Measurand’s SAAV Extend is a unique type of SAAV whose sensorized length can be extended in the field by adding sections of sensorized segments known as lift extensions to the top of a base array. This primarily facilitates monitoring dams and other structures that will be raised or extended repeatedly over the lifetime of a monitoring program or in various applications where the final sensorized length of the SAAV is difficult to determine prior to installation.
The process for working with SAAV Extend in dam lift applications and configurable length applications is very similar to using traditional SAAVs with a few key differences to facilitate the changing sensorized length of the instrument. Processes for both of these applications is outline below with links to articles specific to each step.
SAAV Extend in Configurable Length Applications
The configurable length application for Measurand’s SAAV Extend allows the sensorized length of the instrument to be customized at the time of installation to perfectly match the desired application. This primarily facilitates monitoring of infrastructure projects where the instrument will be retrieved, resized, and reused across multiple monitoring activities.
Due to the unique extendable nature of the SAAV Extend, the collection and conversion of raw readings is slightly different from traditional Measurand ShapeArray™ instruments. In general, the base array of an SAAV Extend can be installed and monitored in the same manner as a regular SAAV. However, as sensorized lifts extension are added to the base array, it must be treated as a new separate instrument for the purpose of monitoring and recording data.
The following set of steps outlines the general process for collecting and converting SAAV Extend data when using it in configurable length applications.
Figure 2. An outline of collecting and converting data from SAAV Extend in configurable length applications
- Install and configure the SAAV Extend to the desired length.
- Generate new calibration files.
- Generate new logger program.
- Collect and convert data.
The following video specifically covers the steps above from the Measurand software perspective.
SAAV Extend in Dam Lift Applications
The dam lift application for Measurand’s SAAV Extend allows it to be lengthened in the field by adding sensorized segments to the top of a base array repeatedly over the lifetime of the monitoring project to extend the sensorized length. This primarily facilitates monitoring of dams and other structures that will be raised or extended repeatedly over the lifetime of the monitoring program.
Due to the unique extendable nature of the SAAV Extend, the collection and conversion of raw readings is slightly different from traditional Measurand ShapeArray™ instruments. In general, a base SAAV extend is installed and monitored in the same manner as a regular SAAV. As each new sensorized extension is added to the base array, it is treated as a new separate instrument for the purpose of monitoring and recording data. However, displacement observed at each stage of extension can be added to the current displacement results as an offset to provide an accurate historical picture of the instrument’s movement throughout the installation.
The following set of steps outlines the general process for collecting and converting SAAV Extend data. Each of these steps is described in more detail below.
Figure 1. An outline of collecting and converting data from SAAV Extend in dam lift applications
- Install base array. (This is done the same as any regular vertical SAAV; however, care must be taken measuring the casing stickup)
- Create logger program. (This is done the same as any regular vertical SAAV)
- Collect and convert data. (This is done the same as any regular vertical SAAV)
- Add extension to the base array.
- Generate new calibration files.
- Generate new logger program.
- Collect and convert data.
- Visualize SAAV Extend data in the ShapeArray™ Viewer