Deformation Studies of Buildings and Structures
Cyclic precision measurements of strategic objects to detect displacement, settlement, tilt — before they reach critical values.
What's included
- ✓ Dam wall monitoring
- ✓ Building observation during nearby new construction
- ✓ Bridge, tunnel, viaduct monitoring
- ✓ Reports and comparative analysis between cycles
What geodetic deformation monitoring is
When a building is loaded, when adjacent excavation reaches 6 meter depth, when a dam fills and empties, when a tunnel works under its overburden — all these objects deform. Small deformations are normal, expected reactions. Large ones — can lead to damage, accidents and disasters.
Geodetic deformation monitoring is the most reliable objective method for detecting these changes in time. Through cyclic high-accuracy measurements we document point positions over time with sub-millimeter accuracy. By analyzing differences between cycles we can determine if the object is stable, measure displacement speed, warn investors when critical values are exceeded, provide objective data to insurers, experts, and lawyers.
Types of monitoring
Horizontal monitoring
Measurement of plan displacement — point shift from initial position. Performed with a total station with automatic prism-targeting (ATR technology).
Vertical monitoring (leveling)
Measurement of point settlement or rising. Performed with precision level and Invar staffs, accuracy 0.1 mm/km.
3D monitoring
Combination of horizontal and vertical. Often with 3D laser scanning during cycles — surface comparison.
Automatic monitoring (24/7)
For critical objects — stationary total station (Leica TM Series) continuously measures and alarms on deviations. Suitable for dam filling, heavy construction near adjacent buildings.
Typical monitored objects
- Dam walls — mandatory by law; cycles often coincide with reservoir filling/emptying;
- Buildings near new construction — when adjacent deep excavation, pile driving, blasting work begins;
- Bridges and viaducts — seasonal cycles for thermal deformations; long-term for structural changes;
- Tunnels — convergence control during construction; long-term during operation;
- Historic and public buildings — after renovation, when cracks appear, on settlement complaints.
Why clients choose us for monitoring
- Long-term experience with dam walls, tunnels, large construction sites;
- Precision equipment — Leica precision levels, total stations with ATR, 3D laser scanners;
- Guaranteed consistency — same methods, same points, same teams between cycles;
- Clear reports — tables, graphs, conclusions in understandable language;
- Fast alarm response — direct notification of investors and designers on threshold exceedance.
Frequently asked questions
What is deformation monitoring?
Cyclic precision geodetic measurement of strategic points on an object (building, dam, bridge) to detect displacement, settlement, tilt or deformation over time.
Which objects need monitoring?
Mandatory — dam walls, large water structures, railway and road tunnels, bridges and viaducts. Recommended — historic buildings, buildings near new construction, industrial structures with high loads.
How often are cyclic measurements made?
Depends on object and risk. For new buildings to Act 16 — usually monthly. For dam walls — per design plan, often quarterly or more often during filling.