between theory and application by using recent advances in field instrumentation and monitoring systems.

Bio: Kenichi Soga is Professor of Civil Engineering and the Head of the Geotechnical Group at the University of Cambridge. He is Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering as well as Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He obtained his BEng and MEng from Kyoto University in Japan and PhD from the University of California at Berkeley in 1994. His current research activities are innovative monitoring and long-term performance of geoinfrastructure, energy geomechanics, and modeling of geotechnical construction processes. He has published more than 250 journal and conference papers and is co-author of "Fundamentals of Soil Behavior, 3rd edition" with Professor James K Mitchell. He is recipient of many awards including George Stephenson Medal (2006) and Telford Gold Medal (2010) from the Institution of Civil Engineers and Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize (2007) from the American Society of Civil Engineers.