CHAPTER

uNIT I}
Significance of
3 Instrumentation
Universlty Preecribed Syllabus w.e.f Academic Year 2022-2023

Introduction, Objectives of dam safety and instrumentation, Types of measurements, Instrumentation data system.
Working principles and functions of instruments, Selection of Equipment's, Different Instruments, Piezometers, Porous
tube piezometer, Pneumatic piezometer, Vibrating wire piezometer ,Settement measurement system Vibrating wire
settlement cell, Magnetic settlement system, Inclinometer, Joint meter, Pendulums, Inverted Pendulum, Hanging
Pendulum, Automatic pendulum coordinator ,Vibrating wire pressure cell, Extensometer, Embedment strain gauge,
Temperature gauge, distributed fiber optics temperature tool, seismograph.

Syllabus Toplc : Introduction.. ..3-2 dams. Draw suitable sketches wherever possible I
3.1 Introduction. .3-2 necessary. (SPPU - Dec. 16, 4 Marks) 3-4
Syllabus Topic : Objectives of Dam Safety and Syllabus Toplc : Piezometers, Pneumatic
Instrumentation ....s* .3-2 Piezometers, Vibrating wire Piezometer. 3-5
3.2 Objectives of Dam Safety and Instrumentation ...3-2 3.7.1
Ua. Discuss clearty with minimum six examples: UQ.
PiezometerS.........******.******
What is a piezometer ?
3-5

measurements taken, use of relevant instrumentation (SPPU - May 16, 2 Marks) 3-5
/instruments and monitoring for safety of dams. 3.7.1.1 Types of Piezometers 3-5
(SPPU -April 17 (In Sem.). 3 Marks) ..3-2 UQ. Briefly explain following types of piezometers :
UQ. State the objectives regarding the instrumentation Vibrating wire piezometer.
in dam safety.(SPPU- May 17,3 Marks).......3-2 (SPPU - May 16, 2 Marks) ....3-5
Syllabus Tople : Types of Measurement. ..3-2 UQ. State two advantages and two disadvantages of
3.3 Types of Measurement ..3-2 vibrating wire piezometer.
Ua. Discuss clearly with minimum six examples: (SPPU- April 17(in Sem.). 2 Marks) 3-5
measurements taken, use of relevant instrumentation UQ. Briefly explain following types of piezometers:
/instruments and monitoring for safety of dams. Pneumatic piezometer
(SPPU - April 17 (In Sem.), 3 Marks) ..3-2 (SPPU - May 16, 2 Marks) 3-6
Syllabus Topic : Instrumentation Data System....3-4 UQ. State two advantages and two disadvantages of
3.4 Instrumentation Data System.. 3-4 pneumatic piezometer.
Syllabus Toplc : Working Principle of (SPPU - April 17 (In Sem.), 2 Marks) 3-6
Instruments .... .3-4 Syllabus Topic : Magnetic Settlement System .....3-7
3.5 Working Principle of Instruments ****......3-4 3.7.2 Magnetic Settlement System 3-7
Syllabus Topic : Selection of Equipments. e...s........ .3-4 Syllabus Toplc : Joint meter .... 3-8
3.6 3.7.3 Joint meter and Crack meters.
Selection of Equipments or Instruments .3-4 3-8
Syllabus Toplc : Different Instruments ..3-4 Syllabus Topic : Inclinometers. 3-8
3.7 Different Types of Instruments 3.7.4 Inclinometers.. 3-8
(Dam Instrumentation) .3-4 Syllabus Topic : Extensometer 3-9
UQ. Describe in detail "Instrumentation in dams 3.7.5 Extensometer.... 3-9
(SPPU - Oct. 11, 8 Marks)..... .3-4 Syllabus Topic : Seismograph. 3-9
Ua. Write a short on "Dam Instrumentation", 3.7.6 Seismograph.... 3-9
(SPPU- Oct. 12. 4 Marks, April 15. 8 Marks)...... 3-4 Ua. What isa Seismograph ? Explain its use with
UQ. State and explain four instruments used for various reference to the safety of a Dam.
measurements needed with reference to safety of (SPPU - Dec. 17, 4 Marks) 3-9
Chapter Ends 3-10
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil) (Significance of Instrumentation)....Page no. (3-2)

Syllabus Topic : Introduction (viii)To ensure the longevity and safety of a dam.
the
(ix) To detect of any behaviour which could deteriorate
failure in
3.1 INTRODUCTION dam, potentially result in its shutdown or
order to implement corrective measures.
The safety of dams plays a very important role for the
purpose of safeguarding the national investment. Dams Syllabus Topic : Types of Measurement
belongs to national property and constructed for the
growth and development of national economy. 3,3 TYPES OF MEASUREMENT
There are many benefits derived from the dam projects.
An unsafe dam becomes a hazard to human life and
Discuss clearly with minimum six examples
national property and economy may lead in the measurements taken, use of relevanti
downstream position. instrumentation / instruments and monitoring for I
Hence safety of the dams and other structures built with safety of dams. (SPPU- April17 (ln Sem.). 3 Marks)
respect to dam are much important and to be inspected
and examined by various methods and instrumentation. Types of
Measurement
Instrumentation in Tilari Dam give an excellent
opportunity for checking various design assumption 1. Dam Foundations
made and parameter assumed in the stability analysis.
2. Foundation Stability
Instrumentation
Syllabus Topic :Objectives of Dam Safety and
3. Pore Pressure, Settiement

M 3.2 OBJECTIVES OF DAM SAFETY AND and Lateral defomation

INSTRUMENTATION 4. Foundation Deformation

:
Discuss clearly with minimum six examples
Temperature
5. Variations in Stress and
measurements taken, use of relevant i
instrumentation / instruments and monitoring for
6. Cracks opening variations
3 Marks)
safety of dams. (SPPU- April 17 (ln Sem.). 7. Measurements of uplift pressure
the instrumentation
State the objectives regarding
(SPPU - May 17, 3 Marks)
in dam safety. 8. Measurement of ground water pressure
safety and
Following are the various objective of dam 9. Measurernent of pore water pressure
instrumentation
problems and provide safe 10. Measurement of settlement of
(i) To indentify the earth dam embankments
maintenance of the dam.
total amount of settlement for
(iü) To observe the rate and 11. Measurement of settlement
and lateral movements
embankment construction.
rate of construction,
(iii) To monitor dam performance, improvements. 12.Measurement of shear plane
slope stability assessment, ground between the
and lateral movements

(iv) To determine the relationship uplift pressure; 13. Determination of movement of joints
instrumnentation measurements such as
alignment, stream flow and drainage system discharge 14. Measurement of tit and rotation
water surface elevations.
with the upper and lower construction,
proper and safe design, 15. Detemination of total pressure and
(v) To provide for maintenance of dams to protect the stress distribution
operation and
public safety. 16. Determination of intermal deformation
dams located throughout the
(vi) To maintain the records ofcompliance
and cracking
commonwealth ensures with acceptable
inspection, maintenance, 17. Determination of internal strain
practices performing to dam
operation and repair of dams. 18. Determination of temperature
monitoring is to
(vii) Purpose of instrumentation and
maintain and improve dam safety by providing 19. Determination of

information to evaluate whether a dam is performing as earthquake shaking

expected and to warn of changes that could endanger

dam. Fig. C3.1: Types of Measurement
the safety of a
Venture
(P8-70) SHAH
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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
(Significance of Instrumentation)....Page no. (3-3)
Following are the various types of measurement in case 6. Cracks opening variations
of dam safety:
1. Dam Foundations Measurements for cracks opening variations can be
The following are the main points to check the carried out by the following instruments :
foundation hydraulics: (i) BOF-EX borehole extensometer.
(i) Relative impermeability between the foundation (ii) Single point or triaxial surface-mount jointmeters like
and reservoir perimeter. RTE which can be installed under water on the upstress
(ii) Cut-off structure efficiency.
side of the dam.
(ii) Efficiency of the downstream drainage network.
The above measurements can be monitored by the 7. Measurements of uplift pressure
following instruments : Uplift pressure is measured by the instruments such as
(a) Piezometers piezometers, porous tube piezometer.
(b) Flow meters.
8. Measurement of grouna water pressure
2. Foundation Stability
Ground water pressure Can be determined by
Instrument used for monitoring potential shear zones : Pneumatic piezometer.
(i) Jointmeters 9. Measurement of pore water pressure
(ii) In-place inclinometers.
Pore water pressure can be determined the instrument
3. Pore Pressure, Settlement and Lateral like vibrating wire piezometer.
deformation 10. Measurement of settlement of earth dam
The main measurements required for dam stability embankments
analysis and slide prevention are settlement, lateral
Settlement of earth dam embank1ment can be
deformation, pore pressure, uplift pressure. determined by the instruments such as settlement
Instruments used to measure pore pressure, settlement
and lateral deformation are as follows : measurement system, vibrating wire settlement cell.
(i) Piezometers. 11. Measurement of settlement and lateral
(iü) Settlement gauges. movements
(iüi) In-place inclinometer and Inclinometer probes. Settlement and lateral movements can be determined
4. Foundation Deformation
by the instrument like magnetic settlement system.

Settlement and horizontal deformation behaviour can 12. Measurement of shear plane and lateral
be done evaluated after completion of movements
measurements.
Shear plane and lateral movements can be determined
In case of evaluation, the particular attention should be by the instrument like inclinometer.
given to zones of significant differential setlement
which could be lead to fissuring in the structure. 13. Determination of movement of joints
Instruments used for foundation deformation are as Movements of joints can be determined by the
follows : instrument such as jointmeter.
(i) Settlernent gauges. 14. Measurement of tilt and rotation
(ii) Inclinometers. Tilt and rotation can be determined by the
(iii) Borehole extensometers. instrument
like pendulums.
5. Variations in Stress and Temperature 15. Determination of total pressure and stress
distribution
Measurements for variations in stress and temperature
can be carried out by the following instrument: Total pressure and stress distribution can be measured
by the instruments such as Inverted pendulum, Hanging
(i)) VBS stress meter.
pendulum, Automatic pendulum coordinator, vibrating wire
(ii) CIUS instrumental cylinder. pressure cell.

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 (Significance of Instrumentation)...Page no. (3-4)
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
There should be close co-operation between the
16. Determination of internal deformation and
designers, instrumentation specialists, expert analysis
cracking and site authorities to achieve the goal of
Internal deformation and cracking can be determined instrumentation.
by the instrument like "Extensometer".
The instrumentation program should be comprehensive
measurements of all
17. Determination of internal strain and carefully planned to include
be
Internal strain can be determined by the instrument the quantities which are essential in the problem to
studied.
such as Embedment strain gauge".
18. Determination of temperature Syllabus Topic : Selection of Equlpments
Temperature can be measured by the instrument like
temperature gauge. 3.6 SELECTION OF EQUIPMENTS OR
19. Determination of earthquake shaking INSTRUMENTS
Earthquake shaking can be determined by the instruments, the following
instrument such as, Distributed fibre optics, Temperature When selecting the
consideration :
tool, seismograph. requiremnents should be taken into
(i) Precision is within the acceptable range.
Syllabus Topic : Instrumentation Data System (iü) Operation is easy.
(iüi) Durability is high.
replacement is possible.
3.4 INSTRUMENTATION DATA (iv) Repair, maintenance and (Accuracy, resolution,
SYSTEM (v) Reliability of the measurements
precision and drift)
data system, there (vi) Instrument longevity.
So as to obtain instrumentation essential for efficient data
(vii) Ease of readout automation,
should be automated data acquisition and processing :of data collection and interpretation.
quantities
The çollection and analysis of large
need centralized and (vii)Design and installation of the
instrument should be as
especially over long distance
automated measuring techniques. simple as possible.
durable and able to resist
Results are more precise and
accurate and data can be (ix) Instrument should be reliable,
enabling efficient any adverse condition which are likely to occur during
processed more rapidily this waywhen predetermined operation.
alarm systems to be implemented operational cost of the
thresholds are exceeded. (x) Initial maintenance and
easily user-configured instrument should be minimum.
Data acquision centres are control language their
through a high level "soft"
instrument
device types,
(xi)) Instrument should function properly after
connected
which supports full diversity in conversion, statistical installation.
installation.
measurement intervals, data (xii) Instruments should be easy to inspect after
control and logging.
processing and strategies for alarm
of the data to Syllabus Topic : Different Instruments
Immediate objective being assessmentattention.
urgent
detect sudden changes requiring to understand and
Summaries and presentation of data 3.7 DIFFERENT TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS
behaviour of the dam and
compare with the predicted
taken.
(DAM INSTRUMENTATION)
appropriate action to be
of Instruments
Syllabus Topic :Working Principle Ua. Describe in detail "Instrumentation in dams
(SPPU- Oct. 11. 8 Marks)
PRINCIPLE OF Write a short on "Dam Instrumentation
3.5 WORKING 15, 8 Marks)
INSTRUMENTS (SPPU - Oct. 12. 4 Marks. April
for various
State and explain four instuments usedto safety of
The purpose of the instrumentation
program and measurements needed with reference
which possio
darns. Draw suitable sketches wherever16,
underlying geotechnical and structural problems
be clearly
4 Marks
(SPPU- Dec.
create the need for instrumentation should necessary.
defined.
Venture
SHAH
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22-23) (P&-70) Tech-Neo Publications...A SACHIN
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
(Significance of Instrumentation)....Page no. (3-5)
Following are the various types of instruments installed
in the dam structure so as to obtain the better
performance 3.7.1.1 Types of Piezometers
for safety aspect :
Piezometers, Porous tube piezometers. Types of Plezometers
Pneumatic piezometer.
Vibrating wire piezometer. () Vibrating Wire Piezometers
Settlement measurement system.
Vibrating wire settlement cell. (ii) Pneumatic Piezometers
Magnetic settlement system.
Inclinometer. Fig. C3.2: Types of Piezometeres
Jointmeter.
Pendulums. Following are the various types of piezometers :
Inverted pendulums, Hanging pendulum, Automatic. (i) Vibrating Wire Piezometers
pendulum coordinator, Vibrating wire pressure cell.
Extensometer. yQBriefly explain following types of piezometers :!
Embedment strain gauge. Vibrating wire piezometer. (SPPU - May 16. 2 Marks)
Temperature gauge.
Distributed fibre optics, Temperature tool,
. UQ. State twO advantages and two disadvantages ot
vibrating wire piezometer.
seismograph. (SPPU- April 17 (ln Sem.), 2 Marks) 1
Syllabus Topic : Piezometers, Pneumatic Piezometers,
Such type of piezometers can be used to determine the
Vibrating wire Piezometer
pore water pressure. Vibrating wire piezometer consists
3.7.1 Piezometers of a porous stone connected to a sealed metal chamber
with a diaphragm adjacent to the stone. The chamber is
UQ. What is a piezometer ? (SPPU - May 16, 2 Marks)
connected to an electronic readout device.
Piezometers play a vital role as in dam safety Water pressure deflects the diaphragm pressure is
instrumnentation. Its function is to measure pore water
pressure or effective stress in a soil medium. measured by electronically vibrating the wire,
It can be used before construction of dam (i.e. measuring the frequency of vibration and relating
pre-construction), during construction of the dam and frequency to water pressure.. Modern device readout
after the construction (i.e. post construction). calibration automatically.
Such instrument can be installed within structure of the
dam, foundation and foundation structure interface of 3 Advantages
the dam. It can also be used at the upstream or Following are the various advantages of vibrating wire
downstream of the structure. piezometers :
Purpose It provides automatic data collection.
Purpose of such instrument is to monitor dam It also provides remote data collection.
performance, rate of construction, slope stability It also provides good response time.
assessement and ground improvements.
Fig. 3.7.1 shows the piezometer.
It is moderately simple transducer.
It is simple to monitor.
It has very short lag time.
It has no freezing problems.
Frequency output signal permits transmission over long
distances.
It is easily automated.

Fig. 3.7.1

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 (Significance of Instrumentation)....Page no. (3-6)
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
It makes remote reading possible.
Disadvantages It has no freczing problems.
Following are the various disadvantages of vibrating It has very short lag time.
wire piezometer : It does not require power.
It requires power. It can be calibrated at any time.
conditions.
It gives erroneous readings in unsaturated Disadvantages
It require lighting protection. pneumatic
Following are the various disadvantages of
It is expensive transducer and readout. piezometers :
pressure
It is sensitive to temperature and baromnetric Ithas moderately complex monitoring and
changes. maintenance.
models are
There is risk of zero drift, but some It is difficult to be automate
for long distances.
available with in-situ calibration check. readings if is not
Condensation can cause inaccurate
Fig. 3.7.2 shows vibrating wire piezometer. controlled properly.
readout device.
It require dry air and
barometric pressure.
It is sensitive to
expensive readout.
It has moderately Pressure
gauge

piezometer Water
Fig. 3.7.2: Vibrating wire pressure
on
(ü) Pneumatic Piezometers diaphragm
of piezometers
Briefly explain following types
(SPPU - May 16, 2 Marks)
(i) Piezometer inactive
Pneumatic piezometer Stage - I
two disadvantages of
State two advantages and
pneumatic piezometer.
Marks)
(SPPU- April 17 (In Sem.), 2
Input
porous filter
piezometers consists of a
This type of flexible diaphragm in
connected to two tubes having closed with the help of
hold
between. The diaphragm is end of one of the tube is Vent
The
external water pressure. tubes is
The end of one of the
attached water pressure. pressure gauge.
attached to a dry air supply and a determine the
(iü) Piezometer activated
type of piezometer can be used to Stage- II
Such pressure in
ground water pressure and pore water
saturatedsoil.

Advantages
advantages of pneumatic
Following are the various
piezometers :
It is moderately
simple transducer.
transmission over the
Frequency output signal permits
long distances.
(ii) Piezometer ready to read
It iseasily automated. the reading
II is moderately expensive. Stage- II
long experience
It is more reliable and keep fairly
piezometer
record. Fig. 3.7.3a) : Operating principle of pneumatic

a Tech-Neo Publications SACHIN SHAH Y

A
year 22-23) (P&-70)
(New Sylabus w.e.f academic
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
(Significance of Instrumentation)....Page no. (3-7)
Fig. 3.7.3(a) shows operating principle or working
principle of pneumatic piezometer. Syllabus Toplc : Magnetic Settlement System
Fig. 3.7.3(b) shows the usce of pneumatic piezometer on
field or at site. 3.7.2 Magnetic Settlement System
Tubing to readout The magnetic settlement system is designed to monitor
G.L. sub-surface settlement or heave. This system can be
installed horizontally beneath embankments or dams so
as to enable the lateral displacements to be monitored.
A typical settlement system consists of a number of
Tubing magnetic anchors which access tubing selected to suit
expected settlement or heave, depth to be monitored.
Magnetic anchors can be spider or groutable type in
Bentonite-cement grout (borehole installation), plate or crossamn type in
embankment.
Geosystem magnetic settlement indicator model
MSSO1 can be used with all systems.
Grout plug A number of magnetic anchors are installed vertically
above each other in boreholes or filled ground and
interconnected by protective access tubing which is
Pneumatic piezometer capable of compression or elongation. The indicator
Sand fiter prob is passed down the access tubing until its
proximity to a magnetic anchor is indicated. The
Fig. 3.7.3(b) : Use of pneumatic piezometer on site or on ffeld distance from the magnetic anchor to a datum point at
the top of the access tubing is read off the survey tape
Gas supply attached to the prob.
The location of all anchors is recorded immediately
Gas flow controller
after installation of the settlement system and
Sand
Gas flow mater subsequent reading taken at regular intervals to provide
Bentonite
setlement trends over the depths of the installation.
seal Pressure gauge Advantages
Following are the various advantages of magnetic
Inlet
Casing tube Outer tube
Vent settlement system:
1. It has low cost.
Plastic 2 It iseasy to install.
tube
3 It is simple and reliable.
Soaling grout 4. Its accuracy is better than tl mm.
Bentonite
5. It provides multi-point measurement system.
Porous
tube Sand S Applications
Transducer
body Following are the various applications of magnetic
Sand Fiter settlement system:
1 It can be used for short term monitoring of settlement
Flexible diaphragm
attached to transducer up to 20 m deep in preloaded embankments.
body round rim
2. It can also used for long term monitoring of settlement
(c) up to 200 m deep in earthfill dams and large
Fig. 3.7.3 : Pneumatic piezometer embankments.
3. It can be used for long term monitoring of settlement in
conjunction with inclinometer readings.

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 (Significance of Instrumentation)...Page no. (3-8)
Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
Fig. 3.7.4 shows magnetic settlement system. R Applications
Following are the various applications of joint meter
Underground water Incinometer
Inclinometer gauge Settlement
casing gauge casing and crack meters :
1 It can be monitored the joints for unexpected
Inclinometer movement to provide early warning of performance
ibSand matR problem.
casing
Magnetic 2. It can be monitored joints and cracks in structures that
settlement Gap water may be affected by nearby construction activities.
system pressure It can be monitored cracks in structures that have
Soft ground gauge 3.
Magnet experienced seismic activity.
Bedlock
Fig. 3.7.5 shows joint meter.
Displacement Spherical
Fig. 3.7.4 : Magnetic settlement system Ball joint transducer bearing

Syllabus Topic :Joint meter Crack AnchorS

A 3.7.3 Joint meter and Crack meters

Joint meter and Crack meters in dam structure can be with displacement
concrete Fig. 3.7.5 : Electric crack joint meter
used to monitor movement at joints and cracks in transducer
and rock.

Types of Joint meters Syllabus Topic : Inclinometers

Following are the various types of joint meters :
3.7.4 Inclinometers
Types of jointmeters
mainly two
A inclinometer system consists of
components as follows :
1. Mechanical 3D Crackmeter
Components
2. 3D Jointmeter of Inclinometers

3. VW Crackmeter
(0) Inclinometer casing.
4. VW Embedment Jointmeter
(ii) An inclinometer measurement systemn

Fig. C3.3: Types of Joint meters

Fig. C3.4 :Components of Inclinometers
Mechanical 3D Crack meter
1.
with a dial indicator Inclinometer casing provide the access for sub-surface
This type of crack meter is used measurements. There is groove inside the casing which
for surface applications only. controls the orientation of the inclinometer sensor and
3D Joint meter provide a uniform surface for measurement.
2.
can be used to Inclinometer casing is usually installed in a borehole. It
These are submersible joint meter. It can also be located or embedded into concrete Or
concrete structure.
monitor movement at joint in attached to a dam structure.
VW Crack meter
3. There are portable inclinometers used as portab0
movement at the
This type is also used to monitor measurement system. It consists of probe; cable
structures or rock. can
readout. Portable system is economical as they Portable
joints and cracksin concrete
easily taken from one side to another dam site.
4. VW Embedment Joint meter
in systems are accurate because the entire length of Cas
This type is used to monitor movement at the joint
massConcrete structures like dams, foundations and is measured twice in each survey.
abutments.
Venture
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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil) (Significance of Instrumentation)....Page no. (3-9)
Applications
Syllabus Topic : Extensometer
Following are the various application of inclinometer :
3.7.5 Extensometer
1. Inclinometers are used to monitor sub-surface
movements and deformations. This type of instrument can be used to determine the
2 It detects zone of movement and establish whether internal deformation.
movement is constant, accelerating or responding to It is installed in the concrete dam structure to record
remedial measures. compressive as well as tensile strains induced in the
3. checks that deformations are within design limits, dam structure. The corresponding values of stress
that struts and anchors are performing as expected, and developed can than be computed from the strain
that adjacent building are not affected by ground readings.
movement. Multiple rod extensometers can be used to find the
4. It verifies stability of dams, dam abutment and strain and stresses developed in foundation or rock.
upstream slopes during and after impoundment. The instruments like teleformetor and rock meter are
5 It monitors settlement profiles for embankments, installed in the dam structure. Disc-type sensing
foundation and other elements or stress meters measure directly the stresses
structures (horizontal
inclinometer). set up in concrete and rock.
Fig. 3.7.6 shows installation of inclinometers. Fill extensometer is an instrument used to mneasure
Indinometer deformation and ongitudinal displacement between
two points in fill and lateral strain in earth dams. Fill
-Dam structure extensometer consist of an outer pipe-fitted with two
end flanges and inner stainless steel rod-one end of the
Indinometer
rod is attached to the flange and other end of the rod is
attached to a displacement sensor, which is attached to
the other flange.
The fill extensometer is designed for short term or long
Fig. 3.7.6:Installation of Inclinometer term monitoring of displacement between the points
inside any type of manmade fill like earth dam.
Fig. 3.7.7 shows inclinometer.
Syllabus Topic :Seismograph

3.7.6 Seismograph
UQ. What is a Seismograph ? Explain its use with
reference to the safety ofa Dam.
(SPPU - Dec. 17, 4 Marks)I
ODefinition: It is a device to measure the movement of
the earth-crust and the interior of the earth. It has a
ground motion detection sensor called as
Seismometer.
It is coupled with a up-to-date recording system:
S Working of the seismograph
The seismographs are mounted to the surface of the
Fig.3.7.7: Inclinometer earth so when the ground starts shaking the instrument
case also moves, or shakes however the suspended
mass, inside the seismograph.
In the past this suspended mass used to be a simple
pendulum, but in the modern seismographs these
seismometers work electromagnetically.

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Dams and Hydraulic Structure (SPPU-Sem 8-Civil)
A large permanent magnet is used for the mass and the
outside case containing numerous coils of fine wire.
The mnovements of this magnet relative to the case,
generate smallelectric signals, in the wire which is sent
to either to a computer, or can be recorded on a graph
paper to create the seismogram. Three types of
earthquake waves are recorded on the graph paper.
such as.
P' waves
A: Primary waves:
B: Secondary waves : 'S' waves
C: Longitudinal : L' wves
or surface waves
These measurements allow the scientists to estimate the
of the
distance direction magnitude duration
earthquake. That has just occurred.
It is very important to note and identity the earthquake
(Significance of Instrumentation)..Page no. (3-10)
have a timer device (i.e., the drum holding the chart
paper does not rotate).
Such instruments provide only the maximum extent
(or scope) of motion during the earthquake; for this
reason they are called seismoscopes. The analog
instruments have evolved over time, but today, digital
instruments (Fig. 3.7.8(b)) using modern computer
technology are more commonly used.
The digital instruments records the ground motion on
the memory of the microprocessor that is in - built in
the instruments.
String
Magnet
Pendulum bob
Pen
Support Rotating drum

prone zones, before the big structures such as Dams,

Bridges are constructed.
The instrument that measures earthquake shaking, a Direction of

seismograph, has three components the sensor, the

ground
shaking recorded
recorder and the timer. The principle on which it works
the early
is simple and is explicitly reflected in the tip of
seismograph (Fig. 3.7.8(a)), a pen attached at (a) Schematic of early seismograph
hung by a
an oscillating simple pendulum (a mass
chart paper that is
string from a support) marks on a
held on a drum rotating at a constant speed.
required damping
A magnet around the string provides The pendulum
oscillations.
to control the amplitude of
together constitute the
mass, string, magnet and support
chart paper constitutes the
sensor; the drum, pen and the drum at
that rotates
recorder: and the motor
constant speed forms the timer.
in each of the two
One such instrument is required Of course, for
orthogonal horizontal directions.
string pendulum
measuring vertical oscillations, the
spring pendulum
3.7.8(a)) is replaced with ainstruments
(b)
(Fig. do not Fig. 3.7.8
oscillating about a fulcrum. Some
Chapter Ends..