Networked MEMS Pressure Sensor Design to Detect Pore Water Pressure for Landslide Monitoring

Landslides are natural disasters that frequently occur in mountainous and hilly regions and can cause significant damage to human life, infrastructure, and the environment. Early detection of landslide conditions is essential for reducing these risks. One of the important parameters influencing landslide occurrence is the increase in pore water pressure within soil layers, which weakens soil strength and triggers slope failure. This research presents the design of a networked MEMS-based pressure sensor system for monitoring pore water pressure in landslide-prone areas. The proposed system uses a micro piezoresistive MEMS pressure sensor to detect variations in underground water pressure. The collected data is processed through a microcontroller and transmitted using wireless communication modules for real-time monitoring. Analytical simulation of the sensor design is performed using MATLAB, while numerical simulation is carried out using INTELLISUITE to optimize parameters such as diaphragm dimensions and piezoresistor placement. The developed sensor can detect pressure in the range of 0–350 kPa. Compared to conventional monitoring devices such as piezometers, the proposed MEMS-based system is smaller, cost-effective, and suitable for large-scale deployment. The system provides an efficient approach for landslide monitoring and early warning applications.