More Details about Our Geotechnical Systems
Geotechnical Measurement Automation Platforms
The versatility of our platforms allows them to be customized for each application. We offer a range of platforms, from the most basic device with just a few channels to expandable platforms that measure hundreds of channels. Scan rates can be programmed from once every few hours to 10,000 times per second, depending on the model. Measurement types, processing algorithms, and recording intervals are also programmable.
The measurement automation platform has a simple, yet powerful on-board instruction set. Simply choose the sensor type, scan rate, and measurement channel. On-board mathematical and statistical processing allows data reduction in the field and enables measurements to be viewed in the desired units, whether that is microstrains, centimeters per second, revolutions per minute, meters, Amperes, or inches.
The versatility of the measurement automation platform extends to control as well. Each platform can monitor and control external devices based on time or measured conditions, allowing savings in time and equipment, and warning of—or possible prevention of—dangerous conditions. These platforms are rugged enough to be used in geotechnical sites worldwide.
The measurement automation platform can stand alone. Once programmed and powered, no human or computer interaction is required, although data are typically downloaded to a PC or exported to the cloud for further analysis. A telecommunications or hardwire link allows data to be monitored and graphed in your office rather than in the field. Data from various stations and applications can be monitored from a single laptop or desktop computer.
The low power drain typically allows our platforms to be powered by solar panels and batteries. If 110/220-Vac power or external 12-Vdc batteries are available, you can use those as well. Nonvolatile data storage and a battery-backed clock ensure data capture and integrity.
Sensors Used for Geotechnical Measurements
The flexibility of our measurement automation platforms begins with sensor compatibility. Our platforms can measure virtually every commercially available sensor, allowing them to be used in different ways for a variety of measurements. For example, the following are common parameters that the sensors in our platforms measure:
- Pore water pressure
- Water level
- Water flow
- Settlement
- Displacement
- Strain
- Tilt
- Inclination
- Weight
- Force
- Pressure
- Deflection
- Barometric pressure
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Elevation
More specifically, these are the sensor types commonly used in our measurement automation platforms:
- Piezometers
- Pressure transducers
- Inclinometers
- Tiltmeters
- Settlement sensors
- Borehole pressure cells
- Earth pressure cells
- Load cells
- Pressure cells
- Accelerometers
- Vibrating wire strain gauges
- Foil-bonded strain gauges
- Extensometers
- Jointmeters
- Crackmeters
- Strainmeters
- Deformation meters
- Barometers
- Tilt beams
- Stressmeters
- Thermistors
- Thermocouples
- Deformation sensors
- Sonic water-level sensors
- Displacement transducers
- Linear variable differential transformers (LVDT)
Because our measurement automation platforms have many channel types and programmable inputs, all these sensor types can be measured by one device. Channel types include analog (single-ended and differential), pulse counter, switched excitation, continuous analog output, digital I/O, and anti-aliasing filter. Using switched or continuous excitation channels, our platforms provide excitation for ratiometric bridge measurements.
The following are common sensor measurement types that our measurement automation platforms are compatible with:
- Frequency
- Resistance
- Voltage
- Ratiometric
- Current
- Modbus RTU
- RS-485
- SDI-12
- RS-232
Communications
The availability of multiple communications options for retrieving, storing, and displaying data also allows platforms to be customized to meet your exact needs. Onsite communications options include direct connection to a PC or laptop, PC cards, storage modules, and platform keyboard/display. Telecommunications options include short-haul, telephone (including voice-synthesized and cellular), radio frequency, multidrop, and satellite.
Case Studies
The Expressway S19 represents a critical link in Europe’s transportation network, stretching 570 km (354.2......read more
In August 2012, RESPEC was contracted to provide field instrumentation and early-warning monitoring services at......read more
RESPEC, a water-resources consulting and services firm, is currently under contract to operate and maintain......read more
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Customise a System
In addition to our standard systems available, many of the systems we provide are customised. Tell us what you need, and we’ll help you configure a system that meets your exact needs.