Data Loggers arrive at East Branch

East Branch (USACE Pittsburgh District)
Published March 14, 2014

  Data loggers were installed to automatically read about half of the existing instrumentation in as part of the Interim Risk Reduction Measures at East Branch Lake.

In 2012, as part of the Interim Risk Reduction Measures at East Branch Lake, data loggers were installed to automatically read about half of the existing instrumentation.

Data loggers consist of vibrating wire pressure transducers and corresponding data loggers. These devices were installed on 47 existing open standpipe piezometers situated at various locations on the downstream side of the dam and along both abutments of the dam. Protective enclosures and conduit were installed to store and protect the dataloggers, surge suppressors, and all corresponding wiring. In addition, two vibrating wire pressure transducers and data loggers, used as barometers, were installed at two separate locations. They were lowered 10 feet into an existing 1.5-inch diameter piezometer standpipe for protection from weather and localized pressure variants.  Lightning protection and grounding rods were installed to protect the instruments and installations from transient voltage and electric surges.

Now, the 47 dataloggers are read using two tough notebooks once a month by district personnel. Of those 47 data loggers, six data loggers are read daily by project staff.  The information is recorded daily and once a week the readings are sent to District personnel.

During March 2014, a contract will be undertaken to upgrade the 47 data loggers to function totally automatic and wireless. The readings will be sent directly to the Resident Office which is located at East Branch Lake. These readings will provide real time measurements and be monitored at all times now and during upcoming cutoff wall construction.

 

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