The MD-Profile MEMS Inclinometer is designed to be placed within internally flush pipes, the principal operation and data obtained are similar to the In-Place Inclinometer system. This device can also be installed inside inclinometer casings.
The MD-Profile gauge is used to measure lateral displacement within a borehole. Most commonly it is used in a system where multiple gauges are installed at varying depths. The gauges are connected mechanically and electrically in a RS485 Modbus daisy chain. In this manner the profile of the borehole can be monitored.
These borehole profile gauges are designed for automatic monitoring of critical locations where displacement monitoring requires a continuous and accurate borehole profile.
The MD-Profile MEMS Inclinometer system is composed of a string of MEMS tilt sensors with carbon fibre extension rods and an upper terminal wheel assembly to close the chain. The string is connected to readout or data logger with single digital bus cable.
MEMS Inclinometer Features
- The system was developed in collaboration with Parma University which tested the systems high accuracy and long-term stability
- Sensor strings give a readily automated profile of vertical or horizontal displacements
- Accurate and precise measurements using MEMS sensors
- Available in Uniaxial and Biaxial versions
- Temperature sensor embedded in electronic board
- Carbon fibre rods grants light strings and simpler installation
- RS-485 Output Real-time monitoring with digital data logger
Product Benefits
- Easy to automate using data acquisition systems and Geomotion Cloud
- Removes the need for manual monitoring
- Suitable for safety critical applications
- Low power consumption
Operation
The MD-Profile MEMS Inclinometer system is installed in 1.5″ or 2.0″ internally flush blind tubing. Its unique centring device (patent pending) allows the system to keep orientation of the whole chain in the middle of the tube and avoid unwanted movements of the nearby gauges.
Multiple gauges are installed at varying depths, secured connected to the next/previous gauge with a waterproof electrical and mechanical connector; the final gauge is secured at the top of the borehole using a top support assembly.
Each string of sensors is connected to a data logger such as Loadsensing. The data logger powers the sensors, initiates readings and communicates the data which can be processed and analysed through Geomotion Cloud or through another compatible software.
Application
The MD-Profile MEMS Inclinometer system measures lateral movement in the ground or in a structure. They are useful for determining the depth, direction, magnitude, and also rate of movement.
For example, it can be used to ascertain the stability of retaining walls by measuring bending and rotation in the retaining wall. It can also reveal ground movement that could affect other buildings. Inclinometer systems can also be used to detect movement in the downstream and upstream side of dams and to define shear zones in the foundations of concrete faced dams.
The measurements of recorded movement can be utilised to check that the deflections are within the design assumptions. Monitoring should be continued to establish any longterm effects after works have finished.
This system can be used in boreholes, embedded in fill material, cast into concrete or attached to structures for the following typical applications:
- Detecting slopes and landslides
- Determining shear and slip zones
- Monitoring diaphragm or sheet pile walls
- Monitoring bending in piles
- Verifying design assumptions and finite element analysis
- Long term monitoring purposes
- Monitoring dams
- Detecting and recording ground movement due to tunnelling operations
- Monitoring retaining walls
- Use horizontal MD-Profile MEMS Inclinometer systems to measure settlement and deformation of concrete slabs and tank bases
Geomotion offer installation and monitoring services to support this system. For more information please email info@geomotion.com.au or contact any of our locations.
