Investigating the accuracy of the Total Station and Levelling instrument on the ground-borne vibrations

Abstract

The accuracy of surveying instruments is crucial in construction projects, where precise measurements are required in project planning, designing, and execution. In this research, the impact of ground-borne vibrations on the accuracy of Total Stations and Digital Levels under actual conditions, such as construction sites, railway tracks, and bridges, is analysed. The work adopts an experimental approach, using an Arduino-based vibration monitoring system with an SW-420 sensor to measure vibration across different frequencies (low: 0–30 Hz, medium: 30–60 Hz, and high: 60–100 Hz). The vibration motor module and potentiometer are employed to provide simulated controlled vibrations in order to emulate real-world applications. Elevation and position measurement errors are investigated with a Leica Sprinter Digital Level and a SOKKIA Fx Total Station under a variety of vibration levels, both with and without using prism targets. Measurements are made at different distances, five times at one location. The results show that both instruments have more measurement deviations as distance increases, with the digital level vibration at 30 Hz – 60 Hz having the highest variations, with a maximum value of 0.0159 mm at 115 m, total station with prism target standard deviations are farthest, with a maximum of 10.852 mm for the vibration 60 Hz – 100 Hz at 180 m and The total station with non-prism target has the highest deviation of 10.427 mm at a distance of 180 m. Under high-frequency vibration, the digital level recorded deviations of as much as ±0.0159 mm, while the total station reported deviations of over ±10.852 mm in certain conditions. Results indicate that increased levels of vibration significantly influence the precision of measurement due to positioning inaccuracies in Total Stations. Elevation deviations in Digital Levels are exaggerated at lower frequencies and greater distances. Some of the strategies suggested include the simplification of survey operations, the use of appropriate types of instruments, and real-time vibration compensation methods. The findings are applied to enhance the reliability of surveying in dynamic environments, with greater precision of measurement in building and infrastructure developments.