Tiltmeter: How does it Work, Installation, & How to Read

Tiltmeters are designed to monitor inclination and vertical rotation of structures. Tilt in any structure can be caused by various construction activities like excavation, tunnelling, or de-watering that may negatively affect the ground that supports the structure. Tiltmeter

Tilt changes can also occur due to the loading of the structure, such as loading of a dam during impoundment, a diaphragm wall during excavation or, a bridge deck due to wind and traffic.

The data captured from the tiltmeter gives early warning of threatening deformations, allowing time for corrective action to be taken.

Continue reading to know the operating principle of a tiltmeter, how is it installed, and how are the readings taken.

How does a Tiltmeter Work?

Encardio-rite deals with Model-90M tiltmeter which is built around a precision accelerometer and suitable signal conditioning circuit mounted inside stainless steel housing.

The accelerometer senses force of acceleration due to gravity which is maximum when the accelerometer is rotated to full 90-degree tilt position. The same force of acceleration due to gravity is zero (minimum) when the tilt angle of the accelerometer is zero.

For in-between tilts, the force experienced by the accelerometer is equal to the product of the sine of tilt angle and acceleration due to gravity. The tilt sensor thus provides a bipolar DC voltage output proportional to the sine of tilt angle measured by the tiltmeter. The output is zero volts for a truly vertical position.

The sensor provides a relatively low-cost tilt measurement solution but still offers an excellent resolution, long term stability, and low thermal sensitivity.

The tiltmeter can be fixed to any vertical surface, horizontal floor or ceiling using suitable mounting accessories consisting of brackets and anchors.

The EAN-90M tiltmeter is not designed for absolute determination of tilt in structures. It measures the change in the tilt of a structure to which the sensor is attached. The initial tilt reading for each tilt sensor is recorded after it has been mounted on the structure to be monitored. Subtracting the initial tilt reading from consequent tilt reading gives change in the tilt of structure over some time.

| Read More: What are Tiltmeters & Where are They Used? |

Tools & Accessories Required for Tiltmeter Installation

Following tools and accessories are required for proper installation of the tiltmeter.

• Power drill
• Concrete / Masonry drill bit 8 mm
• Spanner 8/9, 12/13 mm
• Allen key 5 mm
• Cloth for cleaning

How is a Tiltmeter Installed?

The Model EAN-90M tiltmeter installation can take place by fixing it to a vertical surface, suspending from the ceiling or mounting on the floor with help of [ Continue Reading…]