Construction monitoring services have been available for decades. However, due to the advancement of technology, this industry is evolving at a rapid rate.
Today, the best construction monitoring service providers are leveraging this technology to provide their clients with more detailed and accurate information that can help them reduce construction-related risks and help keep projects on schedule.
Below, we’ll focus on the future of construction monitoring services by highlighting some of the tech that is revolutionizing the industry.
Wireless Vibration Monitors
Vibrations are an inherent part of any construction project.
Unfortunately, vibrations can also create new and/or aggravate existing cracks or extend in buildings and structures located in the construction zone. If they are not monitored properly, these vibrations can cause irreparable damage to these properties.
For years, industry experts have used manned vibration monitoring systems that require an on-site technician to read the data collected by the device and report any concerns.
While these devices are still industry standard, many construction monitoring experts are utilizing wireless vibration monitors. These automated seismographic devices can be easily installed in the buildings and structures to measure the frequency and amplitude of the construction-related vibrations.
If the vibrations exceed the established thresholds, the wireless monitors will alert the construction crew so they can halt work immediately. Thanks to the real-time monitoring, reporting and alerting these systems offer, construction teams can take immediate corrective action to prevent or mitigate damage, and safely resume work.
Automated Motorized Total Stations (AMTS)
Another potentially damaging effect of construction-related vibrations is that they can cause lateral and horizontal movements in nearby buildings and structures.
To optically monitor any movements in these surrounding structures, specialists typically employed the use of manned total stations.
With these devices, an operator arrives on the construction site, and sets up benchmarks to calculate angles and distances between the total stations and the neighboring structures. The operator then checks the total station at regular intervals (commonly a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule) to see if there are any changes to the established coordinates. If so, they alert the construction team. Work is stopped to prevent any further movements.
Although the use of manned stations remains a reliable method for monitoring movements, many construction monitoring experts are investing in automated motorized total stations (AMTS).
AMTS differ from manned total stations in a couple of ways. First, they use lasers and digital imaging technology to provide highly accurate measurements of the height and angle of the nearby structures.
Second, these highly precise instruments are completely automated and do not require an operator to take manual measurements. In fact, they provide customized monitoring of the respective buildings so construction teams can be alerted to any movements in their preferred time frame, whether it’s hourly or every 24-hours. This allows them to act swiftly to prevent any further damage and reduce risks and potential liability.
All-in-all, AMTS units help reduce human error by providing more precise measurements, improves the accuracy of the data collected and reported, and helps crews be more efficient and effective in their corrective actions.
Specialized Cameras for Caisson Inspections
Previously, inspecting caissons, the deep foundational structures that support large buildings, tunnels and bridges, for cracks, damage or irregularities was extremely difficult (and sometimes dangerous) for monitoring experts to conduct. This often resulted in less-than-accurate data.
Thanks to new, innovative equipment like the Inuktun SPECTRUM 90 video camera, caisson inspections are easier and more accurate.
Engineered to withstand significant amounts of pressure, this water-resistant video camera can be remotely operated to capture high-definition footage of the caisson’s interior.
Using this innovative technology eliminates the need for human divers to conduct the inspection, thus reducing injuries and emergencies. Plus, its advanced lens allows engineers to capture more accurate and reliable data to inform their decisions.
Wireless Tiltmeters
Another tool for monitoring construction-related movements, tiltmeters measure the angle of inclination of surrounding structures to determine their stability during the construction process.
Traditional tiltmeters require a physical connection between the device and a central monitoring station. Yet, the more modern variations use wireless technology to transmit data to the monitoring station.
In this way, wireless tiltmeter monitoring provides real-time data on structure stability and allows immediate action to be taken if necessary.
The Best Construction Monitoring Services Rely On The Latest Technology
There’s no doubt that the use of these innovative technologies is transforming the construction monitoring industry.
By providing more accurate and reliable information, this equipment helps monitoring service experts reduce construction-related risks and helps keep projects on their timetable.
At Saltus, we employ all of the above pieces of innovative equipment to provide our clients with the most efficient, effective, accurate and cost-effective construction site monitoring solutions available. By doing so, we help our clients reduce risks, prevent damage to neighboring buildings and structures, avoid potential liability, and allow their projects to proceed.
We are committed to investing in new technology to provide our clients with the highest quality of construction monitoring services. Through the combination of our industry expertise and innovative equipment, our clients can keep their sites operating without interruption.
To learn more about our cutting-edge construction monitoring solutions, contact us today!