Study on applicability of 3D methane laser scanning system for construction and operation of tunnels

Motoshima, Takayuki*; Shirase, Mitsuyasu*; Sanoki, Satoru*; Miyakawa, Kazuya   

Release of methane gas from sedimentary formations is often reported during excavation or operation of tunnels. Detecting methane gas, an odorless and colorless gas, is an important safety issue during construction and operational phases as it is explosive when mixed with air. This paper presents an approach to detect methane gas by integrating a laser methane detector into a 3-dimensional laser scanning system, including the system setup, performance of the system in the field, data implementation, and data visualization method. The system was tested at the underground research laboratory located at a depth of 350 m in sedimentary formations.