Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and Trends
Termites pose significant threats to the structural integrity of embankments due to their nesting and tunneling behavior, which leads to internal voids, water leakage, or even dam failure. This review systematically classifies and evaluates current termite detection techniques in the context of emba...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Sensors |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4404 |
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| author | Xiaoke Li Xiaofei Zhang Shengwen Dong Ansheng Li Liqing Wang Wuyi Ming |
| author_facet | Xiaoke Li Xiaofei Zhang Shengwen Dong Ansheng Li Liqing Wang Wuyi Ming |
| author_sort | Xiaoke Li |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Termites pose significant threats to the structural integrity of embankments due to their nesting and tunneling behavior, which leads to internal voids, water leakage, or even dam failure. This review systematically classifies and evaluates current termite detection techniques in the context of embankment maintenance, focusing on physical sensing technologies and biological characteristic-based methods. Physical sensing methods enable non-invasive localization of subsurface anomalies, including ground-penetrating radar, acoustic detection, and electrical resistivity imaging. Biological characteristic-based methods, such as electronic noses, sniffer dogs, visual inspection, intelligent monitoring, and UAV-based image analysis, are capable of detecting volatile compounds and surface activity signs associated with termites. The review summarizes key principles, application scenarios, advantages, and limitations of each technique. It also highlights integrated multi-sensor frameworks and artificial intelligence algorithms as emerging solutions to enhance detection accuracy, adaptability, and automation. The findings suggest that future termite detection in embankments will rely on interdisciplinary integration and intelligent monitoring systems to support early warning, rapid response, and long-term structural resilience. This work provides a scientific foundation and practical reference for advancing termite management and embankment safety strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-491871cacaa642fca2c9add4baa2b4f8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1424-8220 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sensors |
| spelling | doaj-art-491871cacaa642fca2c9add4baa2b4f82025-08-20T03:56:49ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-07-012514440410.3390/s25144404Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and TrendsXiaoke Li0Xiaofei Zhang1Shengwen Dong2Ansheng Li3Liqing Wang4Wuyi Ming5Henan Key Lab of Intelligent Manufacturing of Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou 450002, ChinaHenan Key Lab of Intelligent Manufacturing of Mechanical Equipment, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou 450002, ChinaKey Laboratory of Termite Control of Ministry of Water Resources, Hubei Water Resources Research Institute, Wuhan 430070, ChinaHydropower Equipment and Intelligent System Engineering Technology Research Centre of Henan Province, Department of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Henan Vocational College of Water Conservancy and Environment, Zhengzhou 450002, ChinaHydropower Equipment and Intelligent System Engineering Technology Research Centre of Henan Province, Department of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Henan Vocational College of Water Conservancy and Environment, Zhengzhou 450002, ChinaGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Manufacturing Equipment, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Dongguan 523808, ChinaTermites pose significant threats to the structural integrity of embankments due to their nesting and tunneling behavior, which leads to internal voids, water leakage, or even dam failure. This review systematically classifies and evaluates current termite detection techniques in the context of embankment maintenance, focusing on physical sensing technologies and biological characteristic-based methods. Physical sensing methods enable non-invasive localization of subsurface anomalies, including ground-penetrating radar, acoustic detection, and electrical resistivity imaging. Biological characteristic-based methods, such as electronic noses, sniffer dogs, visual inspection, intelligent monitoring, and UAV-based image analysis, are capable of detecting volatile compounds and surface activity signs associated with termites. The review summarizes key principles, application scenarios, advantages, and limitations of each technique. It also highlights integrated multi-sensor frameworks and artificial intelligence algorithms as emerging solutions to enhance detection accuracy, adaptability, and automation. The findings suggest that future termite detection in embankments will rely on interdisciplinary integration and intelligent monitoring systems to support early warning, rapid response, and long-term structural resilience. This work provides a scientific foundation and practical reference for advancing termite management and embankment safety strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4404embankmenttermitesdetectionphysical sensingbiological characteristics |
| spellingShingle | Xiaoke Li Xiaofei Zhang Shengwen Dong Ansheng Li Liqing Wang Wuyi Ming Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and Trends Sensors embankment termites detection physical sensing biological characteristics |
| title | Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and Trends |
| title_full | Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and Trends |
| title_fullStr | Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and Trends |
| title_full_unstemmed | Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and Trends |
| title_short | Termite Detection Techniques in Embankment Maintenance: Methods and Trends |
| title_sort | termite detection techniques in embankment maintenance methods and trends |
| topic | embankment termites detection physical sensing biological characteristics |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4404 |
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