Friday, 5 February 2016

Useful Information On Slope Indicator

By Karen Wood


Slope indicators refer to pieces of equipment that are applied in measuring angles of slope, elevation, or depression on objects with regard to gravitational pull. A slope indicator also has other names including level gauge, level meter, tilt meter, slope gauge, gradiometer, gradient meter, and declinometer among several others. Currently, models of tilt gauges have increased in number, which makes it easy to choose one that best suits a certain application.

Inclinometers are used for measuring both positive and negative slopes. Positive slopes are usually measured by the observer looking at an object upwards. On the other hand, negative slopes are measured with the observer looking down on the object. Three main units of measurements are used in most inclinometers, that is, topo, degrees, and percent. The kind of inclinometers that were in use during the years of Renaissance are referred to as Astrolabes.

The Renaissance period saw astrolabes being used widely. Their use was in navigation and location of astronomical objects. Astrolabes declined in use as technology advanced and better devices started being developed. Current tilt meters are highly functional and very developed. Sometimes turn coordinators incorporated in aircrafts are called tilt meters.

Manufacturers have attained very high levels of accuracy in tilt meters by using advanced technologies. Output resolution of 0.0001 degrees or higher can now be reached in the sensors of modern-day tilt gauges. Angle range and technology are some of the factors on which accuracy is dependent. Maximum accuracy levels of only 0.01 are achieved in devices that incorporate lower technologies. Absolute accuracy of a sensor is a result of combination of factors. The main factors that come to play in influencing absolute accuracy are hysteresis, repeatability, sensor linearity, sensitivity, temperature, and zero offset.

Accuracy in electronic level meters can vary a lot. The variance in accuracy is usually dependent on the model of device being used and the situation under which it is being used. The accuracy range usually falls within the range of 0.01 to positive or negative 2 degrees. Accuracy is usually confined to the linearity specification of the sensor under room ambient conditions.

Level gauges are used in many applications. Typically, engineers use them to monitor subsurface movements and deformations. The devices often get applied in the detection of zones of movement so as to establish whether there is consistency or acceleration in movement. After and during impoundments, these gadgets get used in verifying dam abutments, stability of dams, and upstream slopes.

Two basic components are found on modern inclinometers, the inclinometer measurement system and the inclinometer casing. Access for subsurface measurements is provided by the inclinometer casing. Casings have grooves for controlling orientation of the sensor on devices and offering a uniform surface for measurements to be taken. Casings may be embedded in fill, installed in boreholes, cast into concrete, buried in trenches, or attached to structures.

There are two types of inclinometers, that is, portable measurement systems and in-place measurement systems. Like suggested in the names, the former can be carried from place to place to take measurements while the latter is usually installed permanently in a place. In-place measurement systems are needed when there is need for continuous monitoring for safety or construction control.




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