Geotechnical (electrolytic) inclinometers

Yes, many Althen geotechnical inclinometers are designed for stable measurements over a defined temperature range and, depending on the model, feature an integrated temperature sensor, temperature compensation, or optional temperature calibration.

Digital models such as the D711 Floor-Mount Tiltmeter offer programmable functions such as sample averaging, auto-zero, adjustable output rate, and temperature compensation. In addition to X and Y inclination, they also measure a temperature channel. The typical temperature range is -25 °C to +70 °C.

Analogue geotechnical inclinometers such as the A603 Platform Tiltmeter also feature an additional temperature channel and are designed for long-term stable measurements in the field. Depending on the model and measurement task, it should be checked whether factory calibration, application-specific temperature compensation, or calibration of the complete system is required.

For particularly demanding field and monitoring applications, Althen recommends considering the temperature range, required accuracy, long-term stability, and data acquisition together. This ensures that the selected geotechnical inclinometer delivers reliable measurement values even under changing ambient temperatures.

The resolution of Althen geotechnical inclinometers depends on the specific sensor type, measuring range, and output signal. For high-precision geotechnical and structural monitoring tasks, models with very fine resolution down to the nano- or microradian range are available.

For example, the 500 Self-Leveling Borehole Tiltmeter, known as Lily, achieves a resolution of 5 nanoradians. The A603 High Precision Platform-Mount Tiltmeter offers a resolution of up to < 2.5 nanoradians, depending on the version. Digital models such as the D711 Floor Mount Tiltmeter achieve 1 µrad, 10 µrad, or 4 arc seconds, depending on the measuring range.

Which resolution is appropriate for the application depends on whether the task involves monitoring the smallest ground movements, structural deformations, platform inclinations, or larger displacements. Althen supports you in selecting a geotechnical inclinometer with the right resolution, accuracy, and long-term stability.

The data rate of Althen geotechnical inclinometers depends on the model, interface, sensor type, and application. Digital versions can operate with adjustable communication parameters, for example via RS485 or RS422. This allows them to be flexibly integrated into data loggers, monitoring systems, or industrial data acquisition systems.

For analogue geotechnical inclinometers, no fixed digital data rate is specified. In this case, the connected measurement system or data logger determines how quickly the measurement values are acquired and processed.

For long-term geotechnical monitoring, lower sampling rates are often sufficient, for example for monitoring ground movements, structural inclination, or settlement. For more dynamic applications, a higher data rate may be required. Althen supports you in selecting a geotechnical inclinometer with the right data rate and suitable data acquisition for your application.

The power supply for geotechnical inclinometers depends on the specific model and the data acquisition system used. Many geotechnical inclinometers are powered in the field via a connected measurement system, data logger, monitoring unit, or battery. These systems provide the required supply voltage and acquire the measurement signals at the same time.

Analogue models such as the A603 or the weatherproof 711-2 Platform Tiltmeter operate with a symmetrical supply of ±11 to ±15 VDC. Digital models such as the D711 are integrated via their respective digital interface and the corresponding field installation into data logger, RS485/RS422, or monitoring systems.

For long-term field measurements, for example in structural monitoring, geotechnics, or slope monitoring, power can be supplied via stationary power supplies, control cabinet solutions, data loggers, or autonomous systems. The suitable solution depends on the sensor type, cable length, output signal, measurement interval, and site conditions. Althen supports you in selecting the right power supply and data acquisition for field use.

The time constant and the possible number of measurements per time interval depend strongly on the specific inclinometer, interface, and selected filtering. For geotechnical inclinometers, the focus is often not on maximum measurement speed, but on highly stable, low-noise, and long-term reliable inclination measurement.

Digital models such as the D711 have a specified time constant of 0.15 s. In addition, parameters such as sample averaging, auto-zero, baud rate, and output rate can be adjusted via the firmware. The D711 can also store up to 22,000 measurement values internally.

For analogue geotechnical inclinometers, the connected measurement system or data logger usually determines how many values per second are recorded. In addition, low-pass filters or damping properties of the sensor can smooth the signal and reduce fast interference effects.

In practice, the measurement rate should therefore always be adapted to the application. For long-term monitoring of structures, bridges, slopes, or foundations, low sampling rates are often sufficient. For more dynamic applications, such as vibration or rapid position changes, the time constant, bandwidth, filtering, and data acquisition need to be specified more carefully. Althen supports you in selecting a suitable sensor and the appropriate measurement rate for the respective monitoring task.