Project Info
Low-cost Infrastructure and Geotechnical Monitoring using Raspberry Pi Seismology
Jeffery Shragge | mailto:jschragge@mines.edu
The introduction of low-cost seismometers using Raspberry Pi technology offers a novel way to investigate and monitor essential civilian infrastructure (e.g., dams, bridges and tunnels) or geotechnical hazards (e.g., landslides). This project looks at developing, deploying and maintaining a small network of seismic sensors to continuously acquire ambient geophysical data that can be used to monitor beneath the surface of infrastructure or earthen dams over calendar time. The student will work toward automating the geophysical data analysis, so that it may transmitted in real-time to allow for timely reporting of developing issues requiring attention..
More Information
Raspberry Pi: https://www.raspberrypi.org/
Raspberry Shake seismometer: https://www.raspberryshake.org/
Grand Engineering: Restore and improve urban infrastructure
Student Preparation
Qualifications
The student should have taken the CSM Introduction to Computing course (or equivalent), and have a basic understanding and interest in programming Python-based solutions to scientific problems. Advanced CSM CSCI courses in microelectronics (i.e., Raspberry Pi) would be an asset. Experience in seismology (i.e., exploration, global, or engineering) is also an asset.
Time Commitment
20 hours/month
Skills/Techniques Gained
Experience in: (1) Raspberry Pi computing (i.e., handling microelectronics, sensors, Python programming); (2) geophysical data analysis of both active and ambient seismic waveforms; and (3) geophysics-based infrastructure monitoring.
Mentoring Plan
The student will meet with me on a fortnightly basis to discuss project progress and planning of the next steps. The student will have additional resources in Python-based programming through geophysics graduate student research assistants. The student is encouraged to participate in group seminar, present work, and receive feedback.