Applications
Introduction
Beam sensors and tiltmeters are used to monitor changes in the tilt
of a structure.
Changes in tilt can occur when nearby construction activity affects
the ground that supports the structure. Activities such as excavation,
tunneling, or dewatering may cause settlement or lateral deforma-
tion. Placement of surcharges and pressure grouting may cause
heave.
Changes in tilt are also caused when a load is applied to a structure.
Dam impoundment, excavation behind a diaphragm wall, or wind
and traffic on a bridge deck are examples of this.
Application Overview
Beam sensors differ from tiltmeters in two important respects: First,
the beam sensor has a defined gauge length, typically 1 to 3 meters,
so changes in tilt can be converted simply and accurately to millime-
ters of movement (settlement, heave, convergence, or lateral dis-
placement). Second, beam sensors can be linked end-to-end to
monitor differential movements and provide absolute displacement
and settlement profiles.
Tiltmeters typically have a more limited function, that of monitoring
rotation. A tiltmeter can be used with a large number of tilt plates to
detect differential movement in a structure, but the resulting data
cannot provide absolute displacement and settlement profiles.
In general, however, both types of sensors can be used to:
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Monitor stabilization measures, such as pressure grouting and
underpinning.
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Monitor structures for the effects of tunneling and excavating.
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Evaluate the performance of bridges, beams, and dams under load.
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Monitor the stability of structures in landslide areas.
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Monitor the deflection and deformation of retaining walls.
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Monitor convergence and other movements in tunnels.
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Provide early warning of threatening deformations, allowing time
for corrective action to be taken or, if necessary, for safe evacua-
tion of the area.
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Provide an accurate record of movement in the structure for legal
purposes.
Rembco Geotechnical Contractors specializes in
slope stabilization,
soil nail wall,
foundation repair
and support,
grouting,
shoring,
micropile
construction,
rock drilling, and we remediate
sinkholes. We use a
problem-solving approach in the geotechnical portions of buildings, bridges, water plants, sewage plants, tunnels,
installing caisson bottom, and roads. We are experienced in these applications:
micro piles,
sinkhole repair,
permeation and
pressure
grouting,
soil nails,
cement grouting,
chemical grouting,
micropiles,
compaction grouting, and
rock anchors.
Rembco techniques apply when adding new structures: especially
rock anchor,
microfine cement,
soil nailing, and
micropile
installations for foundation support. Our specialties are
soil nails,
rock anchor,
chemical and
compaction grouting,
mini piles,
sinkhole repair,
micropiles, and
soil nailing.
