Dam Monitoring
The 6D sensor measures displacement at expansion joints with a repeatability of ±50 µm and ±0.1°, while the GNSS system simultaneously monitors large-scale deformation of the wall.
The reference object and sensor are each secured with two screws to the expansion joint between two masonry blocks, while the GNSS antennas are mounted at several points on the top of the wall and on the surrounding slope. No special tools are required, and there is no damage to the structural integrity of the building. The 6D sensor is activated by placing a magnet against it or connecting the battery cable.
Once the sensors are active, they transmit displacement and rotation data wirelessly to our data hub. The 6D sensor uses LTE-M and Wi-Fi, while the GNSS system uses NB-IoT and LTE-M. The movement history can be accessed at any time as a time series without anyone having to travel to the wall.
You define the critical thresholds for each monitoring point in advance, taking into account expected seasonal fluctuations. If these thresholds are exceeded, our system sends an email notification to the designated recipients. The complete history of water level changes is also available as documentation for the next dam inspection.
Spot joint measurements and large-scale geometry complement each other on the same structure.
The solution for spot measurements at expansion joints and masonry blocks. It measures translational movement along three spatial axes and rotation around three axes with a single installation. The integrated temperature sensor is particularly important for dams, as a large portion of the deformation is thermally induced.
For large-scale monitoring of dam geometry and slope movements in the surrounding area using multiple antenna points. The dam is specifically listed as an application in the data sheet.
Specific differences compared to routine inspections and individual point sensors.
The 6D sensor records joint movement at individual points, while the GNSS system tracks the deformation of the entire wall. Both data streams are integrated into our data hub, eliminating the need for separate platforms for point-specific and large-scale measurements.
With continuous measurement over several years, the expected seasonal variation becomes apparent and can be distinguished from the long-term trend. A change that goes beyond the usual annual fluctuation becomes evident over time, rather than being obscured by the value on a specific date.
If a threshold is exceeded, our system automatically sends an email notification. Any developments outside the expected range are detected early on, without the need for an unscheduled inspection of the wall.
A large portion of wall movement is caused by thermal factors. The 6D sensor’s built-in temperature sensor provides the corresponding temperature at the same measurement point with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C. This makes it possible to distinguish thermal deformation from structural changes.
Selected dam monitoring projects 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
A dam's water level fluctuates within a predictable range throughout the year, depending on water levels and temperature. Continuous measurements taken over several years reveal these seasonal fluctuations. You define the threshold values based on these fluctuations, so that any exceedance indicates a trend outside the normal range.
A large portion of the wall deformation is caused by thermal factors. The 6D sensor includes a temperature sensor with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C, so that both displacement and the corresponding temperature are measured at the same point. This makes it possible to distinguish thermal deformation from structural changes.
When measurements are taken hourly, the 6D sensor achieves a battery life of ten years. The GNSS system is not battery-powered and is supplied with power via the grid or a PV system with a backup battery. This reduces the number of on-site visits to hard-to-reach points along the wall.
The GNSS system requires an unobstructed view of the sky and a fixed reference point within a radius of about two kilometers. In a narrow valley or below the top of a wall, we check satellite reception in advance at the specific location to ensure that the antenna points provide reliable positions.
The temperature range is −20 °C to +54 °C. The exact protection class for continuous outdoor use in contact with water and exposed to the elements is not specified in the data sheet (open) and will be clarified prior to the project.
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 initiate an unscheduled inspection before the condition deteriorates to a critical level.
