Milestones for designer of measurement sensors 07 Jun 2018

To measure movement in soils and structures using real time data, New Brunswick based technology manufacturer Measurand designs and manufactures ShapeArray, a long flexible series of connected segments with micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) tilt sensors that can be installed underground to monitor ground deformation.

Installation of ShapeArray

ShapeArray applied to a segmental lining

As the company celebrates 25 years in business, it reaches a milestone of completing sales of more than 100,000m of ShapArray delivered worldwide.

ShapeArray is used to monitor deformation of soil and structures including tunnels, dams, and buildings. A ShapeArray is an automated, easily installed system that can cover a 360^o x 360^o range of orientation. Automated data from the instrument is delivered in real time enabling engineers and designers to reduce risk and save money by making faster decisions.

In 2017, ShapeArray provided more precise ground movement data above the tunnel shield during the progression of the EPBM involved in the LA Metro Regional Connector project. ShapeArray data was used to confirm or modify the TBM operation parameters in real-time. When designers of Crossrail in London encountered the historic brick built Ranelagh Sewer just 4.5m above the TBM drive, they installed ShapeArray to monitor convergence and settlement. This provided asset protection and eliminated the need to enter the sewer to collect data

ShapeArrays come in lengths of up to 150m and comprise a number of rigid segments separated by joints that move in any direction but do not twist. MEMS tilt sensors measure tilt in two directions and processors transform the position (e.g. X, Y & Z) of each joint to produce shape and change of shape.

Real time monitoring

ShapeArray instrument

Displacements can be stored on data loggers or read directly on computers and mobile phones. Long-term tests have shown that 32m long ShapeArrays are accurate to ±1.5mm and precise to ±0.5mm.

President and founder Lee Danisch started the company in a small workshop in 1993, first designing fibre optic and bend-sensing technology products to capture motion of the human body. Inspired by positive customer feedback, Measurand began to develop products for the geotechnical industry. The company now has more than 60 employees and holds more than 20 global patents.

“I am trying to make this kind of measurement really easy for people to perform,” said Danisch. “It is exciting to see ShapeArray used in major construction projects all over the world, reducing risk and promoting safety.”