Generalized Model of Real-Time Deformation Measurements and its Experimental Verification

Technology development enabled real-time monitoring of terrain and artificial structures through the use of the systems comprised of geodetic and geotechnical sensors. Although the structure and the architecture of those systems can vary, they have many common features: automated measurements which provide monitoring and alarming when tolerances are exceeded, systems robustness involving hot-swapping sensors, its redundancy and error detection. Also, they can be structured and configured to achieve desired functionality and performance. Generalized model of real-time deformation measurements, presented in this paper, involves these common characteristics. The model is presented as a flowchart, and later applied within an experiment carried out in laboratory environment. The established system includes geodetic and geotechnical sensors and measurements are done on a physical model of a landslide. Several functions included in generalized model were implemented in the experiment. Results show that system designed using the proposed model can provide required functionality, accuracy, robustness and configurability. Aim of the paper is to propose a general procedure which, with minor modifications, can be applied as a starting point in designing various systems for monitoring landslides, bridges, high buildings etc., and which overcomes some limitations that can be found in commercial software solutions.