MOVEMENT MONITORING AND STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING (SHM)

Terra Measurement have a wealth of experience for both 3D Positional Monitoring and Remote Sensors for SHM.

We complete monitoring solutions for a number of applications, including; Highways, Rail, Structures, Buildings, Landslips, Quarries, Heritage, Construction, Tunnels, etc.  We implement monitoring or with a number of innovative solutions and equipment alongside best practice.

SMART Structural Health Monitoring - Our Partnership with Move Solutions

We are OFFICIAL TECHNICAL PARTNERS of Move Solutions, and we develop and install STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING, GEOTECHNICAL MONITORING and ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MONITORING systems.  We use Move Solutions sensor systems for physical monitoring, both in static and dynamic conditions, across all civil engineering applications - all displayed in realtime on one cloud platform - MOVE CLOUD PLATFORM

Our systems allow remote monitoring of an unlimited number of structures such as motorway overpasses, bridges, buildings, subways and dams.

The aim of Terra Measurements' structural health monitoring is to constantly check the state of the structure and to be able to intervene well in advance in the event of compromise, so that it can continue to perform its function in complete safety.

We can provide a complete solution that also encompasses environmental monitoring.  Integrated solutions include:

  • Noise
  • Air Quality
  • Dust
  • Wind (speed and direction)
  • Activated Video feed (recommended for Highways and Rails projects to differentiate vehicular impact or effects from construction)
  • Moisture
  • Weather
  • Gas
  • UV
  • Geotechnical (Crack Gauges, Load Cells, Piezometers, etc)

SHM Sensory Packages

Specific tools have been developed for each type of civil structure to respond to all monitoring needs. By having different sensor types, suitable for both dynamic and static monitoring, it is possible to apply the system on any structure that may be affected in some way by aging or structural degradation, especially if subject to stress. Here are some of the tools at our disposal:

Wireless Tiltmeter

Move Tiltmeter

Ideal for static monitoring of large structures and static load tests. Measures the angle of inclination with incredible accuracy. Transmits the measured angle at regular time intervals. Full wireless, battery powered. Possible to calculate the deflection of the structure with respect to a baseline. Integrated temp sensor to relate thermal excursion and static deformation.

 

Wireless Tiltbeam

Move Wireless Tiltbeam

Typically installed in a series so that the end of one bar coincides with the beginning of the next until it covers the required distance. The differential movements of the structure cause a different rotation of the bars and this shows the movements or differential settlements of the structure to be monitored. Tilt Beam sensors consist of aluminium metal bars of 1, 2 or 3 metres long on which is mounted a Wireless Tiltmeter. 

 

Accelerometer

Move Wireless Accelerometer

Measures the acceleration of the point where it is installed, on the three axes, with high resolution. All of these Accelerometers SHM can be perfectly synchronised with each other. Thanks to this feature it is possible to measure the Vibration Frequencies and carry out a Modal Analysis of the structure. Transmission frequency is timed and/or by exceeding thresholds. Integrated temp sensor.

 

Analogue Node

Analogue Communication Node

The Analog Node is compatible with most of the analogue interfaces used for geotechnical sensors. Enables all originally wired sensors for wireless LoRaWAN communication. Once the sensors are connected to the Analog Node, they are ready to receive, store and send data. Perfect for implementing any monitoring system and meeting all project requirements. 

 

Digital Node

Digital-Node-ridotto3

The Digital Node is compatible with all geotechnical sensors that use the Modbus RTU communication protocol. Once the sensors are connected to this wireless device they are ready to receive, store and send data. Perfect for implementing any monitoring system and meeting all project requirements. Enables all connected sensors (originally wired) for wireless LoRaWAN communication. 

 

SHM Applications

On all bridges, overpasses and viaducts it is possible to monitor the reaction to ordinary traffic and notice the passing of something heavier, observe aging and structural deformation, understand any deterioration by detecting frequency changes and much more. Static measurement can monitor roads and tunnels, and combined with dynamic measurement it can be applied on vertical buildings subject to gusts of wind, such as dams under the pressure of the watercourse which causes rapid vibrations and slow deformations.

3D POSITIONAL MONITORING

Using best practice monitoring principles, we can provide monitoring regime to help you investigate if something is moving and how.  3D Positional Monitoring is a method of using high accuracy survey control and precision equipment to complete repeated measurements over time to fixed points or targets.

We can scope and create a movement monitoring survey to ensure you are the best able to make informed decisions or avert an expensive or dangerous incident.  We measure movement on infrastructure, buildings and structures using Total Stations, GNSS or 3D Laser Scanners depending on the situation or requirement.

We have innovative software solutions that can provide detailed visualisations to show monitoring results.  This can include surface deviation analysis or volume change analysis.