NEWS

INSTRUMENTATION WITH REMOTE READING IN REAL TIME DURING THE EXCAVATION WORK NEAR THE CERAMIC STRUCTURE (CHIMNEY)
The 3S'TECH Team carried out real-time readings of the possible effects on this monolithic structure during the excavation work close to the structure.

An action protocol was drawn up in consensus with the Construction Management to find out how to act in each case of alert if the impacts exceeded the established thresholds. Acoustic and light sirens were installed on site to notify excavation operators directly if the established thresholds were exceeded.

Indeed, on two occasions it was necessary to activate the action protocol and rectify the work with the heavy machinery to avoid possible problems with the structural stability of the Chimney or risky situations.

MONITORING WITH REMOTE READINGS DURING A PERIOD OF 26 MONTHS
Prior to the start of work by the construction company, sensors were installed to know and recognize the specific movements of the structure due to the thermal effects or the dynamics produced by the wind. These readings were vital, to a large extent, to recognize any affectation unrelated to these effects and to be able to place parameters as tight as possible as security thresholds.

The monitoring consisted of biaxial inclinometers, displacement transducers and temperature and humidity sensors. All the teams were completely autonomous in terms of communication and power. With reference to covering the energy consumption, solar panels were fixed to feed the batteries.

The readings received by the sensors are presented through a Dashboard, where the studied thresholds are included to trigger warning notices via e-mail or mobile messages if they are exceeded. Readings were taken every 10 minutes. In this Dashboard you could clearly read all the data received, also presenting different correlation graphs (displacements-temperature, displacements-humidity, etc...).

As a complement, displacement trend graphs were presented to be able to recognize whether the displacements were of a monotonic or cyclical nature. Monthly reports were delivered that included the compilation of the values of each sensor, data correlation, notable incidents and a final section as an overview.

To complete a quick understanding of Chimney's movements, shaft animations were made.

END OF MONITORING
Once all the work that could affect this structure has been completed and with all the data received during the entire period of monitored surveillance, we know that a project to adapt the Chimney was carried out with the safety and knowledge that implies having all the information of more than 2 years of follow-up.

To thank the people involved in TECNICS G3 and BRUFAUCUSÓ for all their collaboration and trust. In this same sense, we would like to thank UNEX APARELLAJE ELÉCTRICO and CONRED TRAMWAY for giving us the opportunity to be part of the "medical team" that has taken care of the structural health of this emblematic ceramic monolith during all these months.