Full scale validation of tracking total stations using a long stroke electrodynamic shaker
Gikas, Vassilis and Stamatis Daskalakis
In recent years, dynamic deformation monitoring equipment such as GPS, accelerometers and inclinometers was extensively used for the purpose of determining angular movements, displacements and vibrations of engineering structures. In contrast, the use of total stations in similar applications was limited for a number of reasons, including the low sampling rate, problems associated with operation in adverse weather conditions and the demand that a clear line of sight is necessary between the total station and the prism. However, the high accuracy measurements and the precise target pointing of such systems, along with their ability to operate indoors, render total stations excellent candidates for certain operations. This article presents the results and the analyses derived from a large number of experiments aiming to identify the performance and the limitations of tracking total stations in terms of sampling rate and time stamping accuracy. An electrodynamic oscillator was used to generate periodic / sinunsoid vibrations for a preset range of accurately known frequency and amplitude values. Useful conclusions are drawn for the frequency, the amplitude and the data rate recorded as well as for the behavior of servo mechanism. In addition, useful statements are made for the significance possesses in the results that the direction of line of sight between the instrument and the prism in relation to the direction of motion.
Event: XXIII International FIG Congress : Shaping the change
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