Development of automatic detection system for notifying passengers and train drivers about slides:
A notice of intent for Phase I of has already been announced. This notice of intent encompasses Phase II.
To reduce the risk of traffic in landslide-prone areas using both SVV [Norwegian Public Road Administration] and Rail Administration (JBV) automatic detection methods to alert both motorists and train drivers about avalanches. SVV wants to replace the current geophone devices with new devices that use new technology. The old devices do not work well because of a lack of robustness and outdated technology. SVV therefore wishes to examine and gain experience with modern geophone devices that use wireless, digital signal filtering and automatic SMS notification.
JBV has initiated a research project to develop a modern and robust geophone installation at Rauberg on the Nordland Line. The Norwegian Geological Institute (NGI) is a system developer in the project and is developing a modern geophone installation with wireless technology and signal filtering. A prototype will soon be ready, but it still lacks system development regarding wireless signal transmission. Both SVV and JBV want to assist NGI's funding for research and development in order to get this in place under the auspices of the NIFS project. NIFS stands for Natural Hazard Infrastructure, Floods and Landslides and is a four-year research and development program, as a collaborative effort by SVV, JBV and NVE. SVV also wants to set up a pilot plant in a landslide area at County Road 472 at Sandneslia in Gildeskål to test the prototype in the field when it is fully developed. The pilot installation will be the first modern wireless geophone facility for automatic avalanche warning in Norway, and probably in Europe.
The project is divided into two phases:
Phase 1 will include system development and laboratory tests. NGI is investing NOK 300,000 (in addition to the NOK 450,000 it previously invested in Rauberget (JBV) in 2013). Furthermore the NIFS project is also granting NOK 300,000 as supported research. The goal of Phase 1 will be to qualify the technology and finished developing the basic framework for a system that can meet the needs of both SVV and JBV.
SVV and and JBV have decided to proceed with Phase 2.
Regarding SVV, Phase 2 will include the manufacture and installation of the prototype in Sanneslia. Some programming of algorithms for the qualification of "events" in a customized way]. The production costs will be approximately the cost price, and the installation (estimated at approx. 1-week's work) will be carried out by employees from SVV under the guidance of NGI representatives. In addition, there are costs related to operation and maintenance of the system during the trial period. The estimated cost is approx. NOK 2 million. Phase 2 will be funded by SVV in full.