An expert

on automatic
measurements
Ground and structures,
automatic measurements.
Alarm system warns of
critical events reliably 24/7.
Eliminate the risks, reduce costs,
ask us for more information.
 Table of contents

An expert on automatic measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

More safety, less costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Up-to-date measurements, automatic alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Displacement measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Settlement measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Customers value safety and cost-efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Anchor force measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pore pressure measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Extensometer measuring of rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Convergence measuring of rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Water level measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Temperature profile measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Measurements of all quantities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2
An expert on automatic
measurements

F
inMeas is an expert on automatic meas- work. Therefore, investments in automatic measurement
urements . With the help of our products, solutions pay for themselves in a short period of time .
you can monitor the movements and
phenomena of the ground and the condi- All of our products are easy to use, and are delivered
tion of structures reliably and easily . All of completely installed. We will also take care of the mainte-
our solutions employ a measuring device nance of the system for the whole duration of the project.
that is installed on the measurement point; the cen-
tral processing unit of this device transfers the meas-
urement data automatically to an online service . This
service can be configured with threshold values which,
when triggered, automatically send an alarm message
The central processing units
to the mobile phone or email of the person in charge of
of measuring devices
measurements or work. This allows dangerous situa- include a solar panel so
tions to be predicted in time, before they become more they are completely
serious or lead to accidents . maintenance-free.

Automated measurements are more accurate and cost-

effective than conventional manual measurements .
Up-to-date, accurate measurement data enhances Measurement data is easily
safety at worksites and aids in the optimisation of available thanks to a mobile
design, operation and implementation of structures . application.

The fact that data can be read remotely diminishes the

risk for human error and reduces cost and unnecessary

3

Measurement data produced
by FinMeas is easily available
whether you are on the go or at
the office.
4
More safety,
less costs
T
he real-time measuring of soil and rock
structures is a fairly recent invention .
Conventional manual measuring is ex-
pensive and subject to errors, and it is
therefore not performed often. How-
ever, it is even more expensive to not
take measurements at all. In a worst case scenario,
accidents can lead to personal injuries, and their finan-
cial effects can often become significant.
Automatic measurement solutions solve problems
related to monitoring ground movements and struc-
tures. They increase safety and are cost-efficient.
Safety is improved as up-to-date information is always
available. This way information on changes is received
as soon as changes take place, and corrective meas-
ures can be taken in time, before changes lead to
accidents and damages . Due to up-to-date informa-
tion, changes can also be linked to their causes more
specifically than before, which helps understand causal
connections .
Costs are reduced, since it is no longer necessary to rounding buildings . With the help of measurements,
read measurements on site . Due to automatic remote contractors can also prove that their operation has not
reading, measuring devices can also be placed in fairly damaged the surrounding buildings of a construction
inaccessible locations . Costs are also reduced by the site or the environment, if necessary .
fact that with the help of up-to-date information, the
number of support structures can be optimised .
For example, measuring anchor forces in support
walls can significantly reduce the number
of anchors needed .

In addition to real-time monitoring, automatic

measuring can be used both in structural
design and repairs .

Structures at construction sites do not al-

ways behave as planned; when designers
receive measurement data, they can create
better structural designs than before .
Respectively, in case of extensive repair
work, adequate measurement data and an
analysis of the current status made on the
basis of the data help in the preparation of
a more detailed repair plan .

Automatic measurements can ensure the

safety of both construction sites and sur-

5
Up-to-date measurements,
automatic alarms
F
inMeas has developed automatic meas-
urement solutions especially for measur-
ing displacements, settlements, anchor
forces, pore pressure, water level, tem-
perature profile, and rock movement. All
of these are presented in more detail in
the following pages. We can also offer automatic solu-
tions for the measurement of other physical quantities .
The core of our services is the automatic measurement
system we have developed which transfers measure-
ment data from the field into our online service. Thresh-
old values can be specified in the service, and if the
values are exceeded, the system raises an alarm
automatically .
6
Measurements of all quantities
FinMeas can offer an automatic measurement solution
for virtually all physical quantities . Almost all kinds of
measuring sensors can be connected to our automatic
central processing units, and graphs and threshold val-
ues for various physical quantities can easily be speci-
fied in our online service. This way you can benefit from
remote reading and ease of use of all your important
measurements .
Maintenance-free central
processing units
Each central processing unit contains a battery and
necessary electronics and software. The data transfer
between central processing units and the online service
has been implemented by using a data connection or
SMS messages . SIM cards are included in the delivery .
All central processing units that are installed overground
include a solar panel, which is adequate to keep the bat-
tery charged also in the wintertime and when measure-
ments are taken frequently . The central processing units
are therefore completely maintenance-free .
processing . Threshold values can easily be set in the
measurement service . When measurement values
exceed or drop below specified threshold values, the
person-in-charge receives an alarm immediately on his
or her mobile phone or email address. This allows
dangerous situations to be predicted in time, before
they become serious .

Easy to use online service

Up-to-date measurement data can be reviewed in
the graphical user interface of our online service, or it Picture above: automatic monitoring is an important part
can be downloaded on a computer for more detailed of dam safety.

Measurements can easily be

selected for inspection from
the online service.

Clear graphs present the

situation in an understand-
able manner.

Measurement data can also be

downloaded on a computer for
a more detailed inspection.

7
Automatic monitoring
systems represent a major
technological advance,
far superior to manual
measuring.

Displacement
measurement
Applications
This measurement is used for monitoring ground
movements . The most common applications include
the monitoring of railway and road structures, mines
and concentration plants, various banks and founda-
tions, landfills, dams and other structures. Even the
smallest displacement in a critical location may cause
a safety hazard, which could have serious conse-
quences . Due to FinMeas automatic measurements,
information on displacements is received immediately,
and dangerous situations can be predicted in time .

8
 Measuring device
The measuring device is an automatic inclinometer, that
is, a flexible tube which includes biaxial inclination
sensors . Typically, sensors are installed inside the tube
at intervals of one metre . The measuring tube is placed
vertically in the ground so that it moves and bends ac-
cording to the movement of the soil layers . The
displacement profile is calculated from the information
provided by the sensors inside the tube .

The pit walls and the operation of support walls were
monitored at the Urheilupuisto construction site of
Lnsimetro.
Benefits
Traditionally, displacements have been measured
manually, that is, a surveyor has visited a site to
read a measuring device . Manual measurements
take up a lot of man-hours and they are expensive,
and they do not reveal the time when changes have
taken place . By using automatic measurements,
the exact time that changes have taken place can
be traced. This way the causes of the changes can
also be identified more precisely and corrective
measures can be planned as efficiently as possible.

9
Up-to-date monitoring
gives us competitive advantage,
while making construction
sites safer places to work.

Settlement
measurement
Applications
Even the smallest settlement The automatic settlement measuring device is used for
in a critical environment can be monitoring the movements of road and railway structures,
a serious safety risk.
for example . The measuring device is also suitable for
monitoring the condition of building foundations, landfills,
dams, and other structures . Even the smallest settlement
in a critical environment can be a serious safety risk .
FinMeas solutions provide accurate information quick-
ly on settlements enabling preparation and corrective
measures .

Measuring device
For measuring settlements, FinMeas delivers both horizon-
tal inclinometers and measuring devices which contain
precise pressure sensors connected to a long fluid hose.

The fluid hose measuring device can be hundreds of

metres long, and the interval between sensors can be
dozens of metres . Therefore, it is ideal for locations
where information is gathered from several points.

10
 The measuring device can be used, for example,
at excavation sites, where the behaviour of the footing
of surrounding buildings should be monitored
a sensor can be attached to each corner of a building .
The measuring device is also ideal for monitoring longi-
tudinal settlements underneath railways and dams.

The horizontal inclinometer is a flexible tube which in-

cludes biaxial inclination sensors . Typically, sensors are
installed inside the tube at intervals of one metre, and
the tubes can be a couple of dozen metres in length .
The measuring tube is placed horizontally in the ground
so that it moves and bends according to the movement
of the soil layers. The settlement profile of the ground
is calculated from the information provided by the sen-
sors inside the tube .

Measuring devices are delivered completely installed.
Benefits
Traditionally, settlements have been measured
manually, which has taken up a lot of man-hours
and which has been expensive. Manual measure-
ments also do not pinpoint the time when chang-
es have actually taken place . FinMeas automatic
measurements provide information on changes
immediately, and corrective measures can be taken
quickly, accurately and efficiently.

11
Customers value
safety and
cost-efficiency

F
inMeass customers include constructors
of trunk roads and railways, consultants
and designers in infrastructure construc-
tion, major construction companies, mu-
nicipalities and municipally owned busi-
nesses, mining companies and industrial
enterprises representing a variety of sectors . Our solu-
tions can be used in a variety of projects everywhere
where the safety, ease of use and cost-efficiency of
automatic measurements are valued .

FinMeas operations are based on continuous product

development and the application of academic research
in geotechnics . The latest research data of the industry
and world-class technical know-how have been com-
bined into easy-to-use products and services .

FinMeas is owned by the founders Sami Ylnen D.Sc.

(Tech.) (on the right) and Antti Ryhnen M.Sc. (Tech.).
We take pride in expert service and promoting our
customers business.

12
,, An up-to-date
snapshot of the
status of structures
Skanska has opted to trust in FinMeas measurement
technology at several construction sites . One of the larg-
est and most challenging of these was the IsoKristiina
shopping centre in downtown Lappeenranta. The pit of
the new construction site was 12 metres deep, with the
shopping centre just one metre away and a block of flats
at just three metres distance.
The support wall of the pit was anchored up to levels
23, with a total of 328 anchors installed. FinMeas was
responsible for the support wall anchor force and dis-
placement measurements .
For example, such monitoring assures us that the sup-
port is adequate. This way we can ensure that an opti-
mised plan will work in practice. We can also achieve
time savings . This gives us competitive advantage,
while making construction sites safer places to work in.
Measuring anchor forces and displacement has helped
us to ensure that movement remains within the allowed
limits, while using as few anchors as possible. It was
possible to reduce the number of anchors by a third
compared to a planning draft created without monitoring.
Our investment in FinMeas technology soon paid for
itself, both in the form of direct cost savings and im-
proved safety . FinMeas equipment is very easy to install
and the results can be conveniently checked online . We
save valuable working time and know exactly when a
change has actually taken place . Due to real-time moni-
toring, we obtain an up-to-date snapshot of the status of
structures . We have come to trust the functionality of the
measurement technology as a monitoring tool .
-Tarmo Tarkkio, Skanska Infra Oy-
,, Measurements verify
the reliability of
modelling
Rantatunneli in Tampere is a 2.3 km highway tunnel,
which will be taken into use in 2017. FinMeas automat-
ic extensometers are used for monitoring vertical rock
movements for the whole duration of the construction
project. The consulting engineering firm Saanio &
Riekkola Oy is responsible for the rock engineering
of the tunnel .
We have used modelling to anticipate rock behaviour
and conducted measurements to verify the reliability of
our modelling .
If the movements are minor, all is well. However, if the
measurements indicate movement that is more sub-
stantial than anticipated, people at the construction site
can react quickly and, if necessary, add more rein-
forcement structures, for example .
When we use FinMeas automatic measuring devices,
we can opt to receive new measurement data as often
as once an hour . The devices also enable us to com-
pare possible rock movement more efficiently with the
effects of actual excavation work or single blasting
events .
Automatic monitoring systems represent a major tech-
nological advance, far superior to manual measuring .
-Kari iks, Saanio & Riekkola Oy-
13
Alarms are received
in real time directly on
a mobile phone and email,
which increases reaction speed.
Anchor force
measurement
The anchor forces of support
walls vary, and they indicate the
actions of the wall and anchoring.
14
Applications
This measurement is used for measuring anchor forces
in the support walls of pits. An unforeseen increase of
anchor forces in support walls increases the risk of ac-
cidents . Automatic measurements ensure that infor-
mation on exceeding the maximum anchor forces is
received immediately . If the anchor force exceeds a
specified threshold value, the person-in-charge
receives information of this as an email or SMS
message . On the other hand, the anchor force must
not drop too low, as the anchors no longer support
the wall. The measurement system also raises an
alarm automatically of such changes .
Measuring device
Several Load cell sensors that measure anchor forc-
es can be connected to FinMeas central processing
unit . The typical measuring range is 01500 kN, and it
can be selected depending on the type of application
where the measurement is used.

A measurement sensor in an
anchor of a support wall.
A force sensor (top right) and
the electronics of a central
processing unit.
Benefits
Due to real-time measuring of anchor forces,
the adequate support of pits can be verified,
which improves the safety of worksites. The
structures can also be made lighter, which
reduces costs .
The number of anchors used can be opti-
mised with the help of the measurements.
In many locations where measurements are
used, it has been possible to reduce the
number of anchors by a third .
Frost is one of the factors that causes chang-
es in anchor forces . In most cases, anchor
forces begin to increase when soil frost in-
creases the pressure on a support wall. The
wall is then heated to diminish soil frost pres-
sure and to ensure that the forces remain
within the anchoring capacity. Due to FinMeas
automatic measurements, heating can be
scheduled to start at exactly the right time
in extensive construction sites, this can help
save tens of thousands of euros .
15
Our investment in FinMeas
technology soon paid for itself,
both in the form of direct cost
savings and improved safety.

Pore pressure
measurement
Applications
On soft ground, pore pressure Pore pressure measurements are used in securing
increase is an important sign of a piling sites and terraces . Measurements are also used
potential risk related to the
to support foundation planning and for monitoring
load-bearing capacity of a structure.
earth-fill dams, for example. The rapid increase of pore
pressure, for example, at a piling site can cause a
collapse of ground load-bearing capacity, which can
lead to a serious accident . FinMeas automatic pore
pressure measurement monitors the situation and rais-
es an alarm immediately if the pore water pressure
exceeds a permissible value. That way, corrective
measures can be taken in time .

Measuring device
The typical measuring range of pore pressure sen-
sors is 0-5 bars . Several pore pressure heads can be
connected to a measuring point at various levels . Pore
pressure sensors, that is, piezometers, are inserted into
the ground by using threaded steel tubes that are
attached to the sensors .

16
Benefits
The automatic monitoring of pore pressure is more eco-
nomical and secure compared to conventional manual
monitoring methods . When the device is installed at the
measurement location, the operating costs are low. It is
not necessary to visit the site, as the data is available
in the online service . In addition, the persons-in-charge
immediately receive an alarm on their mobile phone or
email address, if the predefined values are exceeded.

The monitoring of railway structures helps

ensure traffic safety.

17
 Extensometer
measuring of rock
When underground spaces are
being built, it is important to
know how the rock above and
around the spaces behaves
during the construction work.
18
Applications
Rock movement is measured, for example, during the
excavation work of tunnels, parking halls and other
underground spaces . Typically, the designers of rock
structures have modelled rock behaviour during exca-
vation work. The reliability of modelling can be verified
by automatic measurements . If the measurements
indicate movement that is more substantial than antici-
pated, people at the construction site can react imme-
diately and add more reinforcement structures .
The importance of measuring is also emphasised by
the fact that in major cities, rock resources have already
been built for the most part; therefore, work is carried
out in more challenging conditions than before . With the
help of measurements, contractors can also prove that
the excavation work has not damaged the surrounding
buildings, if necessary .
 The installation of an extensometer for
monitoring rock movement at the
Rantatunneli construction site in Tampere.

Measuring device
Measuring devices are three-point or five-point exten-
someters whose measuring range is 25100 mm. The
extensometers are installed in boreholes and, when
the rock moves, the anchors installed in various depths
move with it in relation to the reference head. The an-
chor and reference head temperatures are also meas-
ured and reported . Reading heads convert the move-
ment of an extensometer into an electronic message
which FinMeas automatic reading and data transfer
device converts into digital format and sends to
FinMeas online service .
Benefits
Automatic rock measurements help improve safety
and reduce costs resulting from manual work.
The measuring frequency is sparse in the case of
manual measurements . In the course of a couple of
weeks, there can be significant movement in a rock
that can even lead to a cave-in . FinMeas automatic
measurements enable the more precise linkage of
potential changes to the time of blasting and, for
example, to the explosives used .
Measuring devices that can be read remotely can
also be installed in fairly inaccessible locations .

19
If the measurements indicate
movement that is more substantial
than anticipated, people at the
construction site can react quickly
and, if necessary, add more
reinforcement structures, for example.

Convergence
measuring of
rock
Applications
Convergence measuring is used for monitoring the
transformations of spaces inside rock . The automatic
system monitors the transformations of tunnels and
vaults . The span range of the system is suitable for
all sizes of rock spaces .

Measuring device
Bolts are attached to rock, and the bolts are connected
to each other by rigid sensor tubes which have joints
at the attachment points . The longitudinal inclination of
each tube is measured with precise inclination sensors.
The vault profile and any changes in it are calculated
based on the measurement data . Sensor tubes can
also be left inside sprayed concrete .

20
Automatic convergence measuring

Benefits
ROCK
Measuring results can be reviewed easily in graphi-
cal format . Threshold values can be set to the changes
in the vault profile. When the threshold values are ex-
ceeded, the system sends an alarm automatically to the
SENSOR TUBES person-in-charge on his or her mobile phone or email
can also be left
address .
inside sprayed
concrete

VAULT

Rigid sensor tubes are attached to the vault ceiling.

An attachment point with a joint for connecting the
ends of the tubes.

21
Water level
measurement
Applications
Measuring devices can be used for monitoring the water
level of groundwater, water systems and reservoirs.
FinMeas automatic water level measurement monitors
the situation and raises an alarm if the water level be-
comes too high or low compared to predefined values.
Measuring device
The typical measuring range of water pressure sensors
is 0-5 bars . Several pressure sensors can be connected
to a central processing unit .
22
Benefits
The automatic water level measurement is more se-
cure and economical than conventional monitoring
methods . When the device is installed at the meas-
urement location, the operating costs are low. It is
no longer necessary to read measurements on site,
as measurement data can be viewed in FinMeas
online service, and the data can also be down-
loaded on a computer for more detailed process-
ing. If the measured values exceed or drop below
the predefined threshold values, the person-in-
charge receives an alarm immediately on his or
her mobile phone or email address .
Temperature profile
measurement
Applications
Temperature measurements are used, for example, for
monitoring the drying of concrete, for monitoring the
melting and freezing of the ground, in insulation mate-
rial research and other research, for monitoring com-
posts and other biological processes, and in indus-
trial measurement applications . Temperature graphs
indicate clearly when the frost has started to melt or the
depth the frost has reached . During insulation mate-
rial research, studies cover how various materials pre-
vent the effects of frost and the transfer of heat on the
ground or in structures . For composts, information can
be gathered on temperatures at various depths, which
helps assess the maturity of a compost and adjust air-
ing and watering.
Measuring device
A measuring device is either a tube or a cable which
is customised according to a customers requirements
and which contains precise digital temperature sen-
sors . The length of a measuring tube can vary from
a couple of dozen centimetres to several metres .
Typically, sensors are set inside the tube at intervals
of five centimetres. The length of a measuring cable
can be hundreds of metres .
The electronics of the measuring device reads digital
temperature sensors and sends the temperature infor-
mation automatically to the FinMeas measurement data
service .
23
Ground freezing in the wintertime as a function of time.
Temperatures are presented with variable colours in the pictures.
In the upper picture, frost reaches much deeper in the wintertime
than in the lower picture.

Benefits
FinMeas digital measuring devices resolve many problems
related to the traditional analogue technology . A separate sen-
sor and a cable are no longer required for each location to be
measured . Also, problems related to handling thermo pairs,
thick bundles of cables, and numerous sources of errors re-
lated to analogue electronics are resolved . FinMeas measur-
ing devices only have one cable that needs to be connected,
so they are easy to install . The device is also easy to transfer to
another measuring location, and the reliability of measurement
results is superior compared to conventional systems .
 Measurements
of all
quantities
FinMeas can offer an automatic measurement solution
also for other physical quantities than those presented
in this brochure. We can offer solutions for practically
all kinds of measurements. We can also help identify
locations in which automatic measurements can reduce
risks and costs.

FinMeas can also automate a customers current manual

measurements. Automatic measurements can improve the
accuracy and reliability of measurement data and help get
rid of additional costs resulting from manual measuring.

FinMeas can also develop new measurement systems

which are specifically customised to meet the needs of
a customer. This is enabled by the modularity of our
products. Almost all kinds of measuring sensors can be
connected to our automatic central processing units,
and graphs and threshold values for various physical
quantities can easily be specified in our online service.

In any case, you can benefit from remote reading and ease
of use of all your important measurements. You will
receive accurate information automatically and in an
easy-to-use format on the behaviour of various structures.

25
 Safety and
cost-efficiency
FinMeas is an expert on automatic measurements.
We have combined the latest research data of the industry and world-class
technical know-how. The result is a product range of easy-to-use automatic
measuring devices that efficiently uses the new possibilities offered by the
Internet. Our solutions will help our customers improve the safety of their
worksites and reduce costs.

Read our latest

news by clicking
info@finmeas.com +358 50 322 1029 finmeas.com this link.