Application of GPS technology to measurements of displacements of high-rise structures due to weak winds

Abstract

Global positioning systems (GPS) have been developed for military purposes like single-point positioning and navigation. The first non-military applications have been made for geodetic purposes with base-line measurements using differential methods. We introduce GPS technology as an alternative measurement method of displacements when high-rise structural systems are monitored. In this paper, two tests to evaluate the accuracy of the measurements using GPS are presented. Then the evaluation of ability of GPS to measure small movements of the Stuttgart TV-tower and the industrial chimney of Opole power station due to weak winds are also given.