PHY

GEOLOGICAL
INSTRUMENT
DETAILS
 INDEX

1. Overview
2. Sensor & Instrument
3. Working principle
4. Input/output details
 Overview
Geotechnical instrumentation - monitoring

Geotechnical instrumentation refers to to the instruments used to monitor geotechnical projects or sites
requiring such monitoring. Geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring are essential for the successful
completion of a geotechnical projects. Limited geotechnical instrumentation may be needed for simple
projects but the demands on geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring can be very demanding for
critical projects such as tunnels, slopes, and excavations next to sensitive structures.

Every geotechnical design is to some extent hypothetical, and every construction job involving earth or
rock runs the risk of encountering surprises. These circumstances are the inevitable result of working with
materials created by nature, often before the advent of human beings, by processes seldom resulting in
uniform conditions. The inability of exploratory procedures to detect in advance all the possibly
significant properties and conditions of natural materials requires the designer to make assumptions that
may be at variance with reality and the constructor to choose equipment and construction procedures
without full knowledge of what might be encountered. Field observations, including quantitative
measurements obtained by field instrumentation, provide the means by which the geotechnical engineer,
in spite of these inherent limitations can design a project to be safe and efficient, and the constructor can
execute the work with safety and economy. Thus, field instrumentation is vital to the practice of most
geotechnics, in contrast to the practice of most other branches of engineering in which have greater
control over the materials with which they deal.

Geotechnical Instrumentation

 Inclinometers - Inclination monitoring instruments incorporating cutting edge MEMS technology.

 Tilt Sensors- MEMS sensors for uniaxial or biaxial tilt measurement.

 Piezometers - For the measurement of pore water pressures in fully or partially saturated soil and rock.
 Settlement - For the measurement of settlement and heave in a range of applications.

 Extensometers - Locate and measure settlement, displacement and deformation in soil and rock.

 Load & Pressure - A range of cells for the measurement and control of compressive or tensile load

and total or passive pressures.

 Strain Gauges - For the measurement of strain in concrete and steel.

 Readouts - A range of products which are used to accurately display data from Geosense instruments.

 Data Loggers - A range of products which are used to log data from Geosense instruments.

 Diver Data Loggers - A robust and compact data logger for the automatic, accurate and reliable

measuring and monitoring of groundwater levels.

 Software - Data and analysis software for use with a wide range of instrumentation.

 Environmental - Instrumentation products sold to environmental markets.

Sensor & Instrument

PORTABLE TILT METER

Model EAN-70M INTRODUCTION

The Encardio-rite model EAN-70M portable tilt meter is suitable for monitoring change in inclination of
a structure. It is a high resolution tilt meter using the same proven technology as used in our inclinometer
probe. It is rugged in construction and has excellent temperature stability. Tilt changes in structures may
be caused due to construction activities such as excavation, tunneling and de-watering that affects the
ground that supports the structure. Changes in tilt may also result from loading of a structure, such as
loading of a dam during impoundment, loading of a diaphragm wall during excavation or loading of a
bridge deck due to wind and traffic. Data from model EAN-70M tilt meter provides early warning of
threatening deformation, allowing time for corrective action to be taken or if necessary for safe
evacuation of the area.
OVERVIEW
The Encardio-rite portable tilt meter system includes a portable tilt meter model EAN-70M, tilt plates,
and a readout unit. Die-cast aluminum tilt plates, available from Encardio-rite are dimensionally stable
and weather resistant. Protective covers are available for the tilt plates if specifically ordered. The EAN-
70M portable tilt meter incorporates a sensor based on precision MEMS accelerometer technology. It is
housed in a rugged frame with machined surfaces that facilitate accurate positioning on the tilt plate.
OPERATION Tilt plates are mounted on the structure at specified locations. Tilt plates are typically
anchored to the structure, but may also be bonded to a smooth clean surface i.e. granite, stone, tiles. The
bottom surface of the portable tilt meter is used to take readings from horizontally-mounted tilt plates and
the side surfaces are used to take readings from vertically mounted tilt plates. The EAN-70M monitors
change of tilt of structures over a period of time. Tilt measurement is done by taking two readings for
each tilt plate - one reading in plus direction and another in minus direction as per the + and – orientation
provided in the base plate of tilt meter. Initial tilt reading for each tilt plate is recorded after it is mounted
on the structure and stored in the readout logger. Change in tilt with time is obtained by comparing the
initial tilt reading with the subsequent tilt reading.
FEATURES

 Rugged & robust construction with excellent temperature stability.

 Provides reliable, high resolution readings.
 Economical to use as one tilt meter can be used to monitor any number of inexpensive tilt plates.
 Ease in installation as tilt plate can be anchored to structure or even bonded in case of a smooth
surface. Ease in monitoring tilt by a single operator
APPLICATIONS

 Monitoring critical buildings, structures, utilities etc. located in the zone of influence of cut and
cover excavation/tunneling activities.
 Monitoring vertical rotation of retaining walls.
 Monitoring inclination and rotation of dams, piers and piles, etc.
 Monitoring stability of structures in landslide areas.
 To evaluate performance of bridges and struts under load.
Measuring Device EDI-53UTM-C for electrolytic level type tilt meters
Encardio-rite model EDI-53 series readout units is a micro-processor based read out
unit which can be used with various type of sensors, like those with voltage output, current output, etc.
The readout unit can display the measured parameter directly in applicable engineering units.
Potentiometric and resistance strain gage based geotechnical transducer from most other manufacturers
can also be read by theEDI-53.
EDI-53UTM-C for electrolytic level type tilt meters
Model EDI-53 digital indicator can store calibration coefficients of maximum 250 numbers of
transducers. It can store either around 3600 readings from any one transducer or about 14 sets of readings
from all the 250 transducers. Each reading is stamped with date and time at which the measurement was
taken. The stored readings can either be uploaded to a host computer using the serial interface or can be
printed out on any text printer equipped with a RS-232C serial communications interface. The setup
information (calibration coefficients) for all the channels can also be printed out for verification. An
internal 6 V rechargeable sealed maintenance free battery is used to provide power to the indicator. A
separate battery charger is provided to charge the internal battery from 95 to 265V AC mains.

FEATURES
1-Robust, easy to operate and low cost.
2-Can display the measured parameter directly in proper engineering units.
3-Storage facility for calibration coefficients of up to 250transducers.
4-Data storage for either around 3600 readings from any one transducer or about 14 sets of readings from
all the 250 transducers.
5-RS-232C serial output for downloading data to a serial printer or IBM compatible PC.
6-Powered with internal 6V rechargeable SMF battery.

Model EDI-53UTM
Input: Uniaxial tilt meter; 0-4 V DC output
Excitation voltage: 12 V DC (nominal)
GENERAL
Analogue to Digital Converter
Measurement resolution: ± 20,000 counts resolution for
2 V input.
Display resolution: Recommended maximum 2000 counts for 2V at ADC input. ADC
Accuracy ± 0.1 % FS for 2 V DC input.
Display LCD dot matrix alphanumeric display 16 characters x 1 line. Red LED provided for battery low
indication.
Keyboard
16 key environmentally sealed membrane keypad. Keys are multiple functions. Primary key function and
numerical values are marked on keys.
Engineering units display
The indicator accepts linearization coefficients for linear scaling like Y = BX + C, or second order
polynomial calculation like Y = AX2 + BX + C, where X is measured value and Y is converted value in
engineering units. The indicator can store calibration coefficients A, B and C forup to 250 transducers.
Memory
32 KB EPROM program memory and 32 KB nonvolatile Data memory provides nonvolatile storage of
250 transducer calibration constants and 3600 sets of time stamped data readings. Each data set consists
of one parameter reading together with date & time data was stored.
Environment
Operating temperature range: 0 to 45 °C
Operating humidity range: 10% to 90% (no condensation)
Real time clock
A real time clock is provided for time and date stamping of stored data. RTC time keeping accuracy is ± 2
minutes/month, typical, over the operating temperature range with indicator powered on.
RS-232C serial port RS-232C serial output is provided to connect the indicator
to a serial printer or IBM compatible PC equipped with a RS232C serial interface port.
Baud rate: 2400 baud fixed. Format: 1 start bit, 8 data bits, no parity and one stop bit. Data file uploaded
to computer is in comma delimited ASCII text file format acceptable to most of the software.
Diagnostics
Power On Self-Test plus additional diagnostic utilities are provided.
Power supply
Internal rechargeable 6 V, 4 Ah sealed maintenance free battery. An external 95 - 265 V AC input battery
chargers supplied with the indicator for charging the batteries. Input/output connectors
Circular splash proof 7-pin connector for sensor input &RS-232C serial interface port (combined) & 3-
pinconnector for battery charger.
Housing
ABS + PU composite high impact resistant plastic molded housing. Dimensions: 277 mm (W) x 248 mm
(H) x 70 mm (D). RAM (NVRAM) data memory.
 Vibrating wire sensors
Wireless sensor networks are becoming a reality in civil engineering. Various features as the low cost,
feasibility of being supplied by energy harvesting techniques such as a low maintenance, make wireless
sensor nodes a very attractive solution when compared to wired processing units. Vibrating wire strain
gauges are a particular class of force transducers very simple to embed in reinforced concrete.
Nevertheless, an optimal control of these sensors for the low-power applications, requires a dedicated
measurement principle that differs from the proven techniques. In this work, we propose a strain
measurement based on the RMS value of the harmonic response. Theoretical calculations and
experimental results are also given to demonstrate its validity.

Vibrating Wire Temperature Sensor

Highly accurate instruments for measuring temperature in concrete, soil and rock.
Application: Monitoring the temperature during the curing of concrete. Soil and rock temperature
adjacent to ground freezing operations and liquid gas storage tanks. Measurements of water temperatures
in reservoirs and boreholes.
Measuring Device EDI-51V vibrating wire indicator

OVERVIEW

Encardio-rite model EDI-51V vibrating wire indicator is a micro-processor based unit which can be used
with any Encardio-rite vibrating wire sensor. The indicator can display the measured frequency in terms
of time period, frequency, frequency squared or the value of measured parameter directly in proper
engineering units. For sensors provided within internal YSI 44005 or equivalent 3 kohms thermistor, the
sensor temperature can be displayed directly in °C.*
Model EDI-51V indicator can store calibration coefficients of maximum500 number of sensors. It has
capacity to store either 4500 readings from any one sensor or about 9 sets of readings from all 500
sensors. Each reading is stamped with date and time at which the measurement was taken. The stored
readings can either be uploaded to a host computer or printed out on any text printer using the serial
interface. The uploading can be done using any common unitext software like HyperTerminal. The data
can also be processed on any common available spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel.
An internal 6 V rechargeable sealed maintenance free (VRLA) battery is used to power the indicator. A
Separate compatible external universal 95 to 270 V AC input battery charger is provided with the EDI-
51V indicator to charge the internal battery from AC mains. The indicator is housed in asplash proof
plastic molded enclosure with weather proof connectors for making connections to the sensor and battery
charger.
FEATURES
1- Robust, easy to operate and low cost.
2-Can display measured frequency in terms of time period, frequency, frequency squared or directly in
proper engineering units.
3- Storage facility for calibration coefficients of up to 500 sensors.
4- Data storage for either around 4500 readings from any one sensor or about 9 sets of readings from all
the 500 sensors.
5- Provides non-linearity correction using polynomial constants.
6- RS-232C serial output to connect IBM compatible PC or serial printer.
7-Powered with an internal 6 V rechargeable VRLA battery.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Input Suitable for input from all Encardio-rite make two wire vibrating wire transducers with 110 to 150
Ohm (nominal) sensor coil. Input from equivalent sensors of other manufacturers is also acceptable.
Thermistor input from sensors provided with integral 3kW (@ 25°C) R-T curve matched YSI 44005 or
equivalent thermistor for temperature sensing.
Excitation
Swept frequency excitation, 5 V (typical) peak to peak square wave. Frequency measurement Range: 500
Hz - 5 kHz Measurement time: 128 cycles. Measured parameter: Time period Resolution: 0.01 micro-
seconds (in time period display mode) Accuracy: Period measurement ±(0.006% of reading + 0.004
micro-sec.)
Displayed parameters: Time period, frequency, frequency squared and engineering units.
Temperature measurement :-(Only for sensors provided with 3 kOhm thermistor) Measurement range: -20
to +100°C. Resolution: 1°C
Display
LCD dot matrix alphanumeric display. 16 characters x 1 line. Red led provided for battery low indication.
Keyboard 16 key environmentally sealed membrane keypad. Keys are multiple functions. Primary key
function and numerical values are marked on keys. Engineering units display Standard units are ue
(micro-strain), ksc (kg/cm2.), kg, t, mm, m, C and deg.
Environment
Operating temperature range: 0 to 45 °C Operating humidity range: 10% to 90% (no condensation)
Memory
64 kB nonvolatile NVRAM (data memory).Data memory provides nonvolatile storage for 500
Sensors calibration constants and 4500 sets of time stamped data readings. Each data set consists of one
parameter reading and corresponding temperature reading (for VW sensors with integral thermistor
sensors only) together with date & time data was stored.
Real time clock
A real time clock is provided for time and date stamping of stored data. RTC time keeping accuracy: ± 2
minutes/month, typical, over the operating temperature range with indicator powered on. RS-232C serial
port RS-232C serial output is provided to connect the indicator to a serial printer or IBM compatible PC
equipped with a RS232C serial interface port. Baud rate: 2400 baud fixed. Format: 1 start bit, 8 data bits,
no parity and one stop bit. Data file uploaded to computer is in comma delimited ASCII text file format
acceptable to most third party m software. Diagnostics Power On Self-Test plus additional diagnostic
utilities are provided.
Power supply
Internal rechargeable 6 V 4Ah VRLA lead acid battery. A compatible external universal 95 to 270 V AC
input 7 V DC output battery charger is supplied with the indicator for charging the batteries.
Input/output connector’s Circular splash proof 7-pin connector for sensor input & RS-232C serial
interface port (combined) & 3-pin connector for battery charger.
Housing
ABS + PU impact resistant plastic moulded housing. Dimensions: 277 mm (W) · 248 mm (H) · 70
mm (D).(Above specifications are valid for version 5.0upwards)