Geotechnical IoT Shifts Water Infrastructure From Reactive To Predictive
By Emily Newton
Currently, water infrastructure is outdated and fragile, prone to breakages and leaks. Reactive approaches to water infrastructure are only implemented after an incident and are more expensive than simple maintenance fixes. Geotechnical Internet of Things (IoT) devices enable water and wastewater industry professionals to identify and address issues before they escalate into catastrophic events.
Why A Reactive Model Is Insufficient
A reactive model for dealing with water and wastewater infrastructure is ineffective because it waits for large incidents to occur. There are significant consequences for these failures, such as extensive costs for emergency repairs and water loss. Another consequence is the harm water leakage causes to the surrounding environment. Beyond public health risks, water can contain pollutants that harm the local ecosystem. Water-related incidents also cause reputational damage to the water company responsible, resulting in significant revenue losses.
A concrete example involves a retaining wall. If water hits a retaining wall and causes a crack, it can pool behind it and lead to incidents, such as water blowouts. To fix these issues, workers typically have to improve the drainage, reinforce the wall itself, or anchor it more firmly in the ground. While these tasks are possible, a simple fix to the first crack would have prevented some unnecessary labor. Reactive models are unsustainable for the future of water infrastructure.
The Role Of Geotechnical IoT
Geotechnical IoT devices are revolutionizing how water and wastewater industry professionals address challenges. These machines monitor the condition of pipes and other water-related equipment to detect minor issues that could escalate. Geotechnical IoT devices detect factors like soil moisture, vibrations, ground movement, water quality, pipe strain, and pressure. Monitoring these areas helps engineers identify potential cracks, leaks, or other concerns and streamline the repair process.
This technology extends the lifespan of older water infrastructure. Like when contractors retrofit buildings instead of demolishing them, they preserve the building’s integrity and limit construction waste sent to landfills. The same principle applies to modifying older water infrastructure. Advanced devices prevent disasters and limit the extent to which water companies pollute the environment through their equipment.
How Geotechnical Monitoring Systems Transform Water Management
Geotechnical monitoring systems require a multistep approach to transform water management. The devices collect the information, analyze it, and send alerts to the necessary personnel. Below is how each of these steps works together to create a cohesive system.
Sensors Detect Specific Areas
Geotechnical IoT devices are specialized sensors that detect changes in subsurface pressure and drainage degradation. To measure pore water pressure, the device uses a piezometer. If the pressure is unstable, then it sends the information to another platform. When detecting degradation, the device monitors chemical shifts that could indicate degradation from water drainage. If it detects an unusual chemical, it sends the data onward as well. These sensors are essential for identifying potential problem areas as they occur.
Platforms Collect and Analyze Data
Once the geotechnical IoT devices collect data, a cloud-based platform analyzes it. Using tools like AI and machine learning, the platform can identify patterns and predict when structural failures will occur. Engineers can even use IoT sensors in construction to identify discrepancies before the project is built or remodeled. This practice prevents structural issues in the foundation and limits unnecessary future collapses or deterioration.
System Sends Alerts to Relevant Staff
Once the device collects the data and the platform analyzes it, then the geotechnical monitoring system can send specialized alerts to the necessary personnel. If there is an unknown chemical in the water or abnormal pressure points, the system alerts an engineer or supervisor to address the issue before mass contamination or leaks. The system serves as a tool for infrastructure failure prevention in the water and wastewater industry.
This entire process is an example of the shift from utility-based fixes to proactive intervention in water infrastructure. Because of its ability to prevent severe incidents, modern sensor deployment will become the industry standard for risk mitigation on sloped or pressure-sensitive infrastructure sites.
How To Prepare For Geotechnical IoT Implementation
Employing geotechnical IoT in water infrastructure can be overwhelming at first, but its benefits outweigh the initial challenges. Still, professionals need to know what they are signing up for when purchasing geotechnical IoT devices. Below are some ways to prepare.
Prepare for New Floods of Data
Geotechnical IoT devices collect more detailed data for engineers and IT teams to sift through. Professionals should prepare themselves for this new influx of data. There needs to be a place to store all the information, and staff should handle the various alerts it could send.
Creating an explicitly dedicated data collection team can help companies adapt. The computer systems handling and receiving the data must be upgraded to prevent significant network crashes and delays. These practices should prepare facilities to handle a large amount of data.
Integrate Geotechnical IoT With Existing Technology
Water companies have many existing technologies to support the current water infrastructure. To adapt to new IoT devices, engineers should invest in a management system that integrates well with the existing technology.
They should also consider strengthening cybersecurity to prevent attacks and disruptions that could affect water and wastewater infrastructure. A sound system is a cloud-based platform with safeguards like traffic monitoring and multi-factor authentication. However, some professionals prefer on-site servers since they are considered safer. It is up to the water company to decide.
Provide Workers With Proper Training
Because of the flood of new data and technological integration, water company employees must receive proper training to handle these changes. In some cases, new employees may have to join the team as well.
Webinars and working with experienced professionals can aid educational efforts. Some training may involve investors in demonstrating the importance of implementing these new geotechnical sensors. With adequate training, water company staff are prepared to handle these new changes.
Benefits Of A Predictive Approach To Water Infrastructure
Having a predictive approach to water infrastructure benefits water and wastewater companies in many ways. It saves money, improves safety, and extends the lifespans of necessary water infrastructure. The following are some of these benefits in greater detail.
Significant Cost Savings
Predicting and fixing small issues in water infrastructure saves high costs. Geotechnical IoT devices detect tiny problems as they occur. The cost of that repair is significantly lower than it would be if the issue went untreated. Predictive analytics can also help professionals create continuous, optimized maintenance schedules, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs. Additionally, the devices prevent water loss and lower the company’s insurance premiums by limiting incidents.
Improved Safety Conditions
When a water system fails, it can endanger nearby staff and the facility’s surrounding wildlife. Burst pipes can poison drinking water and contaminate the local plants. Geotechnical IoT devices detect issues before they escalate, protecting the public and the environment from dangerous incidents. Some devices even provide digital safety training for employees working in water facilities, further preventing hazards.
Asset Lifespan Extensions
Since water infrastructure is older, geotechnical IoT devices provide the necessary fixes to extend the lifespan of the equipment. Since the machinery is fixed and replaced at the optimal time, it deteriorates more slowly and prevents entire remodels or complete machinery replacements. Some big fixes require facility disruptions that halt operations, but continuous monitoring can reduce that downtime.
Predictive Geotechnical IoT Solutions
A predictive model is more sustainable for water infrastructure with geotechnical IoT devices. Water and wastewater professionals should deploy geotechnical IoT devices across their company’s infrastructure. They provide rapid, strategic solutions that prevent catastrophic events. The benefits of predictive monitoring solutions will be evident as they integrate into the current water facility’s infrastructure.
Emily Newton is an industrial journalist. She regularly covers stories for the utilities and energy sectors. Newton is also editor-in-chief of Revolutionized (revolutionized.com).