Automated Total Station
Precision Survey Monitoring for Settlement and Structural Movement
Automated total stations (ATS) are robotic survey instruments that continuously monitor the three-dimensional position of target prisms installed on structures, detecting movement with sub-millimetre precision. The instrument automatically cycles through its target list, measuring the angular and distance coordinates of each prism, and computing any displacement from the baseline survey. This provides a complete picture of structural movement, settlement, tilt, lateral displacement, and rotation, across multiple monitoring points simultaneously.
TRSC deploys ATS monitoring for structures where settlement, lateral movement, or displacement monitoring is required, typically during adjacent construction, basement excavation, tunnelling, or following observed structural movement. The automated measurement cycle operates continuously (24/7), recording the position of each monitoring target at intervals as frequent as every 30 minutes, with automated alerts when movement exceeds pre-defined thresholds.
The precision of ATS monitoring makes it suitable for detecting movements as small as 0.3mm in three dimensions at ranges up to 500m from the instrument. This level of precision is essential for monitoring structures during adjacent deep excavation, where ground movement can induce settlement and lateral displacement in nearby buildings that may not be visible to the naked eye but can cause structural distress if undetected.
TRSC integrates ATS monitoring data with other structural monitoring systems, tiltmeters, crack gauges, and vibrating wire sensors, to provide a complete picture of structural response to external influences. The ATS provides the global displacement picture (how the structure is moving as a whole), while embedded sensors provide the local response picture (how individual elements are responding). Together, they enable confident engineering decisions about whether observed movement is within acceptable limits.
Speak with an RPEQ-qualified structural engineer about deploying this technology on your asset.
Applications
Settlement Monitoring
Continuous measurement of building settlement during adjacent construction, basement excavation, or tunnelling, detecting ground-induced settlement before structural distress occurs.
Lateral Displacement Monitoring
Measuring lateral movement of retaining walls, basement walls, and building facades during and after excavation, verifying that design predictions are not exceeded.
Bridge Deflection Monitoring
Measuring bridge deck deflection and pier movement under live loading and environmental effects, providing calibration data for structural analysis models.
Dam & Embankment Monitoring
Long-term deformation monitoring of dams, embankments, and critical infrastructure where continuous displacement measurement is required for safety management.
Construction Deformation Control
Monitoring structural deformation during construction stages, post-tensioning, propping removal, and load application, to verify design assumptions in real-time.
Heritage Structure Surveillance
Long-term position monitoring of heritage structures to detect progressive settlement, tilt, or movement that may indicate developing structural concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many prisms can an ATS monitor?
A typical ATS installation monitors 20–100 prisms per instrument, depending on the measurement cycle time and the required monitoring frequency. Each prism measurement takes approximately 10–30 seconds. For large monitoring arrays, multiple ATS instruments or longer cycle times are used. TRSC designs monitoring arrays to balance coverage with measurement frequency based on the project-specific risk assessment.
What triggers a monitoring alert?
TRSC configures alert thresholds based on the structural analysis and project-specific risk assessment. Typical alert levels include: green (normal, movement within expected range), amber (attention, movement approaching design limits), and red (action, movement exceeding design limits requiring immediate engineering review). Alert thresholds are typically set at 50%, 75%, and 100% of the design movement limits.
Does ATS monitoring work in all weather?
ATS instruments operate reliably in most weather conditions. Heavy rain, fog, and snow can temporarily interrupt prism visibility and prevent measurement. The instrument automatically retries failed measurements and flags any prisms that cannot be measured. TRSC reviews data completeness and adjusts the system if persistent measurement interruptions occur.
Deploy ATS on your asset
Every investigation begins with a direct conversation with an RPEQ-qualified structural engineer. No sales intermediary, contact TRSC to discuss whether automated total station is appropriate for your structural question.