Concrete Crack Data Logger: Monitor for Displacement

Concrete Crack Data Logger: Monitor for Displacement

Concrete crack data loggers like the Displacement Monitor are an essential tool for engineers and construction professionals. That's because they measure and monitor crack widths in concrete and masonry structures—crucial for the integrity and safety of buildings, bridges and roads. Another important tool in this field moisture meters for concrete, ensures accurate moisture readings, preventing water damage and maintaining structural integrity.

These devices—usually a white plastic unit with red divisions—measure both horizontal and vertical displacement movements. That includes the settling of a floor slab and the opening and closing of a crack. They do this by using a rotary potentiometer to measure movements as well as ambient temperatures. You can see the Displacement Monitor in action on our Crack Monitors page.

What is a crack monitor, exactly? It's a tool that measures and monitors crack widths. And that's where the real value lies. By giving you accurate and precise measurements of movement, you can assess the damage and know what maintenance is required. Early detection and timely repairs save costs. Crack monitoring technologies ensure the integrity, safety and durability of concrete structures. They also give you early warning signs of potential structural issues—whether that's minor cracks or major structural problems.

Crack monitoring is the process of measuring the movement and growth of cracks over time. You do this by using concrete crack data loggers, which record displacement and temperature at user-defined intervals. By collecting and analyzing that data, you can see trends and patterns in crack movement—and detect issues before they become major problems.

There are several ways to do crack monitoring. You can use manual measurements with digital calipers for precise readings. Or you can use automated measurements with concrete crack data loggers for continuous monitoring without human intervention. For larger gaps and cracks, you can use optional extension cables and long stainless steel cables.

Regular monitoring and analysis of crack data is essential for the structural integrity and safety of your buildings, bridges and other concrete structures. By detecting issues before they become major problems, you reduce the risk of structural failure and overall safety. That proactive approach means maintenance can be done on time—and extend the life of the structure.

Crack monitors come in various types and configurations to suit different applications and monitoring requirements. Some common types include flat crack gauges for monitoring movement on flat surfaces, corner crack gauges for monitoring cracks in corners, standing crack gauges for monitoring cracks in vertical surfaces, waterproof concrete crack monitors for use in saltwater environments, and inexpensive devices for budget monitoring solutions.

Concrete crack data loggers have some impressive technical specifications. They can store up to 51,062 displacement and ambient temperature measurements. Linear movement readings have a resolution of 0.00012in (0.003mm), and ambient temperature range is -4° to 176°F (-20° to 80°C) with 1°C resolution. Each logger comes with a 3.15in (80mm) long stainless steel cable, eye bolt and 1/2AA3.6V battery which lasts up to 4 years.

The device can be configured and data can be downloaded using a Windows PC. User-defined time intervals for data recording range from 1 minute to 91 hours. That flexibility in monitoring schedules is customizable according to project requirements.

The Wireless Communication Module can be used as an accessory to monitor up to 32 concrete crack data loggers at the same time. That's for more efficient data collection. And for spans that exceed the length of the included cable, optional extension cables are available.

Crack displacement monitoring is about tracking the movement of cracks over time in concrete and masonry structures. That's where a concrete crack monitor comes in. You attach it to the structure with screws, adhesive or epoxy. At regular intervals, you measure the crack widths at consistent points—and record that movement over time on the record sheet. That data is time-stamped for precise tracking. What you get from that data is a clear picture of the damage and what maintenance is needed.

You can do crack displacement monitoring in several ways. One is manual measurement—using a monitor to measure crack widths at regular intervals. Another is automated measurement—using a monitor with digital caliper or concrete crack data logger capabilities. And then there's remote monitoring—using a concrete crack monitor with a wireless or web-based interface. Some of these monitors can even record ambient temperature measurements alongside crack movements, giving you a more complete picture for structural analysis.

Whatever method you choose, concrete crack displacement monitoring gives you the information you need to make informed decisions on maintenance and repair. That's because it shows you exactly how cracks in concrete and masonry structures are behaving.

Concrete Crack Displacement

Monitors measure that out-of-place movement, the opening and closing of the concrete crack. Giatec SmartRock Long-Range Wireless Concrete Monitor Sensors Data storage capacity, battery life and optional accessories all enhance the functionality. You can set the acquisition frequency to suit your needs—anywhere from 10 seconds to 91 hours. That lets you determine how often data is collected and downloaded, so you can assess the situation in detail and on time.

These monitors are installed in all sorts of structures—buildings, bridges, you name it—to give you accurate measurement and ongoing observation of movement and integrity. They come with easy-to-read divisions and a progress chart to track and document movement over time.

At Certified Material Testing Products, we offer Concrete Crack Monitors as part of our full line of concrete testing equipment. These monitors are versatile and can be used for other solid material structures. We also offer a range of crack gauges and other tools to help you measure and track movement in your structures. If you need a vandal-resistant monitor, our Concrete Crack Monitor Plus is the one to choose. The Economy Crack Comparator is for concrete cracks measurements and monitoring. Stainless steel discs are a must-have for accurate measurements and structural integrity. The Concrete Crack Width Gauge is for measuring crack widths and locations before you start a monitoring program. The Concrete Crack Displacement Monitor is for measuring horizontal and displacement movement where there's a step across a crack due to displacement of "out-of-plane" movement. The record sheet that comes with the crack widths device makes monitoring and assessment over time easy.