NTT East, NEC, and Kashima applied optical fiber sensing technology and conducted a demonstration experiment in which optical fibers for communication already installed on utility poles were used as vibration sensors. Through this experiment, we were the first in the world to succeed in detecting vibration during tunnel excavation work using optical fiber for communication. As a result, without the need to install new sensors, construction work can be carried out while grasping, in real time, the vibration conditions that occur in the surrounding area over a wide area.
When proceeding with construction work in urban areas and residential areas, it is important to gain the understanding and cooperation of the residents of the surrounding areas. In particular, it is necessary to constantly grasp the impact of vibrations caused by construction work in order to consider the surrounding environment and reduce the anxiety of residents. However, there are various types of vibrations caused by construction work, and it is difficult to predict which areas will be affected and to what extent. In addition, there were limits to the long-term installation of multiple vibrometers outside the site site for measurement, and to manual measurement rounds.
They came up with a demonstration experiment to meet such challenges.