The Earth QuB for Geotechnical and Civil Monitoring
The Earth QuB is a solar-powered, wireless monitoring system designed specifically for sensors used in civil and geotechnical monitoring applications - particularly vibrating wire transducers - but also other analog and digital sensors depending on the application. These include piezometers, inclinometers, extensometers, strain gages and meteorological sensors to name a few. The sensors are designed to gather data about soil and rock behavior such as water level, settlement, lateral displacement, consolidation, etc. Each QuB system consists of a Host Controller and any number of Remote Terminal Units - with or without their own controller depending on the nature of the sensors that are connected. The Host unit controls the measurement events and stores all the data - reducing the per station cost for data delivert and real-time monitoring.
• Modular for scalability
• Autonomous monitoring and control
• Low power components
• Appropriate for any sensor technology
• Built in memory for data storage
• Remote communication via Radio/Cellular/Satellite telemetry
• Vandal resistant stainless steel waterproof enclosures
Types of Sensors
Sensor
Measures
Technology
Etc
Piezometer
Pore water pressure
Vibrating Wire, 4-20, SDI-12
Vibrating wire type common in geotechnical and civil industry
Inclinometer
Angular rotation
Analog, Digital (MEMS)
MEMS technology is fast becoming the most popular type of this sensor
Settlement Gage
Soil Consolidation
Vibrating wire
A difficult sensor to install but can provide useful information
Extensometer
Distance between anchors
Vibrating wire
Another commonly used vibrating wire sensor
Earth QuB Host-Remote Station Configuration
The Earth QuB site system can include multiple QuB Remote Stations that acquire measurements, store them locally and also forward the data to a Host Station for consolidated collection. Each Remote station synchronizes their internal clock with the Host, and uses the clock to know when to turn instruments on and take readings. The radio network is aggressive and robust and can 'repeat' signals to overcome obstructions in line-of-sight pathways to the Host. The Host Station then sends the data to the host server where it is stored and processed for online viewing.
Many Sensors and Endless Integration
The Earth QuB is designed around Campbell Scientific's line of 'Dataloggers' and can to acquire critical data from almost any type of sensor. QuBs can also integrate with almost any other type of control system using SDI-12, Serial RS232/485 or ModBus communications. The Earth QuB is designed to interface with almost any device so data collection, management and reporting can be consolidated and simplified.
Power Management
The QuB can run on either AC or DC power, so even monitoring resources in remote locations can be done with solar energy. Battery life is preserved by an "power on/off" controller to switch on only when critical measurements are required.
Robust and field-tested to monitor critical parameters in the most challenging locations
With a focus on durability, the QuB's high quality components are housed in waterproof stainless enclosures that resist the elements and vandalism. Stainless steel backed solar panels, hardened antennas and cable conduit mean years of trouble-free operation in even the harshest environments.
Smarter Communications
Depending on the QuB installation, radio, satellite or cell services are utilized to transmit data from the Remote Stations to the Host, and then to the servers. Often, redundant communications are used in remote situations where trees, hills, mountains, structures or other obstacles are present. Once the data is sent to the web servers, it is processed and accessed by a web browser via Eyasco Software Tools.