Wireless Structural Testing System (STS-WiFi)
WinSTS Testing Software
This software is extremely simple to use!
- NO PROGRAMMING REQUIRED; SIMPLY CLICK “RUN TEST”AND DATA COLLECTION BEGINS!
- Remotely control Stand By times to conserve battery power
- Easily adjust sample rates and test lengths
- Graph sensor data in real time
- Multiple graphic functions: change scales, X-axis, and numerical output with the click of a button
- Displays power levels, signal strengths, and node status
Description
The NEW Wireless Structural Testing System (STS-WiFi) is the latest development by Bridge Diagnostics, Inc., the leader in load testing technology. Based on the design of our very successful BDI-STSII data acquisition systems, the STS-WiFi operates on standard 802.11 b/g broadband wireless communications, eliminating the need to run cables to each 4-channel node and back to the computer!
Developed through the experience of testing more than 300 structures, the STS-WiFi is very portable, lightweight, and highly efficient. This means that short– to medium-span bridges can be instrumented and tested in less than one day with only a crew of two!
The STS-WiFi operates on the same principle as the previous BDI-STS in that multiple four-channel “nodes” are mounted on the structure near the gage locations, and the extremely easy-to-use WinSTS testing software allows the user to view the response data in real time, monitor signal strength, and control power consumption.
Each 4-channel STS-WiFi node is powered by readily-available, rechargeable batteries and uses broadband wireless technology to communicate with the wireless STS Base Station which, in turn, communicates wirelessly with the user’s PC. The signal range is several hundred feet and can be extended with additional STS WiFi Base Stations. The system is not limited to using the standard BDI Intelliducer™ strain transducers, meaning that a wide range of sensors can be implemented including LVDT’s, load cells, accelerometers, and foil strain gages.
A Complete "Turnkey" System
The STS-WiFi system comes complete with all hardware and software required to run a load test including batteries, chargers, antennas, one wireless Base Station, multiple 4-channel nodes, and BDI Intelliducers™. Complete STS-WiFi systems can be configured to include communication radios and the BDI AutoClicker for wireless tracking the position of the test vehicle. Many customers start out with 8 or 12 channels and then expand the size of their systems as needed.
You’ll be amazed at how simple the STS-WiFi system is to implement!
STS-WiFi Base Station
Accessories
- Additional STS-WiFi Base Stations
- Gage extensions for reinforced concrete structures
- Accelerometers, LVDTs, Load Cells and other sensors
- Custom cable types and lengths for all sensors
Applications
Even though the STS-WiFi was originally developed for running load tests on highway bridges, it has been used for many other applications including:
- Short-Line and Main-Line Railroad Bridges
Through-Trusses, Through-Girders, Guide-Rail and Tie tests - Hydraulic Structures
Lift, miter and tainter style gates - General Laboratory & Structural Testing
All types of steel members, pre-stressed and reinforced concrete members, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) members, timber members
Features
- Standard 802.11b/g/n wireless protocol with optional Ethernet cable backup.
- System can run continuously up to 18 hours on single battery charge, or for several days with Stand By Mode..
- Intelliducer sensors automatically identify themselves to the system – no tracking of channel numbers! Just note the gage number and its location on the structure!
- WinSTS software is extremely simple to operate: no programming required!
- Automatically monitors STS-WiFi node signal strengths and battery power levels
- Existing STS owners can re-use their BDI Intelliducers and AutoClicker
- Additional Base Station units can be used to increase communication range
BDI Wireless STS Specifications
| Channels | 4 to 128, Expandable in multiples of 4 |
| Hardware Accuracy | ±0.2% (2% for Strain Transducers) |
| Sample Rates | Max 500 Hertz |
| (Internal over-sampling rate is 19.5-312 KHz) | |
| Max Test Lengths | 21 minutes at 100 Hz. |
| 128K samples per channel maximum test length. | |
| Gain Levels | 1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 32, 64, 128 |
| Digital Filter | Fixed by selected sample rate |
| Analog Filter | 200 Hz, -3db, 3rd order Bessel |
| Power | |
| STS-WiFi Node | 10.8V – 7.8Ahr Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1req’d) |
| (Programmable low-power sleep mode) | |
| Alternative 9-48 VDC input | |
| STS-WiFi Standard Base Station | 10.8V – 5.2Ahr Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1 req’d) |
| Alternative 12VDC input | |
| STS-WiFi High Performance Base Station | 10.8V – 7.8Ahr Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery (2 req’d) |
| Alternative 12VDC input | |
| Excitation Voltages | |
| Standard | 5 Volts DC |
| LVDT | 5.5 Volts DC |
| A/D Resolution | 0.3uV bit (24-Bit ADC) |
| PC Requirements | Windows 2000, XP or Vista (32-bit). |
| PC Interface | 802.11b/g (Standard Base Station), 802.11g/n (High Performance Base Station) |
| Auto Zeroing | Sensor automatically zero before each test. |
| Enclosures | Aluminum splash resistant. |
| Sensor Connections | All aluminum military grade, circular bayonet “snap” lock. |
| Vehicle Tracking | BDI AutoClicker, switch closure detection |
| Sensors | BDI Intelliducer Strain Transducers |
| Also supports LVDT’s, foil strain gages, accelerometers, various DC output sensors. | |
| Single RS232 serially-interfaced sensor. | |
| On-board PC | |
| Processor | 520MHz Xscale PXA270 |
| RAM | 64MB |
| Dimensions | |
| STS-WiFI Standard Base Station | 10”x 6”x 4” |
| STS-WiFi High Performance Base Station | 14.5” x 11” x 4.25” |
| STS-WiFi Node | 11” x 3.5” x 3.25” |