Published: Sep 25, 2026 · Source: Instrumentation Monthly
NewTek GE Series spring-loaded LVDTs provide high-precision displacement measurement for structural health monitoring. These sensors assess the integrity and performance of buildings, bridges, and other civil engineering structures throughout construction and their service life. By accurately measuring linear displacement, LVDTs allow engineers track small shifts or deformations in structural components over time.
During construction, GE series spring-loaded LVDTs can be integrated into a structural health monitoring (SHM) system to measure vertical or horizontal deflections, settlement, and other structural movements. These measurements help engineers evaluate how a structure responds as construction progresses and loads are added
For bridges, LVDTs can be installed to measure the deflection of bridge girders and decks as construction loads are applied. They can also be used to monitor movement of piers, bearings, and other load-bearing components. By continuously measuring these movements, engineers can compare actual structural behavior with design predictions and identify unexpected deformation or movement at an early stage.
Following construction, the same sensors can continue to provide useful data for long-term structural health monitoring. They can track changes in structural behavior and identify movements that may warrant further inspection or evaluation.
Bridge bearings and expansion joints are examples of components where displacement measurements are valuable. Some movement is expected as bridges respond to temperature changes, traffic, creep, shrinkage, and other environmental conditions. By continuously measuring this movement, engineers can establish a baseline for normal structural behavior and track changes over time.
The high sensitivity and repeatability of NewTek GE Series LVDTs make them suitable for detecting very small changes in displacement. Sensors can collect measurements continuously for hours or months, with multiple units connected to a data acquisition system to monitor different locations throughout a structure simultaneously. The collected data can be plotted as displacement-versus-time trends, giving engineers a clear picture of how a structure is moving and changing. These trends can help identify unusual patterns and determine whether measured movements remain within acceptable limits.
GE Series LVDTs provide continuous, quantitative displacement data that can complement conventional structure inspection methods. When integrated into a structural health monitoring system, they can support construction monitoring, performance verification, condition assessment, and long-term evaluation of bridges and buildings.
For more information, refer to the website at https://www.newteksensors.com/lvdt-sensors/ge-750-series/ or contact sales@newteksensors.com.
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Source: Instrumentation Monthly · Original article: Newtek GE Series LVDTs provide high-precision displacement measurement for structural health monitoring