Bridge Structural Monitoring
One of the main features of the NetPod 4003 series instruments is it’s ability to synchronise with other instruments on a network. For a bridge monitoring application the instruments can be connected to sensors mounted on the main structural members for example using strain gauges. Simple analysis of the results will show the bending of structural members under various loads. Combining the results from all of the instruments will enable a full structural understanding of the relationships to be obtained.
The NetPod 4003 instruments can be connected onto industry standard Ethernet network. So long as the instruments are connected to the same network string as the host data analysis PC they can be used over fairly long distances. The only limitation on the systems deployment is that the timing pulses sent out by the driver are received, processed and returned to the host PC with the minimum delay. Modern local area networks can be deployed over substantial distances and so long as the Host PC can see the instruments then the synchronised readings will be maintained
The 4003 range of instruments can also be combined with the Keynes Geotechnical range of sensors in order to obtain a full structural model not only of a local structure but also of ground movements etc..
The true direction of motion of the top if the pylon can only be made using a synchronised measurement
so the vector magnitude for the displacement can be calculated.
Sensor
Enhanced Synchronisation
Improved synchronisation can be obtained by connection to the world time clock via an Internet link.
Example Application
Internet Clock
Temperature Controlled Fan
The NetPod 4003 supports a variable speed temperature controlled fan to maintain the internal temperature of the instrument at a steady state. Keeping the instrument at constant temperature minimises any errors due to thermal drift.
The hotter the instrument becomes the faster the fan will operate to bring the internal temperature back to it’s ideal operating temperature. The fan controller as configured by default drives a standard 5 Ltr/min fan but this can be updated up to 20 Ltr/min for the hottest of environmental conditions.
The hotter the instrument becomes the faster the fan will operate to bring the internal temperature back to it’s ideal operating temperature. The fan controller as configured by default drives a standard 5 Ltr/min fan but this can be updated up to 20 Ltr/min for the hottest of environmental conditions.
Power Supply
The Netod 4003 uses an auto-select input range power supply and so can be directly connected to the mains 220 VAC or 12V DC power supply. Status lights on the front front power supply module show instantly which input supply is being used.
The Netod 4003 uses an auto-