Advanced Sensor Technologies for Mining, Construction and Geotechnical Investigations

Abstract:

The purpose of this project is to exchange knowledge between TU Graz and Chiang Mai University concerning modern sensor technologies and their applications in geo-engineering. This will be accomplished through a multi-day workshop concentrating on sensor characteristics, planning of investigations, analysis of results and illustrative case histories. The workshop includes theoretical aspects (covered in the computer laboratory) and applied aspects (field excursions to active mining projects in Thailand).

The workshop content was presented by Univ.-Prof. D. Kieffer and his doctoral student Mr. C. Zambanini. In addition to the transfer of knowledge in teaching, securing research cooperation in the form of a jointly supervised MS/PhD thesis is a goal of international research network and further develop didactic skills.

UAV photogrammetric data processing at Chiang Mai University, © Kieffer

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Implementation Period:

04.06.2023 – 14.06.2023

Project:

This project involved cooperation between TU Graz, and the Chaing Mai and Chulalongkorn Universities in Thailand.

In the past decade great advancements have been made concerning remote sensing technologies and their applications in the applied geosciences. As examples: (1) traditional photogrammetry has been greatly enhanced by incorporating computer vision and structure-from-motion solutions; (2) terrestrial based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) surveys for displacement monitoring now provide continuous measurements with accuracies the order of 0.1 mm; and (3) drone-based platforms have significantly enhanced capabilities for performing remote measurements in otherwise inaccessible terrain. These and other modern sensor technologies have significant potential for optimizing processes in mining engineering, heavy construction and geotechnical investigations. The Institute of Applied Geosciences at TU Graz has an assortment of experience using high-tech modern sensors that are tailored for specialized geotechnical investigations. Chief amongst these are radars, laser scanners (LiDAR) and multi-sensor drone platforms.

The purpose of this project is to exchange knowledge between TU Graz and Chiang Mai University concerning modern sensor technologies and their applications in geo-engineering. This will be accomplished through a multi-day workshop concentrating on sensor characteristics, planning of investigations, analysis of results and illustrative case histories. The workshop includes theoretical aspects (covered in the computer laboratory) and applied aspects (field excursions to active mining projects in Thailand).

The TU Graz workshop presenters include Univ.-Prof D. Kieffer and his doctoral student Mr. C. Zambanini. In addition to the transfer of knowledge in teaching, securing research cooperation in the form a of jointly supervised MS / PhD thesis is a goal of this project. This could potentially take the form of a TU Graz performing cooperative applied research together with CMU at mining sites in Thailand, or a CMU student coming to Graz to gain first-hand knowledge in sensor utilization. The interest in such research exchange was confirmed with Chaing Mai University and Chulalongkorn University during the Workshop.  Funding to support such cooperation is presently being explored. The project further provides an exceptional opportunity for Mr. Zambanini (doctoral student) to extend his international research network and further develop didactic skills.

The specific project agenda included:

July 4, 5:  Travel from Graz to Chiang Mai.
July 6: Reconnaissance trip from Chiang Mai to the Mae Moh Mine for Workshop preparation.
July 7: Workshop classroom presentations (sensor fundamentals, case studies, modeling workflow and data extraction).
July 8: Workshop travel of 24 participants to the Mae Moh Mine for collecting UAV photogrammetric data.
July 9:  Workshop classroom presentations:  processing of data obtained at the Mae Moh Mine.
July 10: Follow-up meetings at Chiang Mai University to discuss development of cooperation between TU Graz and CMU.
July 11: Travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
July 12: Follow-up meetings at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok to discuss development of cooperation with TU Graz.
July 13, 14: Return travel from Bangkok to Graz.