Monitoring cracks

Cracks in civil structures, however small they may be initially, should be adequately monitored to prevent unsafe situations such as collapse. Cracks can be stable (no further damage) or unstable (further damage develops). To monitor the behaviour of cracks or joints over an extended period, Iv uses smart crack meters that continuously monitor the structure’s safety remotely.

Crack meters need to be placed in exactly the right place to obtain the most accurate information. When carrying out crack measurements, Iv places advanced sensors on two sides of a specially designed mounting bracket. Iv’s knowledge of monitoring and specialist structural expertise in civil engineering structures help us position the crack meters in exactly the right places to gain the correct information. Sensors can be positioned in various ways, depending on the structure to be monitored and how long and how the sensors are to remain on the structure. The sensors measure deformation (the change in the crack) in tenths of a millimetre.

The crack meters work on a ‘stand-alone’ basis. The data collected by the crack meters is automatically sent to the Iv online platform at a predetermined frequency. The automated nature of the measurements means that the measurement frequency is higher than for manual inspections, providing a highly accurate insight into the behaviour of a crack or joint. Iv combines automated monitoring with online reporting of results, allowing the client to view the results online at any time. Iv also provides a monthly summary of measurement results in a concise report. If required, notifications are sent when a pre-set alarm value is exceeded, allowing immediate action to be taken if necessary.