Fibre Sensor Network for Early Road Collapse Detection in Sri Lanka

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project Name:Fibre Sensor Network for Early Road Collapse Detection in Sri Lanka

This research presents a cutting-edge monitoring technique using optical fibre sensors to detect road infrastructure failures early. Embedded beneath roads, these sensors provide real-time data on structural conditions, identifying potential collapses before they occur.

The high-resolution information enhances early warning systems, enabling authorities to prioritize and reduce risks effectively.

This cost-efficient, scalable approach is particularly valuable for improving road safety in Sri Lanka and Australia, ensuring resilient infrastructure and safer transportation networks.

Annual losses from
flooding in Sri Lanka
$ 0 mn
Of Sri Lanka’s road
network susceptible
to landslides
0 %

Impact and Key Findings

1

The optical fiber sensor system effectively monitors road conditions, delivering precise, real-time data to detect early signs of potential collapses. This enables timely, proactive maintenance, reducing infrastructure failures and enhancing road safety in high-risk areas. 

2

The sensors provide real-time data transmission over long distances, enabling continuous monitoring of remote and high-risk road sections. This ensures early detection of potential failures, strengthening the safety and resilience of critical transportation infrastructure. 

3

Future advancements could incorporate sensors for water pressure and soil properties, enhancing prediction accuracy. This comprehensive model would provide deeper insights into road instability causes, enabling proactive risk reduction and improving the resilience of transportation infrastructure. 

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.