Applications
Tiltmeters are used to monitor changes in the tilt of a structure. Such changes may be caused by excavation, tunneling, dewatering, or loading of the structure. Typical applications for tiltmeters include:
- Monitoring stabilization measures, such as pressure grouting and underpinning.
- Monitoring structures for the effects of tunneling and excavating.
- Monitoring the deflection and deformation of retaining walls.
- Monitoring convergence and other movements in tunnels.
- Providing early warning of threatening deformations, allowing time for corrective action to be taken.
Types of Tiltmeters
EL Tiltmeter
EL tiltmeters are high resolution, narrow-angle tiltmeters ideally suited for monitoring structures.
Advantages: Accurate, high-resolution measurements, can be read remotely, easily automated, compact, reusable, reasonable cost.
Limitations: Some applications require temperature corrections, although careful placement of the tiltmeter can minimize this need.
For more information please refer to datasheet.
EL Tiltmeter
EL Beam Sensor
EL beam sensors are similar to EL tiltmeters, except that the tilt sensor is mounted on a rigid beam with a defined gauge length, typically 1 to 2 meters long. Each end of the beam is anchored to the structure.
Advantages: The rigid beam makes it easy to convert changes in tilt to millimeters of movement (settlement, heave, convergence, or lateral displacement). Also, beam sensors can be linked end-to-end to monitor differential movements and provide absolute displacement and settlement profiles.
Limitations: Some applications require temperature corrections, although careful placement of the tiltmeter can minimize this need.
For more information please refer to datasheet.
EL Beam Sensor
MEMS Tiltmeter
The MEMS tiltmeter is medium-resolution tiltmeter that offers a wider measurement range of +/- 10 degrees.
Advantages: Waterproof, available in uniaxial or biaxial versions, can be read remotely, easily automated, compact and easy to install, reusable.
Limitations: Less sensitive than the EL tiltmeter.
For more information please refer to datasheet.
MEMS Tiltmeter
Portable Tiltmeter
The portable tiltmeter is carried from tilt plate to tilt plate to obtain measurements.
Advantages: A single tiltmeter can be used to monitor any number of inexpensive tilt plates. The tiltmeter uses the same reliable servo-accelometer sensor that is used in the Digitilt inclinometer probe.
Limitations: No remote reading, cannot be automated, accuracy affected by placement of tiltmeter on tiltplate.
For more information please refer to datasheet.
Portable Tiltmeter
Deep-Water Tiltmeter
This special-purpose tiltmeter is based on the EL tiltmeter but housed in a thick, brass housing that is waterproof to 3 Mpa. Designed for use on CFRF dams.
Advantages: High resolution measurements, remote reading, easily automated, waterproof to 3Mpa.
Limitations: Signal cable must be protected by waterproof conduit.
For more information please refer to datasheet.
Deep-Water Tiltmeter
