NOTE: This application guide is intended only to give an overview

of the several types of tilt sensors including where and why they
are used, how they are typically installed and how data is obtained
from them. Please note it is not a definitive guide.

APPLICATION GUIDE - TILT SENSORS

1.0 General description

Tilt Meters measure TILT (the measurand) and is used in several calculations (computations) to quantify rotation and
settlement of buildings and structures.

They are available in the following types:

• In-place Tilt Meter

• Portable Tilt Meter
• Submersible Tilt Meter
• Tilt Beam

1.1 In-place Tilt Meter

Comprises of a small enclosure which houses a printed circuit board
(PCB) onto which is mounted one (uniaxial) or two (bi-axial) MEMS
accelerometers.

The PCB is also fitted with a complex signal conditioning system to

ensure that the signal outputs are stable and repeatable.

Designed to measure tilt they are attached by attaching to a mounting

plate which is bolted to the structure.

A cable connects the sensor output to a manual readout or data logger.

1.2 Portable Tilt Meter

Comprises of a small enclosure (which houses a printed circuit board
onto which is mounted two (bi-axial) MEMS accelerometers),
interconnecting cable, stainless steel tilt plates, and the readout
instrument.

The PCB is also fitted with a complex signal conditioning system to

ensure that the signal outputs are stable and repeatable.

Designed to measure tilt by placing in-situ tilt plates which are bolted or
bonded to the structure. The measuring sensor is then accurately, and
repeatedly, located into the tilt plates during the reading.

A cable connects the sensor output to a manual readout or data logger.

1.0 General description contd...

1.3 Submersible Tilt Meter

Comprises of a watertight enclosure (IP68) which houses a printed circuit
board (PCB) onto which is mounted one (uniaxial) or two (bi-axial) MEMS
accelerometers.

The PCB is also fitted with a complex signal conditioning system to

ensure that the signal outputs are stable and repeatable.

Designed to measure tilt on submerged structures either on a vertical,

inclined or horizontal surface. They can be attached to a submerged
structure by bolting, bonding or welding.

A cable connects the sensor output to a manual readout or data logger.

1.4 In-place Tilt Beam

Comprises of an aluminium beam which houses a printed circuit board
(PCB) onto which is mounted one (uniaxial) or two (bi-axial) MEMS
accelerometers.

The beam can vary in length e.g. 1,2,3M and can be coupled together to
form a continuous string and the signal cables BUSSED together.

The PCB is also fitted with a complex signal conditioning system to

ensure that the signal outputs are stable and repeatable.

Designed to measure tilt and provide a settlement profiles they are

attached by bolting to the structure. They can be mounted horizontally ior
vertically.

A cable connects the sensor output to a manual readout or data logger.

2.0 Principle of operation

MEMS Tilt Meters employ ‘State of the Art’ MEMS sensor technology. MEMS (Micro‐Electro ‐ Mechanical Systems) are an 
integra on of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators and electronics on a common silicon substrate through micro fabrica on 
technology. 
 
The mechanical structure of a typical MEMS sensor is shown in Figures 1 & 2 below.

Figure 1 Figure 2

Polysilicon springs suspend the MEMS structure above the substrate such that the body of the sensor (also known as the 
‘proof mass’) can move in the X and Y axes. 
 
Accelera on causes deflec on of the proof mass from its centre posi on. Around the four sides of the square proof mass are 
32 sets of radial fingers. These fingers are posi oned between plates that are fixed to the substrate. Each finger and pair of 
fixed plates make up a differen al capacitor, and the deflec on of the proof mass is determined by measuring the differen al 
capacitance. This sensing method has the ability of sensing both dynamic accelera on (i.e. shock or vibra on) and sta c 
accelera on (i.e. inclina on or rota on). 
 
Signal condi oning is carried out within Tilt Meters so that a simple output signal is obtained. This output can be used in 
conjunc on with a calibra on sheet to easily calculate the amount of  lt that has occurred. 
 
The MEMS sensors within Tilt Meters are configured to measure inclina on from ver cal. As movement occurs, the Tilt Meter 
will move with its moun ng, thus changing the inclina on of the internal sensors. 
 
The MEMS sensors within Tilt Meters measure  lt over a range of +/‐ 15º. In the bi‐axial model, a second MEMS sensor is 
mounted at 90º to the other sensor and measures  lt in the orthogonal direc on, on the horizontal plane. Once mounted on a 
structure they are normally adjusted to read close to zero, their mid‐point. An ‘iniƟal reading’ is then recorded and any 
changes in the inclina on of the structure are iden fied by comparing the current readings with the ini al readings. 
 
Tilt meters are available with the following outputs:‐ 
 
Analogue version ‐  volts or 4‐20mA 
 
Digital version ‐ digital BUS (RS485)
3.0 Typical applications

The following table lists the typical applications, the elements that are monitored, the measurand the sensor is
measuring and the result that can be computed from the sensor information.

APPLICATIONS ELEMENT CONFIGURATION MEASURAND COMPUTATION

Point Tilt Rotation
Retaining walls Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Settlement
Point Tilt Rotation
Bridges Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Structures Settlement
Rotation
Point Tilt
Differential settlement
Buildings Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Settlement
Point Tilt Rotation
Towers & columns Bending
Linked Tilt
Displacement
Point Tilt Rotation
Retaining walls Bending
Linked Tilt
Displacement
Excavation Rotation
Point Tilt
Differential settlement
Nearby buildings Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Settlement
Convergence
Point Tilt
Rotation
Convergence
Tunnelling Lining
Rotation
Linked Tilt
Settlement
Displacement
Rotation
Point Tilt
Differential settlement
De-watering Nearby buildings Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Settlement
Point Tilt Rotation
Slope stability Soil/rock mass Rotation
Linked Tilt Settlement
Displacement
Point Tilt Rotation
Concrete face Rotation
Linked Tilt Settlement
Dams Displacement
Mass concrete Point Tilt Rotation
Intake tower Point Tilt Rotation
3.0 Typical applications contd...

APPLICATIONS ELEMENT CONFIGURATION MEASURAND COMPUTATION

Rotation
Point Tilt
Differential settlement
Compensation grouting Buildings Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Settlement
Track Point Tilt Rotation
Rotation
Linked Tilt Settlement
Displacement
Point Tilt Rotation
Bridges Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Settlement
Convergence
Point Tilt
Rail Rotation
Convergence
Tunnel lining
Rotation
Linked Tilt
Settlement
Displacement
Slope Point Tilt Rotation
Point Tilt Rotation
Embankment Rotation
Linked Tilt Settlement
Displacement
Point Tilt Rotation
Bridges Bending
Linked Tilt Displacement
Settlement
Convergence
Point Tilt
Rotation
Convergence
Tunnel lining
Road Rotation
Linked Tilt
Settlement
Displacement
Slope Point Tilt Rotation
Point Tilt Rotation
Embankment Rotation
Linked Tilt Settlement
Displacement
 3.0 Typical applications contd...

Overview

Tilt meters and Tilt beams can be used to monitor changes of tilt of structures and infrastructures. These changes can
be as a result of construction activities such as tunnelling, excavation, dewatering and loading. In addition tilt changes
can occur due to natural phenomena such as landslides, wind loading and flooding.

The choice of Tilt sensor will depend on the individual application but the key issues to be considered for each type
are outlined below.

3.1 In-place Tilt Meter (including submersible)

• Measures Tilt at a point which is referred to as rotation

• Can detect differential movement (multiple units) but not absolute displacement
• Can be mounted with bracket on vertical, inclined or horizontal surfaces
• Bracket can be mounted can be on wide range of surfaces e.g. concrete, steel
• Mounting of bracket can be done by bolting, bonding or welding
• Standard brackets are available but special brackets can be made to suit specific applications
• Digital sensors can have a BUS connection where only one cable is required to connect all sensors together
• Can be connected to a wireless node as part of a wireless sensor system
• Can be read with a manual readout or linked into an automatic data acquisition system

3.2 Portable Tilt Meter

• Measures Tilt at a point which is referred to as rotation

• Detect differential movement but not absolute displacement
• Tilt plates can be mounted on vertical, inclined or horizontal surfaces
• Tilt plates can be mounted on wide range of surfaces e.g. concrete, steel
• Access to the tilt plate locations is required to carry out reading operations
• Protection of the tilt plates is recommended
• Is read with the portable tilt meter unit

Key notes:

Whilst temperature has little or no effect on the tilt sensor itself, the effect of temperature changes on its mountings
and the structure to which it is fixed may be significant. Consequently temperature data should be recorded as part of
routine tilt monitoring.

Careful consideration should be given to the positioning of tilt sensors so that the effects of temperature changes are
minimised.

The repeatability of readings for a portable tilt meter system is operator and environment dependent.
3.0 Typical applications contd...

3.3 Tilt Beam

• Single beam - measures Tilt over its length which is referred to as rotation
• Linked beams can be used to calculate a profile of movement
• Available in a range of gauge lengths e.g. 1,2,3m
• With one or both ends fixed a measurement of absolute displacement can be calculated
• Can be mounted with bracket on vertical, inclined or horizontal surfaces
• Can be mounted on a wide range of surfaces e.g. concrete, steel
• Mounting can be done by bolting, bonding or welding
• Digital sensors can have a BUS connection where only one cable is required to connect all sensors together
• Can be connected to a wireless node as part of a wireless sensor system
• Can be read with a manual readout or linked into an automatic data acquisition system

3.4 Track monitoring system

• Linked bi-axial tilt sensors mounted longitudinally measures the rotation of each beam between fixing points in
the A axis.
• Rotations are combined to generate a settlement profile along the track.
• Twist in the B axis at each fixing is also monitored and therefore the change in cant at these points
can be calculated.
• Available with a range of gauge lengths e.g. 1,2,3m
• With one or both ends fixed a measurement of absolute displacement can be calculated
• Can be mounted with bracket on vertical, inclined or horizontal surfaces
• Can be mounted on a wide range of surfaces e.g. concrete, steel
• Mounting can be done by bolting, bonding or welding
• Digital sensors can have a BUS connection where only one cable is required to connect all sensors together
• Can be connected to a wireless node as part of a wireless sensor system
• Can be read with a manual readout or linked into an automatic data acquisition system
3.0 Typical applications contd...
Retaining walls

Tilt Meters and Tilt beams can be used to measure movements and stability before, during and after
construction of a retaining wall, and to measure the movements occurring on any nearby structures.

Tilt meters

Tilt beams

Where and what we monitor Why we monitor

Retaining wall face

To detect (calculate and monitor) bending in order to
Tilt profile confirm the integrity (stability) of the wall

Top of retaining wall

To detect (calculate and monitor) rotational movement of

Tilt the wall

Nearby structure

To detect (calculate and monitor) rotational movement of

Tilt nearby structures
3.0 Typical applications contd...

Dewatering Systems

Evaluation of differential settlement on structures due to dewatering operations.

Tilt meters Tilt beams

Where and what we monitor Why we monitor

Nearby structures

Tilt profile (tilt beams) To monitor the effects of groundwater lowering and the
effects of subsequent differential settlement

Tilt (rotation)
 3.0 Typical applications contd...

New tunnel construction

Tunnelling activities especially in urban areas can lead to significant settlement of the ground surface which can affect
the integrity of nearby structures.

In order to minimise the effects of settlement on these structures, compensation grouting is often utilised. Tilt sensors
are used to monitoring for settlement and/or heave during tunnelling and grouting.

Tilt meters provide a point rotation and are generally used to identify structural rotation. Tilt beams which can be
joined together in a chain provide a profile of settlement which can be used to control compensation grouting.

Tilt meter

Tilt beams

Tilt meters

Where and what we monitor Why we monitor

Adjacent buildings Point measurement to provide an early warning of

structural movement
Tilt (Rotation)
Profile monitoring to calculate, monitor and control
settlement
Subsurface infrastructure
(rail, sewer, power, water tunnels)

Tilt (Rotation) Profile monitoring to calculate, monitor and control

settlement/heave

Surface transport network Point measurements to detect rotation and convergence

(rail and road)
Point measurement to provide an early warning of
Tilt (Rotation) structural movement.

Profile monitoring to calculate, monitor and control

settlement/heave
 3.0 Typical applications contd...

Existing tunnel monitoring

The construction of new tunnels particularly in urban areas are often adjacent to existing tunnels and therefore the
effect of tunnelling needs to be monitored.

Horizontal tilt beams

Vertical tilt beams

Where and what we monitor Why we monitor

Tunnel wall - vertical tilt beam

Tilt profile to calculate convergence
Tilt (Rotation)

Tunnel wall - horizontal tilt beam Tilt profile to calculate settlement or heave
Tilt (Rotation)
3.0 Typical applications contd...

Bending/Deflections

Tilt beams can be used to monitor bending (deflection) as a result of load on structures such as bridges, pylons, wind
turbines, towers, silos and masts.

Tilt beams

Where & what we monitor Why we monitor

Bridge deck
To calculate bending (deflection) of the bridge deck
Tilt

Bridge tower, wind turbine, towers, silos Monitor the structural integrity and stability under loading
& masts

Tilt
3.0 Typical applications contd...

Cuttings

Tilt beams can be used to monitor tilt on structures in areas where slope stability problems may be anticipated or
monitor the effects of stabilisation measures such as soil nails.

Soil nails

Tilt meter

Potential slip planes

Where & what we monitor Why we monitor

Adjacent structure
To detect (calculate and monitor) rotational movement of
Tilt nearby structures to provide warning of slope instability
3.0 Typical applications contd...

Track monitoring

Biaxial tilt sensors can be linked together with rods and fixings which are free to move relative to each other so that a
settlement profile can be calculated.

Tilt sensors

Where we monitor Why we monitor

Rail track
The integrity and geometry of rail tracks is paramount to
Tilt operating a safe railway.

Monitoring Cant is one of the main ways that the geometry

is checked.

Cant can be calculated from tilt profile measurements.

By calculating changes in cant the structural integrity and

stability of the track can be monitored
4.0 Reading Tilt Sensors

4.1 Signal output

The readings generated by Analogue Tilt Sensors are in one of two formats:

• Voltage : +5 volts to -5 Volts for +15 degrees to –15 degrees

The tilt meter is supplied with 8 - 15 volts and a return voltage is read by the readout unit. As the sensor is
tilted the output changes from 0 to - 5 Volts at 15 degrees in the negative direction of its axis and from 0 to +5
Volts at 15 degrees in the positive direction. This voltage can then converted into an angle by a simple linear
calculation using the supplied calibration details.

• Current : 4mA to 20mA for -15 degrees to +15 degrees

The tilt meter is powered with a 8 - 15 volt current loop ( two wires ) from which it draws the current to power
itself. As it is tilted the output changes from 4 mA at 15 degrees in negative direction of its axis, to 20 mA at
15 degrees in the positive direction. The current is then converted into an angle by a simple linear calculation
using the supplied calibration details.

The readings generated by Digital Tilt Sensors are in ‘Sine of the Angle’.

• Digital : -0.2588 sin-1 to +0.2588 sin-1

The tilt meter is supplied with 8 - 15 volts to power the internal processor and sensors via the RS485 ‘bus’
cable. Each sensor has a unique identification or ‘address’. The interrogating logger or readout ‘requests’ a
reading from a particular ‘address’. The value returned from the processor is a value in sin-1 ( the sine of the
angle with respect to vertical ) which can then be easily converted into a reading in degrees or other
engineering units.

H Sine θ = O
H

O
4.0 Reading tilt sensors contd...

4.2 Signal conversion - Analogue

Each tilt meter or beam has a unique calibration sheet and the simple calculation converts the sensor output to
engineering units, commonly degrees or mm/metre. The output from the sensor must be compared with its
calibration sheet to calculate the amount of tilt.

Calibration factors - below are typical calibration factors found on an Analogue tilt meter calibration sheet.

A AXIS
Calibration Factors 0.05217 mV to Sin θ
2.99781 mV to Degrees θ
53.5898 mV to mm/m
B AXIS
Calibration Factors 0.03234 mA to Sin θ
1.87418 mA to Degrees θ
33.4937 mA to mm/m

Individual Calibration Sheets are provided for all sensors.

The calibration sheet for a bi-axial tilt meter will include the calibration details for both of the sensors ( A & B ).
Typically, the calibration factors would be presented as above but the units will vary depending upon the sensors
output.

Some examples of conversion from tilt meter output to engineering units are shown below.

• Voltage Reading Into Sine of the Angle

The conversion of a voltage output into Sin of the Angle, with respect to vertical, is based on the linear
Y = ( X - C ) *M relationship, where ….

Y = Angle (Sin θ) with respect to vertical

M = Calibration Factor ( for Sine of the Angle per mV from calibration sheet)
X = Voltage reading (V)
C = Voltage reading (V) at Zero (Vertical)

If for example:

M = 0.05217
X = +0.3134 Volts
C = -0.00763 at Vertical
Y = (+0.3134 - ( - 0.007630 )) *0.05217
Y = +0.1675 (Sine of the angle)

• Voltage Reading Into Degrees

The conversion of a voltage output into degrees is based on the linear

Y = ( X - C ) *M relationship, where ….

Y = Angle (in degrees), with respect to vertical.

M = Calibration Factor ( for degrees, from the calibration sheet )
X = Voltage reading
C = Volt reading at Zero - if applicable ( from the calibration sheet )
5.0 Reading tilt sensors contd...
4.2 Signal conversion contd...

If for example:

M = 2.99781 degrees/volt
X = +0.3134 Volts
C = -0.00763 at Vertical
Y = (+0.3134 - ( - 0.007630 )) *2.99781
Y = +0.9624 degrees

• Voltage Reading into mm / m

The conversion of a voltage output into degrees is based on the linear Y = ( X - C ) *M relationship, where ….

Y = Angle in mm/m with respect to vertical.

M = Calibration Factor ( for mm/m from the calibration sheet )
X = Voltage reading
C = Volt reading at Zero - if applicable ( from the calibration sheet )

If for example:

M = 53.5898 mm/m
X = +0.3134 Volts
C = -0.00763 at Vertical
Y = (+0.3134 - ( - 0.007630 )) *53.5898
Y = +17.20 mm/m

• Milliamps Reading into Sine of the Angle

The conversion of a milliamp output into the Sine of the angle is based on the linear Y = ( M * X ) +C
relationship, where ….

Y = Value of the Sine of the angle of tilt

M = Calibration Factor ( for Sine of the angle from the calibration sheet )
X = Milliamp reading
C = Zero reading (from the calibration sheet )

If for example:

M = 0.03235 per mA.

X = 14.974 mA
C = 12.000 mA at Zero degrees
Y = ( 14.974 - 12.000 ) * 0.03235
Y = +0.09624
4.0 Reading tilt sensors contd...

4.2 Signal conversion contd...

• Milliamps Reading into Degrees

The conversion of a milliamp output into an angle in degrees is based on the linear Y = ( M * X ) +C
relationship, where ….

Y = Value of the angle of tilt from vertical

M = Calibration Factor ( for the angle from the calibration sheet )
X = Milliamp reading
C = Zero reading (from the calibration sheet )

If for example:

M = 1.8750 per mA.

X = 14.974 mA
C = 12.000 mA at Zero degrees
Y = ( 14.974 - 12.000 ) * 1.8750
Y = + 5.57625 degrees

• Milliamps Reading into mm/m

The conversion of a milliamp output into a mm / m value is, again, based on the linear Y = ( M * X ) +C
relationship, where ….

Y = Theoretical offset from vertical over a distance of 1m, with respect to vertical.
M = Calibration Factor ( for mm/m, from the calibration sheet )
X = Milliamp reading
C = Zero reading ( from the calibration sheet )

If for example:

M = 32.3524 mm per mA.

X = 14.974 mA
C = 12.000 mA at Zero degrees
Y = ( 14.974 - 12.000 ) * 32.3524
Y = +96.22 mm/m
4.0 Reading tilt sensors contd...

4.3 Signal conversion - Digital

The readings from digital tilt sensors are already converted to engineering units within the board and are provided in
the form of Sine of the angle of tilt. Consequently no additional calibration factors need be applied.

To convert from one engineering unit to another (degrees or mm/m) only a simple calculation is required as shown
below:-

• The Sine of the angle into the angle

To convert from the Sine of an angle to an angle it is necessary to use the ArcSin or Sin-1
mathematical function:-

Y = Value from tilt meter (Sine of the angle) - for example 0.08716

Angle in degrees = Y (0.08716) Sin –1

Angle in degrees = 5.000º

• Sine of angle to mm/m

Y = Value from tilt meter (Sine of the angle) - for example 0.08716

mm/m = Y ( 0.08716) x 1000

= 87.16mm/m

H Sine θ = O
H

O
4.0 Reading tilt sensors contd...

4.4 Hand held readouts

There are several types of handheld readouts available most of which, are able to read MEMS tilt sensors and
options include:-

• Direct display - readings need to be manually recorded

• Data storage - readings can be stored for later downloading
• Facility to convert to engineering units - calibration factors and zero values are entered and stored on the unit
allowing the conversion to be performed.

4.5 Automatic data acquisition systems

A system designed to regularly record data from instruments independent of operator input, often used in remote
environments. A data logger controls and logs the sensor readings and can respond to pre-set alarm trigger levels
through on-board software.

Typical components could include:-

• Central processing unit (CPU) – to which all the components are linked

• Digital to analogue interface

An interface is required for digital tilt sensors which convert the RS485 signal into a RS 232 signal which can
be transferred to a CPU

• Multiplexers: A relay mechanism controlled by the CPU to switch between multiple sensors so that they can
be monitored by a single CPU

• Power Supplies: A power supply provides regulated power to the logger and sensors. Power is drawn from a
battery that is charged either from an AC supply or a solar panel

• Communication: Remote or local connection to the CPU to program or download data including GSM, GPRS,
radio and cable

• Software: Which allows the user to configure code to control the CPU, interrogate and download stored
readings either as raw data or engineering units.
 Geosense Ltd

Nova House . Rougham Industrial Estate . Rougham . Bury St Edmunds . Suffolk . IP30 9ND . England .

Tel: +44 (0) 1359 270457 . Fax: +44 (0) 1359 272860 . email: [email protected] . www.geosense.co.uk