The work presented in this paper constitutes a major step toward the establishment of a cost-effective autonomous monitoring technology for soil and soil-structure systems. The Shape-Acceleration Array (SAA) takes advantage of developments in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technologies. This sensor array is capable of simultaneously measuring 3D ground deformations and 3D soil vibrations up to a depth of one hundred meters. The significance of the Shape-Acceleration Array (SAA) is its wireless data transmission and the accuracy of the deformation measurement. The SAA is capable of measuring in situ (field) 3D ground deformation every 0.305 meters and 3D soil vibration at 2.4 m intervals. The system accuracy of the SAA is ±1.5 mm per 30 m; an empirically derived specification from a large number of datasets. This sensor array can be installed vertically, in a method similar to that used for traditional inclinometer casing, or horizontally. Each sensor array is connected to a wireless sensor node to enable real-time monitoring as well as remote sensor configuration. This paper presents the evolving design and installation methodology of this new sensor array as well as comparative results between the vertical SAA system and traditional instrumentation from a bridge replacement site in upstate New York.
