Illuminating the depths: Fiber Optic Sensing and the Accessible Future of Dynamic Rock Mass Management

ABSTRACT: Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology has emerged as a significant development in geotechnical monitoring within the mining industry, particularly for deep and high-stress environments. This presentation will provide an objective assessment of DFOS technology, examining its capabilities and limitations in rock mass response monitoring. As the technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, it offers the potential for continuous, high-resolution data acquisition, enabling detailed analysis of microseismic activity, strain variations, and rock mass behaviour. Case studies will be presented to illustrate the technology’s performance in areas such as microseismic analysis, fracture network characterization and block cave monitoring. The presentation will also discuss the current limitations of the technology. These include challenges related to data interpretation complexity, fiber optics type, cable layout, and comprehensive data integration and visualization in real time. Furthermore, ongoing research and development efforts will be reviewed. This includes advancements in data processing algorithms, system design to fit mine conditions, and the exploration of applications such as real-time tomography and enhanced seismic hazard assessment. The potential for DFOS to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of dynamic rock mass behaviour and stress/strain regime will be discussed, with a focus on areas where the technology shows promise and areas where further development is required. This presentation aims to provide a balanced overview of DFOS technology, facilitating an informed evaluation of its current capabilities and future potential in geotechnical monitoring for mining.