Deformation measurement on structures and construction sites
Deformation measurement background
Measurement and control of stability, deformation and changes in ground conditions are very important on both existing infrastructure and new building projects. Continuous measurement documents changes over time and helps to ensure that projects go according to plan.
Dams, roads, bridges, tunnels, foundations, retaining walls, embankments and buildings are all exposed to large and changing loads. This applies not only during the construction phase but throughout the entire lifespan of the structure. Measurement and monitoring of deformation and surrounding soil conditions depends on the type of project, the area it is located in, and the factors that lead to changes.
Solutions for deformation measurement and monitoring
Cautus Geo has a great deal of experience with installation and operation of monitoring systems on the above-named structures, both with geodetic and geotechnical measurement systems.
Geodetic systems measure changes on the surface and rely on georeferenced points to provide displacement values. Instruments used in such systems include total stations, GPS/GNSS, lasers and photogrammetry. Cautus Geo operates these kind of systems on a wide range of projects, from unstable mountain areas like Mannen and Åkneset, to work on the Follo rail line in downtown Oslo.
Geotechnical solutions utilize a variety of instruments such as inclinometers, extensometers, tilt sensors, strain gauges, crackmeters, jointmeters and piezometers. We integrate these into complete measurement systems consisting of sensors, data loggers, and web data management. Data logging systems are often based on our self-developed data logger, Cautus Logger CL1, and we use our system Cautus Web for handling of data.
For more information and purchase of individual sensors, please visit 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 rope-like array of sensors and microprocessors for monitoring 3D movement. SAA instruments can be installed horizontally or vertically depending on whether settlement or deformation will be measured on structures like embankments and sheet piling. Several different versions are available such as SAAF and SAAV, which are used under different conditions.
SAA consists of 500 mm long measurement segments, where deformation is measured as the angular change between successive segments. This is calculated by 3 MEMS accelerometers in each segment. The sensors can also measure vibration and temperature.
This video shows how SAA cables work with Cautus Web:
Tell us about your needs for deformation measurement
We want to hear about your project and monitoring needs. Contact us today via email or phone: