An integrated intelligent long-term device for the borehole monitoring of deformation and evolution of fractures in rock masses
Jun Zhao*, Jiang-Long Zhao, Xia-Ting Feng, Yue Guo, Xiao-Jun Zhang, Hong-Wei Xiang
Deep Resources Engineering. 2026, 3(2): 100204. 
doi.org10.1016j.deepre.2025.100204.pdf
Abstract: To solve the problems of complex operation, low efficiency, and lagging information collection in rock mass disaster monitoring, an integrated monitoring device is developed, which can simultaneously collect information related to the deformation and fracture of boreholes in rock mass. The device has broken through six key technologies: (1) an adaptive lifting structure is established to achieve stable movement in boreholes in rock mass under different apertures, inclination angles and complex environments; (2) a integrated monitoring probe is developed, which can synchronously monitor borehole deformation and fracture characteristics identification as well as capture co-evolution; (3) high-precision measurement technology was invented to solve the problem of inaccurate positioning of deep rock deformation and fractures; (4) overcoming the problem of insufficient waterproofing and dustproofing of traditional devices to ensure that information collection is not disturbed; (5) an intelligent fracture identification function is proposed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of rock fracture identification; and (6) a long-term unmanned continuous monitoring method is proposed to ensure the timeliness and continuity of rock mass information collection. The working temperature range of the device is −20 °C to 60 °C, and the traction force is 100 N, making it suitable for vertical borehole. Laboratory and field tests prove the stability and reliability of the device, which can support the long-term monitoring application of the deep rock mass project site, showing prefect performance and broad application prospects.
Highlights:
• An adaptive lifting framework is developed to automatically collect different types borehole information in rock mass.
• A probe is developed for synchronously monitoring deformation and fracture inside boreholes in rock mass.
• Intelligent monitoring system is introduced to improve the efficiency of rock mass data analysis.
Keywords: Deformation; Fracture; Borehole wall; Adaptive lifting structure; In-situ intelligent continuous monitoring
Cite: Zhao, J.; Zhao, J.-L.; Feng, X.-T.; Guo, Y.; Zhang, X.-J.; Xiang, H.-W., An integrated intelligent long-term device for the borehole monitoring of deformation and evolution of fractures in rock masses, Deep Resources Engineering 2026, 3 (2), 100204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.deepre.2025.100204
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