A novel methodology for geometry assessment of self-drilling micropiles using distributed fiber optic sensors

Self-drilling micropiles (SDM) are gaining popularity as bearing foundation elements, as this construction technique allows for considerable time and cost savings. However, the irregular geometry and variability in the bearing capacity present uncertainty and a significant risk that has limited SDM deployment. To date, no reliable technology has been used to measure the SDM geometry. This paper proposes a methodology that uses distributed fiber optics (DFO), heat conduction modeling, and inverse analysis to measure the pile geometry and could also be extended to assess its bearing capacity. The temperature distribution during cement hydration was measured using two DFO investigative technologies and was compared to traditional temperature measurements using point sensors. An inverse analysis of SDM geometry was subsequently carried out based on the DFO measurement of temperature a finite element (FE) heat conduction model and a calibration pile. Finally, the calculated pile geometry was compared to the geometry of excavated pile in the uppermost part. The methodology presented here is not only intended as a tool for designing SDMs but can also be deployed as a structural health monitoring system to detect and monitor crack formation.