Concrete Crack Data Logger: Monitor for Displacement
Displacement Monitor is white plastic with red divisions. Measures horizontal and vertical displacement movements such as settling of a floor slab, and measures the opening and closing of the crack. The cable coils operate on a rotary potentiometer to measure and log movements, ensuring accurate measurements of displacements and ambient temperatures. Displacement range is 110mm (4.3in) and horizontal range is -10–50mm (-0.39in–2in).
See more on our Crack Monitors page.
What is a Crack Monitor?
A crack monitor is a tool used to measure and monitor crack widths in concrete and masonry structures. These are essential for the integrity and safety of different components in various industries. These are cheap devices that give accurate and precise measurements of movement so engineers and construction professionals can assess the damage and know what maintenance is required. By enabling early detection and timely repairs, crack monitors save costs. By monitoring movement, crack gauges ensure the integrity, safety and durability of concrete structures, roads, buildings and bridges. Crack monitoring technologies ensure the safety of various structures by enabling early detection of potential structural issues. Whether it’s minor cracks or major structural issues, these are for proactive maintenance and long term structural health.
Principles of Crack Monitoring
Crack monitoring is the process of measuring the movement and growth of cracks in concrete structures over time. This is done through the use of concrete crack data loggers, which record displacement and temperature at user-defined intervals. By collecting and analyzing this data, engineers can see trends and patterns in crack movement and can detect early and predict maintenance.
Crack monitoring can be done in several ways. Manual measurements with digital calipers give precise readings, automated measurements with concrete crack data loggers give continuous monitoring without human intervention, and for larger gaps and cracks, optional extension cables and long stainless steel cables can be used to monitor everything.
Regular monitoring and analysis of crack data is essential for the structural integrity and safety of buildings, bridges, and other concrete structures. By detecting issues before they become major problems, crack monitoring reduces the risk of structural failure and overall safety. This proactive approach means maintenance can be done on time and extend the life of the structure.
Types and Applications of Crack Monitors
Crack monitors come in various types and configurations to suit different applications and monitoring requirements. Here are some common types of crack gauges and their uses:
Monitoring is crucial for tracking the growth and movement of cracks in structures. Specialized equipment, such as concrete crack data loggers and monitoring systems, give real-time information on crack dimensions which is essential for the safety and integrity of various concrete applications.
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Flat Crack: For monitoring crack movement on flat surfaces, these are cheap and simple. Crack gauges can be attached to flat surfaces with screws, adhesive or epoxy and are suitable for many applications. They measure not just the width but also the depth of cracks, for comprehensive structural assessments.
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Corner Crack: For monitoring cracks in corners with two plates, these are cheap and can measure movement in angles from 70° to 180°. Perfect for assessing structural integrity where two surfaces meet, especially at joints.
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Standing Crack: For monitoring cracks in vertical surfaces. These monitors are securely mounted to vertical surfaces, giving real-time measurements of movement, perfect for ongoing structural monitoring.
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Waterproof Concrete Crack Monitors: For use in saltwater environments, these are for monitoring in coastal structures or underwater applications. Waterproof design ensures reliable performance in harsh conditions.
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Inexpensive Devices: For budget monitoring solutions, these often have hot-stamped crosshairs and grids. A cost-effective way to monitor movement without sacrificing accuracy.
Technical Specifications
Concrete crack data loggers have advanced technical specifications to give accurate and reliable data for cracks in structures. These devices can store up to 51,062 displacement and ambient temperature measurements, enough space for long term monitoring.
Linear movement readings have a resolution of 0.00012in (0.003mm), ambient temperature range is -4° to 176°F (-20° to 80°C) with 1°C resolution. Each logger comes with 3.15in (80mm) long stainless steel cable, eye bolt and 1/2AA3.6V battery which lasts up to 4 years.For spans that exceed the length of the included cable, optional extension cables are available, for flexibility in monitoring larger gaps and cracks. The HMA-660 Wireless Communication Module can be used as an accessory to monitor up to 32 concrete crack data loggers at the same time, for more efficient data collection.
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, for customizable monitoring schedules according to project requirements. These technical specifications make concrete crack data loggers ideal for monitoring in structures, for analysis and maintenance.
How it Works
Crack displacement monitoring involves using a concrete crack monitor that records the movement of cracks over time in concrete and masonry structures. Attach the monitor to the surface of the structure with screws, adhesive or epoxy. Measure crack widths at regular intervals at consistent points and record the movement over time on the record sheet. The data recorded is time stamped for precise tracking. Use this data to assess the damage and know what maintenance is required.
Crack displacement monitoring can be done in several ways:
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Manual Measurement: Use a monitor to manually measure crack widths at regular intervals.
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Automated Measurement: Use a monitor with automated measurement capabilities like digital caliper or concrete crack data logger.
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Remote Monitoring: Use a concrete crack monitor with remote monitoring capabilities like wireless or web based interface. These monitors can also record ambient temperature measurements alongside crack movements, for comprehensive data for structural analysis.
Whatever the method used, concrete crack displacement monitoring gives valuable information on the behavior of cracks in concrete and masonry structures so engineers and construction professionals can make informed decisions on maintenance and repair.
Concrete Crack Displacement
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Monitors measure out-of-place movement, opening and closing of the concrete crack. Key features include data storage capacity, battery life and optional accessories that enhance functionality.
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The adjustable acquisition frequency, which can be set from 10 seconds to 91 hours, is important to determine how often data is collected and downloaded, for detailed and timely assessment.
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Monitors are installed in various types of structures, such as buildings and bridges, to ensure accurate measurement and ongoing observation of movement and integrity.
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Monitors have easy to read divisions.
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The crack gauges come with a progress chart for easy tracking and documentation of movement over time.
Certified Material Testing Products offers Concrete Crack Monitors as part of our full line of concrete testing equipment for roads, bridges and foundations. These monitors are versatile and can be used for other solid material structures. Our crack gauges come with a crack progress chart to help you visually track and quantify movement over time. Need a vandal resistant monitor? The Concrete Crack Monitor Plus is the one for vandal resistant in the field. These devices monitor and give you accurate data on movement in solid structures to inform maintenance decisions. The Economy Crack Comparator is for concrete cracks measurements and monitoring. Stainless steel discs are must haves in monitoring, for accurate measurements and structural integrity. The Concrete Crack WidthGauge is for measuring crack widths and locations before starting a monitoring program. The Concrete Crack Displacement Monitor is for measuring horizontal and displacement movement where there is a step across a crack due to a displacement of “out-of-plane” movement. The crack widths device comes with a record sheet for documenting crack measurements, to make monitoring and assessment over time easy.
