Deformation obtained from acceleration data using wireless sensor motes

Real-time deformation monitoring of geotechnical-based infrastructure during construction or during the service life can provide forward predictions of system response. These predictions can later be used to provide warnings if the system response exceeds systems limits. Unfortunately, the majority of the current real-time deformation monitoring technology typically consists of very expensive and bulky systems. In addition, the systems rely on long cable runs to connect the sensor arrays to the data acquisition systems. Wireless systems utilizing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology will provide an important solution to the real-time monitoring problem. MEMS technology facilitates a reduction in size and cost of the monitoring system while maintaining accuracy. This paper presents the results of experiments that evaluated the ability of MEMS accelerometers to accurately measure the deformation of a structure. To determine the accuracy of the accelerometers, the MEMS were mounted on a planar surface which was rotated to simulate deformation. The actual measured deformations of the planar surface were compared to those obtained from the MEMS accelerometer measurements. From the experimentation, it can be concluded that this technology can be reliably used to measure deformation in a structure.