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Structure Monitoring

Buraq Integrated Solutions data-acquisition (DAQ) systems have versatile capabilities that make them ideal for structural health monitoring in a wide range of applications, including simple beam-fatigue, structural mechanics research, and continuous monitoring of large, complex structures. Each system can measure a variety of sensor types, including bonded foil strain gauges, accelerometers, displacement sensors (potentiometer-based, LVDT, and VW) tiltmeters, and temperature sensors.

Modular Design

The modular architecture of our GRANITE™ system allows each measurement module to independently connect to a PC or DAQ. As an independent module, the real-time measurements can be displayed directly on the PC. One or more measurement modules can be connected to the GRANITE™ DAQ to create the perfect networked configuration for each application. When connected, they form a time-synchronized, distributed DAQ system.

Distributed Networks and Synchronization

Multiple GRANITE™ measurement modules can be distributed throughout the structure. Each module is connected to a central GRANITE™ DAQ. This networking capability decreases the quantity and lengths of the sensor cables between the sensors and the GRANITE™ DAQ. Fewer sensor cables reduces cost, improves system simplification, and lessens the risk of signal corruption from noise.

Synchronization is key to the success of a distributed network. There are three significant levels to the GRANITE™ DAQ synchronization:

    1. The GRANITE™ DAQ has a built-in GPS and precision master clock.
      1. The pulse-per-second signal from the GPS is accurate to 1 µs. If enabled, the GRANITE™ DAQ will phase lock its operating clock to within 200 ns of the GPS clock. So, multiple independent DAQ systems spread over potentially vast geo-spatial regions can be synchronized with a maximum timing error between DAQ systems of 1.2 µs.
      2. Independent of the GPS, a temperature-compensated, high-precision, on-board, real-time clock will keep its own time with an accuracy of ±3 min/year.
    2. Within a single DAQ system, comprised of a GRANITE™ DAQ and GRANITE™ measurement modules, the measurements are all synchronized to the master clock of the GRANITE™ DAQ (sourced by either the GPS or precision on-board clock) via the CAN Peripheral Interface (CPI) or Ethernet Peripheral Interface (EPI) measurement buses.
      1. CPI synchronization between measurement modules in the same DAQ is ±5 µs. The overall physical range of the bus varies up to 2,000 ft depending on the data rate.
      2. EPI synchronization between measurement modules in the same DAQ is ±50 ns. The physical range of the bus is 300 ft per network connection. Daisy-chained connections can span thousands of feet.
    3. For extremely time-based-sensitive applications, the GRANITE™ SPECTRUM measurement modules are used with EPI synchronization. Within each module, the analog electrical signal delay is calibrated and compensated to reduce the timing delay mismatch to ±10 ns channel-to-channel.

Sensors Used in Structural Monitoring

Because Buraq Integrated Solutions data loggers and GRANITE™ DAQs are compatible with nearly every commercially available sensor, you can use the sensor that best meets your application. Typical sensors used for structural and seismic monitoring by our systems include:

  1. Carlson strain meters
  2. Vibrating-wire strain gages
  3. Foil strain gages (set up in quarter-, half-, or full-bridge strain configurations)
  4. Inclinometers
  5. Crack and joint sensors
  6. Tilt sensors
  7. Piezoresistive accelerometers
  8. Piezoelectric accelerometers
  9. Capacitive accelerometers
  10. Borehole accelerometers
  11. Servo force balance accelerometers

Data Retrieval

Communication interfaces for retrieving, storing, and displaying data include direct connection to a PC or laptop, microSD cards, Ethernet, and several options for wireless communication (including built-in Wi-Fi).

Software

Our PC-based software options support connecting the GRANITE™ measurement modules directly to a PC or scheduling remote, automated data collection from the GRANITE™ DAQ. Real-time monitoring and control simplify the entire data-acquisition process, while robust error-checking ensures data integrity. We can even help you post your data to the Internet.