ADM deformation monitoring system is GINTEC's newly developed product for geotechnical engineering monitoring. 

You can visit their website: www.gintec.cn or contact them by overseas@gintec.cn to know more. 

Why Is ADM Configured with 2 Sets of Wheels?

Recently, some clients asked GINTEC a few questions regarding the wheels on the ADM. The present article summarizes GINTEC's answers to such questions.

GINTEC's ADM is configured with two sets of wheels. One set is positioned on the last segment, while the other set is positioned on the first segment, as shown in the figure below. For example, ADMS has 20 nodes; therefore, one set of wheels is on the 1^st segment, and the other set is on the 20^th segment.

1.  Why does ADM need to be configured with wheels?

Inside a standard inclinometer casing, there are 4 grooves (see figure below). Due to the inclinometer casing being fixed inside a borehole, sometimes it may be filled with water or other materials. Using wheels, the installation of the ADM in the inclinometer casing becomes easier.

Usually, the direction of the inclinometer's casing groove aligns with the deformational direction to be monitored. The direction of the ADM's wheel sets is the same as the direction of the marked line on the probe. When the ADM is lowered, it needs to be ensured that the wheel is inside the groove. Then, the ADM can measure the deformation value along the monitored direction directly.

2. Why is ADM configured with 2 sets of wheels - is it possible to install wheels at each segment?

Theoretically, it is possible to install wheels at each segment, something that doesn’t affect the measuring accuracy. In reality, wheels are installed at the 1^st segment and the last node. The reasoning behind such implementation is the following:

1. If too many wheels are installed on the ADM, lowering the ADM inside the inclinometer casing will result in an increase in the friction between the ADM and the inclinometer casing. Therefore, the installation becomes more difficult.
2. Some projects require deformation monitoring only for 1 or 2 years, after which the ADM can be recycled to other projects. If too many wheels are installed, recycling becomes more difficult.
3. An increase in the number of wheels does not improve the accuracy of the ADM, but it increases the associated cost.

Consequently, GINTEC does not suggest the installation of additional wheels; two sets of wheels are sufficient.