Shape Accel Arrays — comparative performance in a mining application

Authors: Swarbrick, GE; Clarke, SJ Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1508_10_Swarbrick

Cite As:
Swarbrick, GE & Clarke, SJ 2015, 'Shape Accel Arrays — comparative performance in a mining application', in PM Dight (ed.), FMGM 2015: Proceedings of the Ninth Symposium on Field Measurements in Geomechanics, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 195-206, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1508_10_Swarbrick



Abstract:
Shape Accel Arrays (SAAs) are being increasingly used to monitor in-ground movements at a relatively high frequency of interrogation (typically minutes). While there are significant benefits in the use of SAAs over traditional manually operated inclinometers, there remain a number of potential issues and drawbacks. Recently, an SAA was installed alongside a standard manual inclinometer installation to monitor ground movement below critical infrastructure. The instruments were used to monitor potential movements due to nearby mining. Results from both systems have been compared on a monthly basis for the past two years. During this time a number of issues were observed within the SAA results, these being false deformation, instrument drift and temperature effects. This paper describes the design, construction and monitoring of the instruments, issues encountered, and the methods employed to rectify or minimise the impact of these shortcomings. The instrument continues to provide necessary advance warning on mining induced movements.

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