Sunday 17 January 2016

Information On A Slope Indicator

By Karen Wood


Angles of depression, elevation, and slope with respect to gravitational force are measured used special pieces of equipment called slope indicators. Other names for a slope indicator are tilt meter, slope gauge, level gauge, level meter, gradient meter, declinometer, and gradiometer among others. Currently, the number of declinometers on the market has increased a lot. This gives buyers a variety of gadgets to pick from according to their needs.

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.

High levels of accuracy have been able to be achieved in these devices because of application of technology in their manufacture. Sensors in modern electronic level gauges allow them to reach output resolutions of 0.0001 degrees and more. Factors such as technology and angle range determine the accuracy in a device. Some devices that incorporate lower technologies only reach maximum accuracy levels of 0.01 degrees. Absolute accuracy in a sensor results from combinations of different factors. Some of the factors are hysteresis, repeatability, zero offset, sensor linearity, sensitivity, and temperature.

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.

There are many applications in which level gauges find use. Typically, they are used by engineering in the monitoring of subsurface deformations and movements. They come in handy in detecting zones of movement for the purpose of establishing consistency or acceleration in movement. During and after impoundments, the gadgets verify upstream slopes, dam abutments, and stability of dams.

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.

In-place measurement system and portable measurement system are the two primary kinds of inclinometers in existence today. Portable measurements systems are designed to be carried to various places of application as opposed to in-place measurement systems which are installed permanently. In-place systems allow for continuous monitoring of a place for safety purposes or construction control.




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