Structural and geotechnical monitoring for rockfall barriers, consolidations and mesh panels with LoRa network and remote alarms
Tecnopenta has implemented a complete geotechnical monitoring system and structural monitoring system to verify over time the effectiveness of risk-mitigation measures in infrastructure applications. The system integrates geotechnical sensors, data loggers and remote transmission to continuously acquire information on the condition of rockfall barriers, mesh panels and localized anchor points.
Network of interconnected sensors and remote monitoring
The core of the system consists of self-powered LoRa nodes connected in a network and LoRaWAN gateways, which transmit the data to a web monitoring platform. The landslide sensors acquire parameters such as deformation, inclination, displacement and applied force. The workflow is fully automatic: data are collected by the sensor, sent via radio, received by the gateway and transmitted over GPRS to the cloud platform.
Technology and sensors used
Fixed inclinometers
Measure the inclination of posts and structures, available in mono- or biaxial versions with integrated temperature sensor.
On/off wire extensometers
Used to monitor fractures and movements beyond threshold, ideal for real-time alarms.
Vibrating wire extensometer bars
Used to measure deformation in anchors and tie rods, suitable for installations embedded in concrete.
Toroidal load cells
Instruments for monitoring forces in anchor bars, made of stainless steel and resistant to harsh environments.
System structure and planned installations
The network will include 28 LoRa nodes and 2 redundant LoRaWAN gateways. The devices will be installed on:
- Rockfall barriers: inclinometers, vibrating wire bars, wire extensometers.
- Mesh panel installations: wire extensometers in strategic points.
- Localized consolidations: toroidal load cells for measuring tension in anchor bars.
All devices will be powered by solar panels with an energy storage system, while the gateways will be powered at 230 V.
Supervision via web platform
The web monitoring platform provides:
- Georeferencing of stations
- Interactive charts for data visualization
- Configurable alarm thresholds
- Automatic notifications for faults or threshold exceedance
Each user can access with personal credentials and differentiated profiles. Data are available both locally and on the cloud platform.
