Case Study of a Full Scale RFERS in Service - Rigidly Framed Earth Retaining Structures - page 57

Consequently, to simplify the interpretation of the VWDT data, a study of the
thermal behavior of the building was performed using the measurements obtained
from the VWDT installed across the expansion joint. These sensors showed a
particularly close correlation between movement and temperature. The
coefficients of thermal expansion of the structure in service corresponding to
yearly, seasonal, and diurnal movements were determined and used to further
interpret the measurements obtained from the VWDT installed along the expansion
joint.
The data recorded by the tilt sensors will be presented and discussed first,
followed by the study of the thermal behavior of the building and VWDT data.
4.3.1 Electrolytic Tilt Sensors Data
The tilt recorded by the electrolytic tilt sensors ( ETS ) installed on the northern wall
of the building and connected to the datalogger are presented. Measurement
obtained from the manually read ETS installed at the southern and eastern ends of
the building were found to be unreliable due to signal aliasing and are not
presented.
Fig. 4.10 shows the locations and designations for later reference of the tilt
sensors installed at the northern building wall. The first two letters of the sensor
designation (EL) refers to Electrolytic tilt sensors. The third letter (A, B, C or D)
refers to the level at which the sensors are installed. The fourth letter (N) refers to
the Northern wall of the building. The fifth letter (W, C or E) refers to West,
Center or East side of the wall. As an example, a sensor designation EL-CNE,
denotes the tilt sensor located at level E on the northern wall, at the eastern side of
the wall. All sensors are installed approximately 30 cm (12 in) from the bottom of
the slab.
Fig. 4.10 Electrolytic Tilt Sensors Installed on Northern Wall