A research team led by Prof. Wallace LAI Wai-lok, Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics, has leveraged advanced underground exploration technologies to develop underground utilities inspection systems that support early detection of urban infrastructure anomalies, including voids and pipe leakages, for enhanced urban management.
These advanced algorithms behind the multi-channel and road-based ground penetrating radar are well-suited for Hong Kong’s complex underground pipeline network and can accurately detect and assess underground pipeline leakages. With guidance from Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS and Chair Professor of Geomatics, on the application of optical fibre within pipelines, the system can objectively analyse the collected underground pipe images to identify water leaks and their severity, as well as the approximate location of the leak point, which will assist in subsequent repair work. The research team has also developed an acoustic-based leak detection and localisation method, which analyses noise characteristics to distinguish between different types and severities of leaks. Traditional tools like ground microphones often struggle with environmental noise, so the team is exploring the use of robots equipped with acoustic hydrophones for more precise detection.
Over the years, the team has closely collaborated with government bodies and industry to establish relevant training centre and joint laboratory, and to build a specialised database and AI model for ground-penetrating radar images and leak noise. The team aims to enable large-scale, efficient inspections and support data-driven management strategies to reduce water leakage and prevent road subsidence.
Press release: https://polyu.me/46xOdS4
Online coverage:
Mirage - https://polyu.me/42mKkgq
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/488TXmD
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3VIW896
Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4o0IOsB
| Research Units | Research Institute for Land and Space |
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