Ground Surface and Building Settlement Monitoring using Internet of Things (IoT) Approach

Abstract

The ground settlement caused big concern to the engineers and the residents as the settlement can cause dangers and lead to building failure if no remedial actions are done. This paper aims to monitor building settlement related to the ground surface behavior by using the Internet of Things (IoT) approach. Two phases of laboratory works were outlined; Phase 1 – Geotechnical properties of sample collected at the site and Phase 2 – Develop a monitoring system using Arduino incorporating ultrasonic and tilt sensors for checking ground settlement and building tilt movement. All data collected using sensors will analyze based on ground settlement and building tilt behavior of the fabricated physical model. Blynk application was used to create a warning system for the user when there is settlement detected. Geotechnical properties showed that soil consists of coarse and fine particles which are 64% and 36%, respectively, and was classified as low clay (CL). The Arduino system showing the reading on tilt and ultrasonic sensors set on a fabricated model on the ground surface near to a slope under vibration condition had recorded a movement and showed the highest percentage of settlement which is 20%, respectively. In conclusion, both ultrasonic and tilt sensors have proved system ability in monitoring the building and ground surface settlement.