Crack sensor

The crack monitor measures crack width changes from 0.003 mm, without cabling and with self-installation in under ten minutes. The measuring technology is identical across all three versions, only the power supply differs.

Request a quote Technical data
  • Resolution from 0.003 mm
  • Solar, battery or fixed mains
  • Alert on threshold
Crack sensor in the solar version, cutoutCrack sensor in the long-life battery version, cutout

Why the crack sensor

From a visual finding to a solid trend

A crack is at first only a finding. What matters is whether it changes. That is exactly what the sensor measures over weeks and months, without anyone needing to be on site.

Three power supplies

Solar for permanent outdoor operation, long-life battery for shaded locations, fixed mains power where a connection exists. Measuring technology and specifications stay the same across all three.

Precision from 0.003 mm

The integrated displacement transducer captures even small, slowly progressing movements, long before they are noticeable to the naked eye.

Self-installation in minutes

Adhesive mounting plate with clip system, no drilling, no cabling. Mounted in under ten minutes and can be released again.

Alert on threshold

If the crack change exceeds the configured thresholds, the system automatically triggers an alert, instead of waiting for the next inspection.

Flexible measuring interval

From one measurement per week to one measurement every three minutes. How closely it can be set depends on the chosen power supply.

Reusable

After a monitoring task is complete, it can be released from the plate and used again at another structure. Not a single-use item.

Technical data

Specifications at a glance

Crack sensor in the solar version, cutoutCrack sensor in the long-life battery version, cutout
Measured quantity
Crack width change
Resolution
0.003 mm
Power supply
Solar, long-life battery or fixed mains power
Data transmission
Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)
Measuring interval
from once a week to every 3 minutes
Ingress protection
IP67
Mounting
Self-installation in under 10 minutes, adhesive mounting plate with clip
Optional measured quantities
Concrete temperature, surface moisture
Expandable
by up to 20 wired crack transducers
Reusable
yes, releasable from the mounting plate
Request a quote
Crack sensor mounted on a plastered facade above a crack, with a displacement transducer on the opposite side

Operating principle

How the crack monitor works

Connected via Narrowband IoT, the sensor delivers an uninterrupted trend of every crack movement, directly to our data platform. No separate transmission technology on site is needed.

  1. 01

    Capture

    The integrated displacement transducer measures the crack width change with a resolution of 0.003 mm, at the configured interval.

  2. 02

    Transmit

    The readings go via NB-IoT directly over the mobile network to the data platform, entirely without a separate device on site.

  3. 03

    Assess

    A time series builds up on the platform. On threshold exceedance, an alert is triggered automatically.

Simulation

Every crack movement in view

The sensor turns a one-off visual finding into a solid trend. As long as the crack width stays within the target range, the platform reports nothing. If it exceeds the stored threshold, an alert is triggered automatically.

Measuring point bridge west, pier 3

Current crack width

within target range
0.00 mm Threshold 0.30 mm
Threshold

Demonstration only

Mounting

How the sensor sits on the crack

Measurement does not take place in the housing, but at the displacement transducers that bridge the crack. One side is fixed, the other follows the movement, and exactly this difference gives the crack width change.

Displacement transducer of the crack sensor over a crack in a concrete wall, with a bracket on both sides of the crack
The displacement transducer bridges the crack, one bracket on each side
Crack sensor on a crack in a concrete ceiling marked in colour
On a marked crack path, as drawn during structural inspection
Crack sensor on a tiled wall, the crack running through the tiles
Also indoors, here on a crack running through the tiled surface

Three versions

Same measuring technology, different power supply

Measuring principle, resolution, mounting and connectivity are identical across all three. What differs is the power supply, and that is decided by the mounting location. Which one fits is clarified during the concept phase.

Crack sensor in the solar version, cutout
For outdoor areas

Solar

  • Permanent operation via the integrated solar cell
  • No battery replacement needed
  • Supports high measuring frequencies permanently
  • Advantage for long-term monitoring
on request
Crack sensor in the long-life battery version, cutout
Without daylight

Long-life battery

  • Up to 16,000 measurements per battery cycle
  • For shaded, covered and enclosed locations
  • Economical for shorter periods
  • Same measuring technology and resolution
on request
With mains connection

Fixed mains power

  • Fixed connection to an existing power supply
  • No replacement, no need for light
  • Same measuring technology and resolution
on request

Applications

Where the crack sensor monitors

Bridges and viaducts Car parks and underground garages Tunnel structures
Dams and reservoirs
Crack-prone components

Everything from a single source

The sensor is the start, not the whole

Buying a sensor is easy. Placing it correctly, operating it and assessing the data is the real task. On request, Infrasolute takes over everything: from the monitoring concept to ongoing operation, one point of contact.

  1. 01

    Concept

    We clarify where and how many sensors make sense and which version fits.

    Learn more
  2. 02

    Installation

    On request, we mount the sensors correctly and commission them.

    Learn more
  3. 03

    Maintenance and operation

    We keep the data platform and alerting operational and take over ongoing operation.

    Learn more
  4. 04

    Monitoring and alerting

    We report threshold exceedances automatically, around the clock.

    Learn more

Matching solutions

The sensor as part of a solution

The crack sensor unfolds its value together with the matching monitoring concept.

Crack monitoring

Crack monitoring

The matching application: continuous crack monitoring with automatic alerting.

To the solution
Concrete monitoring

Concrete monitoring

Moisture and corrosion in the concrete complement crack observation into a complete picture.

To the solution
Construction vibration monitoring

Construction vibration monitoring

Construction vibration monitoring to DIN 4150-3, often run alongside crack observation.

To the solution

Does the crack sensor solar fit your measuring point?

Describe the structure and crack pattern to us. We tell you which version fits and how many measuring points make sense.

Request a quote All products
Peter Nater Peter Nater

Data platform

All readings on one platform

The sensors transmit their readings wirelessly to the data platform, where they are evaluated, documented and continuously checked against your thresholds.

  • AI-assisted data analysis
  • User-focused reporting
  • Continuous evaluation
  • Warning and alarm thresholds
  • Alerts by email and text message
  • Remote access around the clock
More on monitoring & alerting
Monitoring platform Sample view
Reading history within limits
Warning threshold
  • AI-assisted data analysis Condition within limits
  • User-focused reporting Report ready
  • Alerting Thresholds monitored
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the delivery?
You receive the crack sensor in the chosen version, with an integrated displacement transducer, the adhesive mounting plate with clip system, and access to the data management. An ongoing fee applies for operation, data storage and platform use.
How is it mounted?
Mounting is designed as self-installation in under ten minutes. The sensor is fixed to the structure using an adhesive mounting plate with a clip system. No drilling and no cabling are needed. The plate can be released again, so the sensor can be reused at another structure.
How does data transmission work and how great is the range?
The sensor sends its readings via Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) directly over the mobile network. This means it is not tied to a local wireless range or a WLAN, but works wherever NB-IoT coverage exists. No separate transmission technology on site is required.
How do I access the measurement data?
The readings come together on our data platform and are displayed there as a time series. On exceedance of the preset thresholds for crack changes, an alert is triggered automatically. We take over ongoing operation as a service on request.
Which of the three versions is the right one?
This is decided by the mounting location. The solar version works permanently via the integrated solar cell and needs no battery replacement, making it the first choice for long-term operation with a high measuring frequency outdoors. The long-life battery delivers up to 16,000 measurements per cycle and is right where too little light reaches the location or the period is shorter. Fixed mains power is an option when a connection already exists at the measuring point. Measuring technology and resolution are identical across all three, we state prices project by project in the quotation.
Can I cover several measuring points with one sensor?
Yes. The sensor can be expanded with up to 20 wired crack transducers. This lets you monitor several cracks on one structure through a single device and a shared data connection.

Project inquiry

Request the crack sensor solar

Describe your structure and the critical location to us. We recommend the matching version and the right number of measuring points and get back to you shortly.

+49 6742 8599600 DE +41 41 670 00 11 CH info@infrasolute.com
Project inquiry