Shape Array Monitoring: Real-Time Deformation Data

What Is Shape Array Monitoring?

Shape array monitoring is a geotechnical and structural monitoring technique that uses Shape Accel Arrays (SAAs), MEMS-based inclinometer instruments designed to monitor deformation of soil, structures, dams, tunnels, walls, and buildings in real time.

At Sixense, our shape array monitoring system (4DShape) is built on a flexible chain of 3D inclinometers that tracks relative movement along vertical, horizontal, or converging profiles in soil and structural environments.

On active construction sites and long-term infrastructure programs, the system supports slope stability assessments, settlement tracking, and structural displacement detection. Each installation is connected to the Beyond Monitoring online platform for wireless automated remote data access and alerting.

How Are Shape Array Monitoring Systems Designed?

A shape array monitoring instrument is composed of rigid segments connected by joints that allow rotation while preventing torsion. Each segment contains three MEMS sensors, a microprocessor, and a digital temperature sensor. Segment lengths range from 7.9 inches to 3.28 feet, delivering higher precision and accuracy than conventional inclinometer systems.

A shape array monitoring installation can span up to approximately 500 feet and is deployed in vertical, horizontal, or converging configurations. The SAA sensor is installed inside of a standard inclinometer casing or tube and fits within commonly used casing diameters. This allows shape array systems to be installed in existing casings without additional drilling.

Shape Array Monitoring Applications at Sixense

Sixense’s shape array monitoring is used across geotechnical and structural sites to track ground movement, soil displacement, and infrastructure deformation in real time. Common applications include:

Automated borehole deformation measurements
Tunnel and gallery convergence monitoring
Settlement tracking along horizontal alignments (embankments, rail corridors, etc.)
Deformation monitoring of vertical structures such as walls and columns
Slope stability monitoring for landslides and geotechnical risk areas

SAA sensor readings from each installation are visualized through the Beyond Monitoring online platform, providing clear interpretation and time-based analysis for construction and monitoring teams.

A Fully Managed Shape Array Monitoring Service

Sixense handles every phase of your shape array monitoring project so your team can focus on engineering decisions, not instrumentation logistics.
- Turnkey deployment, from installation to real-time data delivery on a dedicated platform
- Automated alarms with engineer-validated data
- Geotechnical and structural expertise for accurate interpretation
- System configuration designed to match project-specific requirements
Our engineers manage your shape array monitoring project from monitoring instrument selection to ongoing data interpretation, configuring each SAA sensor to fit your site conditions.

Shape Array Monitoring Capabilities

Each 4DShape shape array is connected to a data logger and measuring software that captures readings at regular intervals. Key capabilities include:
- High-precision measurements accessible in real time through the Beyond Monitoring platform
- Measurement intervals as frequent as every 10 minutes per inclinometer chain
- Flexible deployment for buildings, linear infrastructure, and subsurface monitoring
- Long-term performance with minimal maintenance requirements
- Advanced alerting configured to project-specific thresholds

Why Choose Our Shape Array Monitoring Services?

Specialized Expertise

Our teams have deployed 4DShape on a wide range of geotechnical and structural projects, from slope stability programs to tunnel convergence monitoring.

Dedicated Local Teams

A broad network of engineers across North America provides rapid response and on-site assistance when needed.

A Turnkey Service

From sensor and datalogger installation to pre-processed data delivery in an accessible online workspace (Beyond Monitoring)

Geotechnical and Structural Insight

Continuous data quality control on every measure and provides accurate, reliable, and actionable measurements throughout the monitoring period.

Proactive Safety Monitoring

Our instrumentation specialists verify SAA readings against project thresholds, flagging anomalies before they become safety risks.

Download the 4DShape Datasheet

4DShape Datasheet

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