Real time web-based monitoring
Real-time monitoring systems represent one of the most recent fusions of computer technology with surveying. It is designed to make monitoring data more accessible for project managers where real-time information is critical to productivity and safety.
Lynton Surveys has extensive experience in providing real-time monitoring data to clients involved in major construction projects.
We store measurements in the database almost as soon as they are collected, making them available for viewing straight away. Users can access the data via an Explorer-like interface which is efficient and simple to use.
Sensors can be grouped by location, type or purpose. A particular sensor can belong to several groups at once, allowing more complicated analysis to be performed.
Real-time web-based monitoring interface
Lynton Solutions has extensive experience in providing real-time monitoring data to clients involved in major construction projects.
Our web-based reporting system takes advantage of modern web programming, database storage and management techniques.
The Lynton Solutions web reporting system has been designed to make monitoring data more accessible for members of projects where real-time monitoring information is critical to productivity and safety. This system allows all measured data to be viewed on the web in real-time.
Interaction
User access is restricted to the site via standard password protection routines.
Once logged in, users are presented with all monitoring objects for which they have access. They can create graphs and download data specific to their needs at the click of a button.
A user interacts with the system via an ‘Explorer’-like interface, which enables monitoring data to be accessed quickly and easily.
Devices can be grouped by type, location or any other association.
Users of the system are able to send emails to the system administrator, requesting help, changes or to make suggestions relating to the monitoring process.
Database
At the heart of the system is the monitoring database. This database contains no less than three months of the most recent monitoring data, allowing any report to be generated from the data in that period. The database provides a highly stable format for storing surveying and monitoring information. We will be able to extract survey information from the database to provide more complicated monitoring information such as cross-sectional or longitudinal displacement profiles or graphs of monitoring data versus design.
Electronic level (EL) beams
EL beams are used on columns and structures to determine changes in inclination or verticality.
These beams contain a very precise level sensor, which are able to detect small movements (0.01mm) of the structure with respect to gravity.
They are placed at strategic locations on the main structural elements of columns, beams, buildings, tunnels or towers. The configuration and number of beams is dependant on the geometry of the structure and the severity of the designer’s settlement or movement predictions.
Groups of EL beams can be connected together to create more sophisticated analysis. If placed end to end in a string through an area of influence.
The benefits of EL beams are that they are discrete, stable, weather resistant and highly accurate devices.
Through our hardware and software connections, it is possible to view tilt beam results in real-time over the web.
The EL beam observations, when combined with the results from automated prisms systems, provides the total movement monitor solution.
Automated prism monitoring systems
Lynton Solutions prism monitoring system is able to detect x, y, z displacements of the individual prism locations. Details can be derived from the displacements of each 3D node numerous.
A fully programmed Leica ‘one-second’ total station is used in conjunction with our robust monitoring PC, for optimal process control and communications.
The system can be set to be active at regular intervals so that power consumption is kept to a minimum. This is important when the system is in a remote location where it is not feasible to connect to mains power. In these circumstances we are able to connect our system to a solar panel and battery, to maintain the power requirements.
The total station is able to quickly measure to each prism of the monitoring set, run a check analysis for all monitoring parameters against their trigger values, and then if required send text messages to relevant parties.
Measurements are transmitted back to a central location where they can be viewed and analysed.
Prism monitoring systems also allow absolute monitoring results to be determined.
With the combined information from EL beams installed on the bridge columns it is able to be determined how and were the structure is rotating or deforming as a whole. The versatility of prism monitoring systems is what sets them apart from other forms of monitoring.
They require only small targets to be placed on the object of interest, with the total station mounted elsewhere, outside the zone of influence.
Monitoring software applications
To ensure safety, Lynton Surveys provide real-time analysis of monitored elements to provide warnings and alarms.
Our analysis software has been developed to accommodate the design calculation of structure elements.
At regular intervals, the prism measurement system completes a set of observations. If monitor points were not picked up in the initial measurement set, due to interference, the system directs the total station to remeasure to ensure a full set of observations is achieved. The software then automatically checks parameters to determine the status of the structure.
Limits for each of these parameters can be set to various movement levels, and alarms generated if they are exceeded.
Alarms are issued via SMS, which can be used to inform people or devices.
Real time alarm systems
Real-time alarm systems are on-site devices that alert people working in the immediate area of a breach of vibration, noise or movement limits relating to their activities.
Alarms can be controlled indirectly by receiving SMSs or are locally triggered by sensors directly connected to on site alarm systems.
