Digital Inclinometer System: Preparing for Installation

The digital inclinometer system is a reliable instrumentation system that displays the measured data through an Android mobile phone. Its readout has built-in data storage facilities and capability of transferring stored data to a computer.

The inclinometer probe operates in a plastic grooved casing (inclinometer casing) which may be “built-up” with embankment fill, inserted into boreholes or attached externally to structures or hillsides.

The installation procedure of inclinometers is a bit trickier and requires special assistance. Here is how the inclinometer casing installation is done to further installing the digital inclinometer in a borehole, diaphragm wall, or dam settlement.

Digital Inclinometer — Operating Principle

Start by making a near vertical gauge well by installing the inclinometer casing in a borehole, embedding in an earth/rock fill or concrete structure during construction or fixing to face of a completed structure.

Pass the inclinometer probe through the entire length of gauge well, taking readings at fixed pre-determined depths from bottom to top. A dual accelerometer probe measures the inclination of casing in two planes at right angles to each other.

The voltage output from the probe is directly proportional to the sine of the angle of inclination of the long axis of the probe from the vertical. A positive output voltage indicates a negative angle of inclination.

A set of initial base reading, known as the reference datum is taken at given depths within the gauge well. The subsequent reading sets are correlated with this reference datum. All subsequent readings are taken over a while at identical depths, thereby indicating rate, magnitude, and direction of lateral deformation.

The inclination is displayed in terms of angular or horizontal displacement on the electronic readout equipment at ground level with the operator.

Digital Inclinometer System

The Encardio-rite Model EAN-26 digital inclinometer system consists of:

• Access casing and fittings
• Tilt sensing probe
• Interconnecting cable with reel and cable holder
• Mobile phone data logger

Access Casing and Fittings

The access casings can be of different types and sizes. The ABS inclinometer casing is one of the most preferred ones. It has longitudinal keyways, specially produced to close tolerances. The wheels of tilt sensing probe can run smoothly inside these keyways.

It is a self-aligning ABS tubing, 70 mm o.d., 58 mm i.d., 3 m in length. Two kinds of couplings are available to rapidly join access casing. Fixed couplings are normal and telescopic couplings are available in case settlement is expected to take place. The design of these couplings ensures that correct alignment of keyways is maintained throughout the depth of gauge well.

Digital Inclinometer Probe

The digital inclinometer or the tilt sensing probe measures angles of inclination from the vertical in two planes oriented at 90° (orthogonal) to each other. The inclinometer probe has stainless steel construction and is fitted with two pairs of pivoted sprung wheels that can rotate freely.

The standard gage length between the wheels is 500 mm (or 2 feet). The spring-loaded wheels help to accurately position the probe centrally inside the gage well at any required depth. The precision grooved casing forms an integral part of the gage well.

The cylindrical portion of the probe has a diameter of 25.4 mm and a length of 685 mm. The probe consists of two integral precision accelerometers, one with its axis in the plane of the wheels and other at 90-degree to it. The probe senses horizontal deviation between the probe axis and the [Continue Reading…]