Monitoring bridges, pillars, tunnels and slopes with a dimetix laser sensor.

Monitoring displacement and stability in bridges, piers, tunnels, and slopes requires non-contact measurement systems capable of operating at long distances. In civil engineering projects, this type of monitoring may be necessary both during construction and throughout the infrastructure's lifespan.

Dimetix AG laser sensors are used in distance and position measurement applications in civil engineering when it is necessary to monitor displacements, geometry or stability without physical contact with the structure.

Monitoring of bridges and displacement between pillars

In bridges and similar structures, one application is the monitoring of displacements between pillars and the tracking of structural sag. In this type of installation, Dimetix laser sensors have been used to take remote measurements and transmit the information to the control system.

In some cases, the DPE-10-500 model with PROFINET communication module has been used for distance reading in structural monitoring applications.

Integration with acquisition systems or monitoring software allows recording the evolution of the measurement and centralizing the data of the monitored point.

Pillar monitoring and verticality control

Another application is monitoring the evolution of pillars during building construction or checking the verticality of structural elements. This type of measurement allows verification that the element's position remains within expected values during construction.

In one such installation, Dimetix laser sensors were used to monitor the evolution of pillars located under a bridge, while construction work was being carried out in the nearby area.

The measurement can be combined with other facility control variables when the overall monitoring system so requires.

Tunnel measurement and geometric control

In tunnels, a common application is the measurement of circumference and the analysis of geometric stability. This monitoring can be used to track the evolution of the tunnel section or to review variations related to external loads or the progress of the construction work.

Laser sensors have also been used in tunnel boring machines, mobile triangulation systems, and fixed measuring points to monitor tunnel geometry, long-term stability, or the relationship between the track and the wall.

Triangulation allows obtaining distance data at different points and building a geometric reference of the monitored section.

Monitoring of slopes and ground movements

Laser distance sensors are also used for monitoring slopes and other areas at risk of landslides. In these applications, the measurement allows tracking the evolution of the terrain and detecting changes in position in critical areas.

This type of control can be applied during construction or in areas where there is a risk of landslides, avalanches, rockfalls or seasonal variations in the terrain.

In various installations, laser sensors have been used to monitor the evolution of mountains, slopes, large rocks, or snow accumulations, depending on the measurement point and the mounting system used.

Technical characteristics used in this type of application

According to the model, Dimetix laser sensors can work with measurement on natural surfaces or on reflective sheeting, and have industrial interfaces such as SSI, RS-422/485, RS-232 or optional industrial Ethernet buses.

In the D series, there are also models with different levels of accuracy, measurement speed, and communication options, so the sensor selection depends on the range, the required accuracy, and the planned integration into the installation.

Model selection based on application

The choice of model should be made based on the measurement range, the type of surface, the required accuracy, the reading speed, and the communication interface needed in each project.

If you need to define the appropriate sensor for a civil engineering application, it is advisable to review the installation point, the actual working distance, and the acquisition or control system to which it will be connected.