Crack Monitoring in Historic Buildings
Our sensors are reversibly mounted and monitor crack width, settlement, and tilt at critical points with a repeatability of ±50 µm throughout the entire renovation phase.
The reference object and sensor are each mounted with two screws; for historic buildings, they can also be attached reversibly using a magnetic mount, without making permanent changes to plaster or natural stone. No special tools are required. The reference mount can also be attached to irregular surfaces such as natural stone, rock, or rough masonry. It is activated by placing a magnet against it or connecting the battery cable.
Once the sensor is active, it wirelessly transmits data on crack width, settlement, and tilt to our data hub. Data is transmitted via LTE-M and Wi-Fi. The movement history can be viewed at any time as a timeline, without the need for anyone to be on-site at the hard-to-reach measurement point.
You define the critical thresholds for each monitoring point in advance. If a threshold is exceeded, our system sends an email notification to the designated recipients. The comprehensive movement history is also available as documentation for restoration planning and for the Federal Monuments Office.
There is a sensor to suit every motion pattern and operating time.
The solution for critical points involving rotation. Captures movement along three spatial axes and rotation around three axes with a single measurement; used at the Vienna Palm House even during crane lifting operations.
For long-term crack monitoring during a multi-year renovation project, without requiring maintenance on the structure. The external battery box enables hourly measurements for ten years. Reversible installation is possible, even on historic buildings.
Specific differences compared to visual inspections and conventional sensor technology when applied to historic structures.
The sensor can be attached and removed using a magnetic mount without causing any permanent damage to plaster or natural stone. The mounting bracket adheres even to uneven surfaces, natural stone, rock, and rough masonry. Anything that needs to be preserved remains untouched.
At critical points, our sensors measure both translation and rotation at the same measurement point using a single device. Other sensor systems require multiple setups to capture the same motion profile. Patent EP3792587B1.
All measurement values are available as a CSV export. The continuous movement history provides the data foundation for restoration planning and for reporting to the Federal Monuments Office.
If a threshold is exceeded, our system automatically sends an email notification. Changes to towers, vaults, or areas behind cladding are detected without the need for anyone to be present at the measurement point.
Selected monitoring projects involving historic buildings using our sensors.
Real-time structural monitoring following a tunnel fire to enable rapid reopening during ongoing restoration work.
Wireless 3D measurement of concrete segments in tunnel construction.
Continuous monitoring of structural movements in the historic reception building during the critical construction phase
High-precision building monitoring of settlement and crack development to assess damage caused by subway construction work.
Monitoring of bearing and abutment movements and structure temperature during operation.
“Following a tunnel fire, the 3D sensors from SuessCo Sensors FlexCo were deployed to monitor the affected tunnel arch segments. Continuous monitoring made it possible to maintain temporary operations until final repairs could be completed. As part of the safety management plan, alarm thresholds were defined, and a specific group of people would have been notified via email and SMS if the alarm threshold was reached. The system stands out for its precise measurements and the wireless remote transmission of data to a portal that experts can access at any time without disrupting operations.”
Reinhold Czizsek, Engineer
Asset Management, ASFINAG Bau Management GmbH
“Our collaboration with SuessCo Sensors has always been professional and solution-oriented. For expert assessments, the continuous measurement data from the SuessCo sensors is a major advantage, as changes can be objectively documented and reliably evaluated." "With the XT 3D sensors, we receive precise and stable measurement data wirelessly in three dimensions. This enables reliable remote monitoring of sensitive tunnel areas and significantly reduces our on-site workload."
Mohammed Ismail
Geomatics Engineer, TABERG Engineering and Consulting Firm, LLC
"Thanks to the high-precision sensors from SuessCo Sensors, we have been able to continuously monitor changes in the Palm House. This data helps us protect this wonderful building and its historic structure."
Helmut Heninger, B.S. in Engineering
Austrian Castle Administration
"SuessCo's sensors have proven to be extremely precise and easy to install. What is particularly impressive is that they withstood the extreme conditions of the Swedish winter without any problems. Our collaboration with SuessCo has always been reliable and professional."
Paul Collins
Sales Manager, GEOFIX Sweden
"With the SuessCo 6D sensors, we always have up-to-date measurements available. This naturally saves us money and improves quality."
Georg Gotthart
Plant Technician, Bridge Construction, ÖBB
No. For buildings designated as historic landmarks, we install the sensor in a removable manner using a magnetic mount, without making any permanent alterations to the plaster or natural stone. The reference mount can also be attached to irregular surfaces such as natural stone, rock, or rough masonry.
For critical areas involving rotational movement, such as towers or vaults, the 6D sensor is the primary solution because it measures both movement and rotation simultaneously. For pure crack monitoring over the course of a multi-year renovation project without requiring maintenance on the structure, the XT 3D sensor with an external battery box is suitable.
Yes. At the Palmenhaus in Vienna, our 6D sensors remained active even during the crane-lifting operations and documented the structural movement of the building. Changes that occurred during the construction phase become visible over time.
The 6D sensor and the 3D XT sensor can operate for ten years on a single battery charge when taking measurements hourly. This means that no battery replacement is necessary at hard-to-reach measurement points throughout the typical duration of a renovation project.
All measurement data is available in the Datahub as a CSV export. You can use the movement history as documentation for renovation planning and for submission to the historic preservation authority. Any anomalies at specific points become apparent over time.
You define the critical thresholds for each monitoring point in advance. If a threshold is exceeded, our system automatically sends an email notification to the designated recipients. This allows you to take action at a hard-to-reach location before the situation deteriorates to a critical level.
