A device for monitoring the settlement of a roadbed

By simplifying the monitoring network and intelligent platform, the complexity and lack of intelligence of existing roadbed settlement monitoring systems have been solved, achieving efficient and reliable settlement monitoring and early warning functions, adapting to environmental changes, and reducing construction costs.

CN224580931UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-31NINGXIA XICHUANG YUNTONG SUPPLY CHAIN CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NINGXIA XICHUANG YUNTONG SUPPLY CHAIN CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-21
Publication Date
2026-07-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing roadbed settlement monitoring systems are complex to deploy, have numerous components, low levels of intelligence, are easily affected by changes in ambient temperature, and are prone to data redundancy or omissions. They also have high construction costs and cause disturbance to the roadbed structure.

Method used

A simplified monitoring network structure is adopted, including multiple settlement points, one benchmark point, one relay point and one relay benchmark point. It combines hydrostatic level measurement, GNSS positioning and three-dimensional visualization technology, uses solar power, and is equipped with an intelligent monitoring platform for dynamic frequency control and data analysis to enhance the stability of the benchmark point.

Benefits of technology

It achieves convenient construction, reduced costs, improved monitoring accuracy and intelligence, reduced data redundancy, provides efficient and reliable roadbed settlement monitoring, adapts to complex environments, and has remote automated early warning functions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a roadbed settlement monitoring device, including a foundation with a bearing layer at the bottom and a slope on the upper surface of the foundation. A monitoring surface is set within the slope, and six settlement plates are evenly distributed on the monitoring surface. This utility model adopts an automated monitoring design, and the monitoring network consists of only six settlement points, one reference point, one relay point, and one relay reference point. Compared with other complex deployment methods, the number of components is significantly reduced, the construction process is simplified, and the disturbance to the original roadbed structure is minimized. The data analysis module of the monitoring platform can predict the settlement rate, transforming the impact of environmental factors on roadbed settlement into quantifiable predictive indicators. The dynamic frequency control module automatically adjusts the monitoring frequency based on the prediction results, ensuring data integrity while reducing data redundancy. The two modules work together to significantly improve the automation and intelligence level of the monitoring system, providing more efficient and accurate protection for roadbed safety.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of roadbed engineering technology, specifically to a roadbed settlement monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of transportation engineering technology, roadbed settlement monitoring is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safe operation of highways, railways, and other lines. Static levels are widely used in this field due to their high measurement accuracy and ability to automate monitoring. Their working principle involves calculating settlement by measuring the difference in liquid level between each measuring point and a reference point.

[0003] However, existing hydrostatic leveling monitoring systems face several significant challenges in practical engineering applications: First, system deployment typically requires a large number of measuring points and complex benchmark transfer structures, resulting in a large number of sensors and dense pipelines (as disclosed in patent CN216954495U). This not only complicates construction procedures and increases costs, but more seriously, it causes significant disturbance to the original structure of the roadbed, potentially introducing new instability factors. Second, the measurement accuracy of hydrostatic leveling systems is easily affected by changes in ambient temperature, leading to changes in the volume of liquids and gases within the system and causing temperature drift. Although existing technologies (such as CN216954495U) propose methods such as adding air pressure control devices to physically compensate for temperature drift and improve unit accuracy, this further increases the complexity and cost of the system. Finally, existing monitoring systems often lack sufficient intelligence, with fixed data acquisition frequencies, a lack of intelligent response capabilities to environmental factors, and an inability to dynamically adjust monitoring strategies, easily leading to the omission of key data or the generation of a large amount of redundant data, resulting in a huge workload for subsequent data processing.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new type of roadbed settlement monitoring device solution that can not only ensure measurement reliability, but also optimize deployment, simplify construction, reduce costs at the system level, and have highly intelligent data processing capabilities. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a roadbed settlement monitoring device to solve the problems of complex deployment, numerous components, low level of intelligence, inability to adapt to environmental changes, and easy generation of data redundancy or omission in the existing monitoring system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A roadbed settlement monitoring device includes a foundation with a bearing layer at its base. A slope is formed on the upper surface of the foundation, and a monitoring surface is formed within the slope. Multiple settlement plates are arranged on the monitoring surface, and a first level gauge is fixedly connected to each settlement plate. A first reference plate is also provided on the monitoring surface, and a second level gauge is fixedly connected to the first reference plate. The lower surface of the first reference plate is connected to a relay plate set on the foundation via a first reference rod, and a third level gauge is fixedly connected to the relay plate. A protective well is provided on one side of the slope, and a second reference plate is installed inside the protective well. A fourth level gauge is fixedly connected to the second reference plate. The lower surface of the second reference plate penetrates the foundation and is anchored within the bearing layer via a second reference rod to establish a stable absolute reference.

[0007] Furthermore, a protective sleeve is fitted onto the first reference rod. A first concrete pier is provided below the second reference plate, and concrete anchors are provided on the second reference rod to enhance the stability of the reference point. Each level gauge is equipped with a protective cover.

[0008] Furthermore, an equipment box is installed on one side of the protective well, containing an industrial controller, battery, and antenna, while a solar power panel is installed outside the box. The industrial controller is also electrically connected to a GNSS monitor for acquiring absolute position information.

[0009] Furthermore, the industrial controller is connected to each level gauge via a composite bus, which includes an air pipe, a water pipe, and a signal line integrated within a flexible hose. The first and second level gauges are connected to the second storage tank via water pipes, and the third and fourth level gauges are connected to the first storage tank via water pipes. All level gauges are connected via air pipes, forming a hydrostatic level measurement system. Each storage tank is also equipped with a level gauge electrically connected to the industrial controller.

[0010] Furthermore, the industrial controller is connected to a remote monitoring platform via an antenna. The monitoring platform includes a data analysis module, a dynamic frequency control module, a 3D visualization module, a data storage module, and a settlement alarm module. The data analysis module can predict the settlement rate based on environmental factor data, and the dynamic frequency control module automatically adjusts the monitoring frequency according to the prediction results.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. Simplified structure and convenient construction: The monitoring network consists of multiple settlement points, one benchmark point, one relay point and one relay benchmark point. The number of components is greatly reduced, the layout is simple, and the disturbance to the original structure of the roadbed is small, which reduces the construction cost and complexity. 2. High level of intelligence: Through the collaborative work of the data analysis module and dynamic frequency control module of the monitoring platform, the impact of environmental factors on settlement can be quantified and the monitoring strategy can be intelligently adjusted. While ensuring data integrity, data redundancy is effectively reduced and monitoring efficiency is improved. 3. Reliable data and rich functions: It adopts the hydrostatic liquid level measurement principle and ensures the stability of the measurement system through the liquid storage tank and venting pipeline, resulting in high data accuracy; combined with GNSS positioning and three-dimensional visualization technology, it realizes multi-dimensional, high-precision remote automated monitoring and early warning. 4. Energy-saving and environmentally friendly, with strong adaptability: It is powered by solar energy and is suitable for long-term unattended operation in the field; the perfect protective structure (such as protective cover, protective well, concrete block) enhances the durability and reliability of the device in complex environments.

[0012] In summary, this utility model significantly improves the automation, intelligence, and accuracy of roadbed settlement monitoring, providing efficient and reliable technical support for the safe operation of transportation infrastructure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall front view sectional structure of this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure of region A in the middle; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure of region B in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure of region C in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure of region D in the middle; Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of the monitoring platform of this utility model.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Slope; 11. Monitoring surface; 12. Bearing layer; 13. Foundation; 2. Settlement plate; 21. First level gauge; 3. First reference plate; 31. Second level gauge; 32. First reference rod; 33. Protective sleeve; 4. Relay plate; 41. Third level gauge; 5. Second reference plate; 51. Fourth level gauge; 52. Second reference rod; 53. First concrete pier; 54. Protective well; 6. Protective cover; 7. Bus; 71. Hoses; 72. Gas pipe; 73. Water Pipe; 74. Signal line; 8. Equipment box; 81. Battery; 82. Industrial controller; 83. Antenna; 84. Solar power panel; 85. First storage tank; 86. Level gauge; 87. Second storage tank; 88. Second concrete pier; 89. GNSS monitor; 810. Concrete anchor; 9. Monitoring platform; 91. Data analysis module; 92. Dynamic frequency control module; 93. 3D visualization module; 94. Data storage module; 95. Settlement alarm module. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0016] Please see Figures 1 to 6 One embodiment of this utility model is a roadbed settlement monitoring device.

[0017] I. Hardware Structure and Deployment The device includes a foundation 13, with a bearing layer 12 at the bottom of the foundation 13, and a slope 1 (i.e., roadbed fill) constructed on the upper surface of the foundation 13. A horizontal monitoring surface 11 is pre-set inside the slope 1, and six settlement plates 2 are evenly arranged in a certain array on this monitoring surface 11 (see...). Figure 1 A first level gauge 21 is fixedly installed on each settlement plate 2 by bolts to monitor the relative settlement at that point.

[0018] A first reference plate 3 is set up in a stable area on the monitoring surface 11, and a second level gauge 31 is also installed on the first reference plate 3. A first reference rod 32 is vertically welded to the lower surface of the first reference plate 3. The bottom end of the first reference rod 32 passes through the fill soil layer and is fixedly connected to the relay plate 4 set on the surface of the original foundation 13. A third level gauge 41 is installed on the relay plate 4. To ensure that the first reference rod 32 is not affected by lateral stress in the soil, a protective sleeve 33 is fitted on its outside. The upper end of the protective sleeve 33 is welded to the first reference plate 3, and the lower end is welded to the relay plate 4, forming a rigid protective structure (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0019] At the toe of slope 1 or on another stable side not easily affected by construction, a protective well 54 is excavated until the surface of the original foundation 13 is exposed. A first concrete pier 53 is poured at the bottom of the protective well 54. A second reference plate 5 is fixedly installed on the first concrete pier 53. A fourth level gauge 51 is installed on the second reference plate 5. A second reference rod 52 is vertically welded to the lower surface of the second reference plate 5. The second reference rod 52 passes downward through the foundation 13 and is firmly embedded in the bearing layer 12 by concrete anchors 810 at its bottom, thereby establishing an absolutely stable elevation reference point (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0020] To protect the precision sensors, a protective cover 6 is fixedly installed on all settlement plates 2, the first reference plate 3, the relay plate 4, and the second reference plate 5 using clips or bolts. This cover completely encloses the first level gauge 21, the second level gauge 31, the third level gauge 41, and the fourth level gauge 51, preventing rainwater erosion and mechanical impact (see [link]). Figure 4 ).

[0021] An equipment box 8 is installed near the protective well 54. Inside the equipment box 8 are an industrial controller 82 (i.e., a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial computer), a battery 81, and an antenna 83. A solar panel 84 is installed on the outside of the equipment box 8, connected to the industrial controller 82 and the battery 81 via wires. This panel converts solar energy into electrical energy to charge the battery 81, thereby powering the entire system. The antenna 83 is used for wireless data transmission between the industrial controller 82 and the remote monitoring platform 9. Furthermore, a second concrete pier 88 is poured in the stable area of ​​the slope 1, on which a GNSS monitor 89 is installed. This monitor is electrically connected to the industrial controller 82 via cable and is used to collect the absolute three-dimensional coordinate changes of the monitoring point (see [reference]). Figure 5 ).

[0022] II. Connection of Piping and Measurement System Each sensor is connected to the industrial controller 82 inside the equipment box 8 via bus 7. Bus 7 consists of a flexible hose 71 and an integrated air pipe 72, water pipe 73, and signal line 74.

[0023] The specific circuit and fluid circuit connections are as follows: The industrial controller 82 establishes electrical connections with the first level gauge 21, the second level gauge 31, the third level gauge 41 and the fourth level gauge 51 via signal lines 74, respectively, for power supply and data acquisition.

[0024] The liquid measuring chambers of the first level gauge 21 and the second level gauge 31 are connected in parallel to the second liquid storage tank 87 via a water pipe 73.

[0025] The liquid measuring chambers of the third level gauge 41 and the fourth level gauge 51 are connected in parallel to the first liquid storage tank 85 via water pipe 73.

[0026] The gas chambers of all level gauges (21, 31, 41, 51) are interconnected via gas pipe 72, so that the entire static pressure measurement system is under the same atmospheric pressure reference.

[0027] Level gauges 86 are installed on both the first liquid storage tank 85 and the second liquid storage tank 87. These level gauges 86 are electrically connected to the industrial controller 82 and are used to remotely monitor the liquid level in the liquid storage tanks and promptly remind maintenance personnel to replenish the liquid medium.

[0028] III. Software Platform Functions As attached Figure 6 As shown, the monitoring platform 9 is deployed on a remote server and receives data transmitted from the field via antenna 83. It includes the following functional modules: Data storage module 94: Responsible for receiving and storing raw data uploaded by all sensors (level gauge, GNSS, liquid level gauge).

[0029] Data Analysis Module 91: Retrieves historical and real-time data from Data Storage Module 94, and incorporates a built-in prediction rule model. This model can comprehensively analyze historical subsidence data and real-time environmental factors (such as rainfall data, which can be obtained from the meteorological department interface) to predict the subsidence rate over a future period.

[0030] Dynamic frequency control module 92: Connected to data analysis module 91. Based on the settlement rate predicted by data analysis module 91, it automatically adjusts the data acquisition frequency of the on-site level gauge and GNSS monitor 89. For example, when settlement acceleration is predicted, it automatically increases the acquisition frequency; when settlement stabilizes, it decreases the frequency to save energy and reduce redundant data.

[0031] 3D visualization module 93: Calls the data in data storage module 94 to generate a 3D model of the roadbed, and dynamically and intuitively displays the settlement data on the model in the form of cloud maps or contour lines.

[0032] Settlement alarm module 95: Real-time monitoring of settlement data. When the settlement amount or settlement rate at any monitoring point exceeds the preset safety threshold, it will automatically send alarm information to the management personnel through platform interface pop-ups, SMS, emails and other means.

[0033] IV. Working Principle The working principle of this utility model is as follows: After system deployment, each level gauge operates based on the principle of hydrostatic level measurement. Since all level gauges are connected to the atmosphere via vent pipe 72, their pressure measurements eliminate the influence of atmospheric pressure changes. The second reference plate 5 is anchored in the stable bearing layer 12 via the second reference rod 52, and the liquid level height measured by the fourth level gauge 51 on it can serve as an absolute reference. The relay plate 4 is placed on the original foundation 13, and the third level gauge 41 on it provides an intermediate reference point. The first reference plate 3 is rigidly connected to the relay plate 4 via the first reference rod 32, and the second level gauge 31 on it provides a relative reference on the monitoring surface 11. The difference between the liquid level height measured by the first level gauge 21 on each settling plate 2 and the reference point is the real-time settling amount at that point.

[0034] These settlement data are transmitted to the industrial controller 82 via signal line 74, and the absolute displacement data acquired by the GNSS monitor 89 is also transmitted along with them. After preliminary processing of the data, the industrial controller 82 transmits it to the remote monitoring platform 9 via antenna 83 using wireless communication (such as 4G / 5G). This monitoring platform can be built on a mature commercial Internet of Things (IoT) platform or a self-built time-series database (such as InfluxDB or TDengine) to ensure the efficient reception, storage, and management of massive amounts of monitoring data.

[0035] The core function of the data analysis module 91 of the monitoring platform 9 lies in rule-based intelligent judgment. This module retrieves real-time and historical settlement data from the data storage module 94 and can seamlessly connect to third-party commercial meteorological data interfaces to obtain accurate environmental information such as rainfall and temperature. Through the fusion analysis of these multi-source data, this module does not perform complex mathematical predictions, but rather executes pre-set, flexibly configurable business rules. For example, the system can set conditions such as "continuous rainfall exceeding a threshold" or "settlement rate continuously accelerating" as the basis for judging the settlement risk level.

[0036] The dynamic frequency control module 92 works in conjunction with the data analysis module 91. Based on the judgment results output by the data analysis module 91 (such as "normal," "attention," or "warning" status), it automatically adjusts the data acquisition frequency of the on-site level gauge and GNSS monitor 89. This control strategy is also based on clear rules, such as: When the system status is "warning" (such as a sharp increase in instantaneous settlement rate or encountering extreme weather), the collection frequency is automatically increased to 15 minutes / time in order to capture subtle changes.

[0037] When the system status is "concerned" (e.g., slow and continuous settlement or light to moderate rainfall), monitoring is carried out at a regular frequency of 2 hours / time.

[0038] When the system status is "normal" (stable settlement over a long period and no adverse environmental factors), low-frequency monitoring is adopted every 4 hours to save energy consumption and storage space.

[0039] All frequency adjustment commands are issued from the monitoring platform 9 to the field industrial controller 82 for execution. After each adjustment, the system will maintain the new frequency for a preset stable period (such as 24 hours) before re-evaluating, effectively avoiding command oscillations caused by short-term data fluctuations.

[0040] Managers can remotely and intuitively monitor the health status of the entire roadbed through the 3D visualization module 93. This module can integrate mature 3D engines such as CesiumJS, combining the roadbed BIM model with real-time monitoring data to dynamically and three-dimensionally display the spatial distribution and development trend of settlement in the form of color cloud maps, contour lines, or displacement animations, assisting in macro-level decision-making.

[0041] The entire system's safety defenses are built upon the settlement alarm module 95. This module has a built-in powerful rule engine that continuously scans the data stored in the database. Once the data at any monitoring point triggers preset alarm conditions (such as excessive settlement at a single point, excessive differential settlement between adjacent points, or sudden changes in settlement rate), the system will immediately issue tiered alarm information to relevant management personnel through multiple channels, including the monitoring center's large screen, SMS, and email, ensuring a first-time response to any potential danger.

[0042] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring the settlement of a road bed comprising a foundation (13) characterised in that: The foundation (13) has a bearing layer (12) at its bottom end, a slope (1) on its upper surface, a monitoring surface (11) inside the slope (1), a plurality of settlement plates (2) arranged on the monitoring surface (11), a first level gauge (21) fixedly connected to the settlement plate (2), a first reference plate (3) on the monitoring surface (11), a second level gauge (31) fixedly connected to the first reference plate (3), a first reference rod (32) fixedly connected to the lower surface of the first reference plate (3), and a relay plate (4) fixedly connected to the bottom end of the first reference rod (32). The relay plate (4) is set on the foundation (13), and a third level gauge (41) is fixedly connected on the relay plate (4). A protection well (54) is set on one side of the slope (1). A second reference plate (5) is set inside the protection well (54). The second reference plate (5) and the protection well (54) are both set on the foundation (13). A fourth level gauge (51) is fixedly connected on the second reference plate (5). A second reference rod (52) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the second reference plate (5). The second reference rod (52) penetrates the foundation (13) and is set inside the bearing layer (12).

2. The device for monitoring the settlement of roadbed according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protective sleeve (33) is fitted onto the first reference rod (32), and one end of the protective sleeve (33) is fixedly connected to the first reference plate (3), and the other end is fixedly connected to the relay plate (4).

3. The device for monitoring the settlement of roadbed according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second reference plate (5) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the first concrete pier (53), and the first concrete pier (53) is set in the foundation (13). The second reference rod (52) is fixedly connected to the concrete anchor (810).

4. The device for monitoring the settlement of roadbed according to claim 1, characterized in that: Protective covers (6) are fixedly connected to the settling plate (2), the first reference plate (3), the relay plate (4) and the second reference plate (5), and the first level gauge (21), the second level gauge (31), the third level gauge (41) and the fourth level gauge (51) are all installed inside the protective cover (6).

5. The device for monitoring the settlement of roadbed according to claim 1, characterized in that: An equipment box (8) is provided on one side of the protective well (54). An industrial controller (82) is fixedly connected inside the equipment box (8). The industrial controller (82) is electrically connected to a battery (81) and an antenna (83). The battery (81) and the antenna (83) are both fixedly connected to the equipment box (8). A solar power supply panel (84) is provided on one side of the equipment box (8). The solar power supply panel (84) is electrically connected to the industrial controller (82). The industrial controller (82) is also electrically connected to a GNSS monitor (89). A second concrete pier (88) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the GNSS monitor (89). The second concrete pier (88) is fixedly connected to the slope (1).

6. The device for monitoring the settlement of a roadbed according to claim 5, wherein: The industrial controller (82) is connected to a bus (7), which includes a hose (71), an air pipe (72), a water pipe (73), and a signal line (74). The air pipe (72), the water pipe (73), and the signal line (74) are all fitted inside the hose (71). The hose (71) is located inside the slope (1). The industrial controller (82) establishes an electrical connection with the first level gauge (21), the second level gauge (31), the third level gauge (41), and the fourth level gauge (51) through the signal line (74). The second level gauge (31) is connected to the second liquid storage tank (87) through the water pipe (73). The first level gauge (21) is connected to the second liquid storage tank (87) through the water pipe (73). The fourth level gauge (51) is connected to the first liquid storage tank (85) through the water pipe (73). The third level gauge (41) is connected to the first liquid storage tank (85) through the water pipe (73).

7. A device for monitoring settlement of a roadbed according to claim 6, wherein: The first level gauge (21), the second level gauge (31), the third level gauge (41) and the fourth level gauge (51) are all hydrostatic level sensors and are interconnected through a gas pipe (72).

8. The device for monitoring the settlement of a roadbed according to claim 6, wherein: A level gauge (86) is fixedly connected to both the first liquid storage tank (85) and the second liquid storage tank (87), and the level gauge (86) is electrically connected to the industrial controller (82).