Deformation measurement on construction sites and structures
Deformation measurement is very important on existing infrastructure and new development projects. We have solutions for real-time monitoring of deformations in a wide range of applications.
14. 14 September 2017
Written by Mike Voellmecke
Deformation measurement background
Measuring and controlling stability, deformations and changes in ground conditions is very important on existing infrastructure and new development projects. Continuous measurements document changes over time and help to ensure that projects proceed according to plan.
Dams, roads, bridges, tunnels, foundations, retaining walls, embankments and buildings are all exposed to large and changing loads from ground conditions. This applies both during the construction period and throughout the lifetime of the structure. Measuring and monitoring deformation and ground conditions depends on the type of project, the area in which it is to be carried out and the factors that cause changes.
Solutions to monitor deformations
Cautus Geo has extensive experience in installing and operating monitoring systems on the above-mentioned structures, both geodetic and geotechnical measurement systems.
Geodetic systems measure changes on the surface and are normally solved with total stations, GPS/GNSS, lasers or photogrammetry. Cautus Geo operates such systems on a wide range of projects, from unstable mountain areas such as Men and Åkneset, to work on the Follo Line in the centre of Oslo.
Geotechnical solutions utilise a wide range of instruments, such as inclinometers, extensometers, tilt sensors, strain gauges, crack gauges and piezometers (pore pressure gauges). We integrate these instruments into complete measurement systems consisting of sensors, loggers and online data management. The logger cabinet is often based on our proprietary data logger, Cautus Logger CL1and we utilise our system Cautus Web for handling data. Cautus Web also has alarm functions to alert when measurements exceed given threshold values.
For more information and purchase of individual sensors, see our partner company Measure It AS.
Deformation measurement with SAA
One of the most widely used instruments for deformation measurement is SAA (ShapeAccelArray) cables. SAA is a multi-conductor deformation cable that measures 3D movement. The instrument can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on whether you want to measure settlements or deformations along e.g. excavation slopes or sheet piling. Several different versions such as SAAF and SAAV are available for use in different conditions.
They consist of 500 mm long measuring segments, where the deformation is measured as angle changes between the segments. This is done using 3 MEMS accelerometers in each joint. The sensors can also measure vibration and temperature.
This video shows how SAA cables work with Cautus Web:
Tell us about your deformation measurement needs
We'd love to hear about your project and monitoring needs. Get in touch today by email or phone:
