MEMS and other Miniaturised Electronics as Geotechnical Engineering Tools

Dr Ryan D. Beemer

About the presentation

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors have become a common part of everyday life. These sensors tell mobile phone screens to rotate when tilted, ensure the car icon in GPS applications points in the correct direction, and inform drivers when tyre pressures are low. The pervasiveness of MEMS is due to their low cost and high reliability which is achieved by using silicon mass production techniques like those employed for manufacturing computer processors. In recent years MEMS accelerometers have even found their way into geotechnical research and practice, mainly to measure tilt and soil mass deformation. However, MEMS accelerometers are just the tip of the silicon iceberg, there are still many different types of MEMS for geotechnical engineers to explore. This presentation will discuss a variety of MEMS (and other micro-electrical systems) sensors that have been developed for the mobile device, gaming, and automotive industries, and how they could be utilized in geotechnical engineering.

About Dr Ryan D. Beemer

Dr Ryan D. Beemer is a Laureate Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems at The University of Western Australia. His research activities include developing sensing systems for geotechnical engineering and the geotechnical centrifuge, studying the behaviour of caisson type foundations for renewable energy systems, and investigating the micro-mechanics of offshore calcareous sediments.

Venue location

CAMPUS MAP

Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.