ABSTRACT
A novel design for a system of distributed optical fibre sensors for detecting shear deformations in discontinuities in jointed hard rock mass is presented. Preliminary experiments to show the potential of the design are conducted and results of the tests are presented. The results show that the sensor system can detect the location and direction of deformations in shear planes simulated by two concrete surfaces. It is concluded that further investigation is required to quantify the deformation of shear planes and to calibrate the properties of the system.
