How it works
The system uses a specially designed, dedicated electronic load pin incorporating integrated strain gauges. The pin, along with a multifunctional anti-rotation/protection plate is located within the swivel end assembly of the strut which, arrives on-site pre-calibrated and ready for immediate use.
The load pin is connected to a battery powered acquisition module housed within the strut that draws load data on demand from the pin and then transmits wirelessly to two available receiving sources.
A Choice of monitoring Service
Basic (manual) service
A roaming hand held device receives data from the strut at a range of up to approximately 100m. Once in range, this device wakes up the acquisition modules from standby and displays the live load data for the closest prop. Users can also switch between information transmitted from all struts within range.
Advanced (fully automated) service
This fully automated, customisable, monitoring service utilises a weatherproof GPRS router positioned at a suitable location on-site. This unit gathers data at pre-set intervals and transfers this via satellite to either email, SMS, or both. This service also offers various warning mechanisms such as prop overload, which can trigger either an email or an SMS message. Groundforce will even correlate this data in graphical format for ease of assessment.
System features & advantages
- The hardware is pre-assembled into either hydraulic or non-hydraulic struts prior to delivery and requires no further setting up on site.
- The specially designed load pins will not compromise the structural integrity of the strut in any way.
- The system is pre-calibrated to give instant and reliable results with no further data conversion required.
- Subject to wireless reception, basic monitoring could potentially be performed from the comfort of the site office, certainly without going into the excavation.
- The fully customisable GPRS system allows data readings to be logged, correlated and distributed automatically with no involvement from site personnel.
- The system can also monitor ambient temperature in conjunction with load data.
