6.1 Evaluation of Slope Stability Monitoring Results
(1) All monitoring activities will commence data collection from the completion of the system installation in August 2023, with ongoing monitoring of data changes. After filtering and noise reduction during data transmission through the platform, stable and reliable test data can be obtained, including value curves and raw data from various sensors (Figs. 11 ~ 13).
From the trend of data changes, all parameter data remain stable without any fluctuations or anomalies, providing preliminary validation of the feasibility of using fiber optic technology for multi-field monitoring of slope stability. Based on the monitoring data results, it can be concluded that the monitored section of the slope is in a relatively stable state.
(2)To verify the effectiveness of fiber optic deep inclinometry, the research team set up conventional surface displacement points on the slope, monitoring the slope surface displacement with a total station. Since monitoring began in 2024, no surface displacement data fluctuations have been detected, consistent with the stable slope condition indicated by the fiber optic deep inclinometry.
6.2 Economic Analysis
(1) Economic Analysis of Remote Monitoring of Rebar Stress, Rainfall, and Water Level
Assuming the monitoring equipment and installation costs for manual monitoring and automated monitoring of rebar stress, rainfall, and water level are equal. Only compare the costs of remote monitoring stations and manual monitoring.
According to the engineering monitoring fee standards, the monitoring fees for rebar stress, water level, and rainfall are respectively 116 yuan per time, 50 yuan per time, and 45 yuan per time. Based on the monitoring content of this project, there are 17 rebar stress points, and 1 each for water level and rainfall, with a total cost of 2067 yuan per time. Considering the traffic conditions and the difficulty of monitoring, the market fee should be no less than 2000 yuan per time.
The total investment cost for the automation monitoring station of this project is 36,000 yuan. Therefore, when the number of monitoring instances exceeds 36,000/2,000 = 18 times, the costs of both methods break even. Considering an initial monitoring cycle of 2 years and a manual monitoring frequency of 2 times per month, the total cost of automated monitoring is significantly lower than that of manual monitoring, demonstrating clear economic benefits.
(2) Economic Analysis of Deep Displacement Monitoring Using Fiber Bragg Gratings
Assuming the drilling costs for manual monitoring and automated monitoring are the same. Therefore, only the costs of periodic manual monitoring and the equipment costs of automated monitoring are compared economically.
Manual monitoring standard fee: For a 25-meter borehole, the charge is 29 yuan per test per meter, so the fee per borehole per test = 25 meters × 29 yuan per test per meter = 725 yuan per test. Considering the difficulty of slope engineering monitoring and transportation, the market rate is 600 yuan per borehole per test. For this project, the deep displacement monitoring fee for three deep displacement holes is 1800 yuan per test. (This does not include the depreciation cost of the monitoring equipment, so the actual charge will be higher than the calculated fee)
Cost of automated monitoring based on fiber Bragg grating for deep displacement: The total cost of the fiber Bragg grating monitoring system for this project, including the grating sensors, fiber optic demodulator, and monitoring station, is 135,000 yuan.
(3) Economic Comparison
① According to the cost balance calculation between manual monitoring and automated monitoring equipment, 135000/1800 = 75 times, which means that when the number of manual monitoring times reaches 75, the cost of automated monitoring equals that of manual monitoring. If calculated based on 4 times per month, the monitoring period is approximately 19 months, which means that when the monitoring period is 19 months, the cost of manual monitoring equals that of automated monitoring.
② With the extension of the monitoring period, the cost of automated monitoring increases less, while the cost of manual monitoring continues to rise with the number of monitoring instances. Comparing the commonly used 2-year monitoring period in current engineering, the total cost of deep displacement monitoring based on fiber Bragg grating automation is lower than that of manual monitoring, making its economic advantage more apparent.
③ This section only provides a cost comparison, assuming manual periodic monitoring occurs 4 times per month. In contrast, the advantages of automated monitoring, such as 24/7 real-time monitoring and the absence of monitoring operation risks, become even more apparent.
Based on a comprehensive analysis, for the initial 2-year monitoring period, the total cost of the multi-field monitoring system based on fiber Bragg grating deep displacement monitoring technology is lower and has clear economic advantages. Moreover, as the monitoring period extends, the cost advantage becomes even more evident. Additionally, the implementation feasibility and safety of automated monitoring cannot be matched by manual monitoring. Therefore, the multi-field monitoring technology based on fiber Bragg grating has comprehensive economic benefits.
6.3 Applicability Analysis
(1) From the results of the optical fiber monitoring system application, it shows that for slopes with certain sunlight exposure (sufficient for solar photovoltaic charging) and deep horizontal displacement requirements, it has widespread applicability.
(2) Design of deep-level horizontal displacement measurement boreholes. Slope failures occur along shear surfaces; therefore, for soil slope failures, the borehole depth should exceed the potential sliding surface and penetrate about one meter into the bedrock. For highly weathered rock slopes, the borehole depth should pass through the weathered fracture zone and enter the moderately weathered rock layer by about one meter.
(3) Due to the use of fiber Bragg grating technology, the grating points are spaced at 1-meter intervals, offering economic benefits.