Industrial Plant Monitoring for Foundations and Structures

Early Detection of Settlement and Tilting in Machine Foundations

The 6D sensor measures displacement and tilt at the same measurement point with a repeatability of ±50 µm and ±0.1°, wirelessly and while the system is in operation.

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Settlement of the foundation only becomes apparent when the facility is shut down

Foundations and steel structures in industrial environments are subject to movement over their service life due to load cycles, temperature fluctuations, ground settlement, and material fatigue. A periodic visual inspection assesses the condition as of a specific date. Changes that occur in a machine foundation between two inspections remain invisible.
For systems in continuous operation, foundation movement that begins between inspection intervals poses a risk to operational safety. Often, it is not noticed until an unscheduled shutdown becomes necessary, resulting in downtime.
6D sensor

This is how our sensors continuously monitor your plant foundation

1
6D Assembly Instructions

Mount the sensor to the foundation or structure

The reference object and sensor are each secured to the machine foundation, the system support, or the steel structure using two screws. No special tools are required, and no structural modifications are needed. Activation is performed by placing a magnet against the sensor or connecting the battery cable. The system remains operational during installation.

2
6D Instructions

Automatically transfer measured values

Once the sensor is active, it wirelessly transmits displacement and tilt data to our data hub. Data is transmitted via LTE-M and Wi-Fi. The motion history can be accessed at any time as a time series without the need for someone to be on site. In industrial environments with a power supply, the 6D sensor can be powered either by the mains or 24 V DC.

3
Laptop with graphs and data

Immediate notification if the threshold is exceeded

You define the critical thresholds for each measurement point in advance. If a threshold is exceeded, our system sends an email notification to the designated recipients. The comprehensive history of changes also serves as a data foundation for maintenance decisions.

Measurement Points in Industrial Plant Monitoring

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Recommended Sensors for Industrial Plant Monitoring

There is a sensor to suit every motion pattern and measurement point.

6D sensor

The solution for monitoring foundations and structures. Measures displacement in three spatial axes and tilt around three axes with a single installation.

Features:
  • Measurement in six dimensions (X, Y, Z, and rotation around three axes)
  • Repeatability: ±50 µm displacement, ±0.1° tilt
  • Built-in temperature sensor (±0.5 °C)
  • 10-year battery life with hourly measurements
  • Power supply: either AC or 24 V DC
  • Wireless transmission via LTE-M and Wi-Fi
  • Patent EP3792587B1

3D sensor

For plant components where only displacement is relevant, such as foundation settlement or structural displacement without any rotational component.

Features:
  • Measurement in three spatial axes (X, Y, Z)
  • Repeatability ±50 µm
  • Built-in temperature sensor
  • 10-year battery life with daily measurements
  • Wireless transmission via LTE-M and Wi-Fi
  • Built-in battery, no external cables
3D sensor

What's changing for you

Specific differences compared to periodic inspections and conventional sensor technology in plant operations.

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Monitoring During Normal Plant Operation

Installation and data retrieval do not require the system to be shut down. The sensors are secured with two screws, which minimizes operational interruptions and thus reduces downtime. The system remains operational during installation.

SuessCo Datahub Dashboard
All measurement data in a single dashboard. CSV export for structural engineers and reports, API integration for third-party sensors, and multi-tenant support for complex projects.
Datahub in Detail
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Settlement and tilt in a single measurement

At the same measurement point, the 6D sensor measures displacement along three spatial axes and tilt around three axes using a single device. Other sensor systems require multiple devices or multiple setups to capture the same motion profile. Patent EP3792587B1.

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Maintenance Decisions Based on Operational Data

All measurement values are available as CSV exports. The continuous movement history enables proactive maintenance decisions based on settlement and tilt data, rather than reacting only after damage has occurred. If threshold values are exceeded, our system sends an email notification before an unscheduled shutdown becomes necessary.

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Power supply via battery or AC outlet

In industrial settings, a power source is usually available. The 6D sensor can operate for over ten years using its built-in battery or be powered by the mains or 24 V DC, without compromising measurement accuracy.

Real-world projects

Selected monitoring projects involving the use of our sensors at industrial facilities.

May1

Brentenberg Tunnel

Real-time structural monitoring following a tunnel fire to enable rapid reopening during ongoing restoration work.

Building:
Tunnel
Location:
Austria
Sensors:
3D sensor
Read the case study
Brentenberg Tunnel

Rastatt Tunnel

Wireless 3D measurement of concrete segments in tunnel construction.

Building:
Tunnel
Location:
Germany
Sensors:
3D Sensor XT
Read the case study
Rastatt Tunnel

Stuttgart 21

Continuous monitoring of structural movements in the historic reception building during the critical construction phase

Building:
Historic train station building
Location:
Stuttgart, Germany
Sensors:
6D sensor, GNSS system
Read the case study
Stuttgart 21

Residential building

High-precision building monitoring of settlement and crack development to assess damage caused by subway construction work.

Building:
Historic building
Location:
Central Europe
Sensors:
3D sensor, 6D sensor, GNSS system
Read the case study
Residential building

Danube Bridge

Monitoring of bearing and abutment movements and structure temperature during operation.

Building:
steel bridge
Location:
Lower Austria
Sensors:
6D sensor
Read the case study
Danube Bridge
May1

What our customers say

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Plant Monitoring

For foundations and structures, the 6D sensor is the primary solution because it measures both displacement and tilt simultaneously. Tilt in structural supports is recorded with a repeatability of ±0.1°. If the goal is simply to measure settlement in the foundation or displacement without a rotational component, the 3D sensor is sufficient.

Discuss system monitoring for your foundation

During the consultation, we will show you which sensor is compatible with your machine base and how quickly the sensors can be installed while the machine is running.
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