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Subsurface displacement monitoring

RT-1020In-Place Inclinometer

Precision measurement at selected borehole depths

Installed at selected depths, the RT-1020 continuously measures tilt, temperature and supply voltage to support displacement analysis along a borehole. It is suited to long-term monitoring of slopes, dams, open-pit slopes, tailings facilities and excavations.

RT-1020 stainless-steel sensor body with guide wheels and a cable lead
Sensor body & positioning components
0.005°
Tilt accuracy within ±30°
±90°
Tilt range
2MPa
Maximum water pressure
RS485
Standard Modbus protocol

Measurement capabilities

From individual readings to subsurface displacement

The RT-1020 remains fixed at selected depths to measure tilt, temperature and supply voltage. Tilt readings and installation spacing are used to calculate horizontal displacement at different depths.

Horizontal displacement

Calculated from changes in tilt and the spacing between measurement points to form a depth–displacement profile.

Three-axis tilt

Tracks changes in tilt at each installed depth, providing the input for subsurface displacement calculations.

Temperature

Records borehole temperature for temperature compensation and analysis of changing environmental conditions.

Supply voltage

Monitors sensor supply voltage to help assess power conditions in the field.

Borehole installation

Place sensors at the depths that matter

Select installation depths according to borehole depth, ground conditions and the zones of interest. Sensors remain fixed at each level to track tilt changes and calculate horizontal displacement.

Illustration of a sensor string crossing ground layers, with displacement arrows and a depth profileView full-size diagram
Borehole monitoring illustration · Original product diagram
  1. Select the monitoring depths

    Set sensor positions and spacing around the depths of interest to measure deformation at different levels.

  2. Maintain orientation

    Positioning components hold the sensor orientation and measurement position for stable long-term monitoring.

  3. Connect the data

    Connect measurement points to an acquisition terminal through RS485 to obtain a borehole depth–displacement profile.

Product benefits

Precision and range for long-term fixed-point monitoring

Designed for fixed-depth borehole monitoring, the RT-1020 combines measurement precision, environmental protection and straightforward system integration.

Precise tilt measurement

Suited to small tilt changes and long-term monitoring at fixed depths.

Monitor key depths

Place sensors according to ground conditions and the zones of interest to track deformation along the borehole.

Suited to groundwater environments

Sealed construction supports long-term monitoring in boreholes containing groundwater.

Straightforward system integration

The RS485 interface and standard Modbus protocol support connection to data acquisition terminals and third-party monitoring systems.

Typical applications

Long-term monitoring at critical borehole depths

The RT-1020 monitors selected depths in boreholes for tailings facilities, open-pit mines, slopes, landslides and excavations.

Tailings facilities

Long-term stability monitoring at key depths in dam bodies and slopes around the facility.

Open-pit mines

Monitor deep displacement in ground layers affected by excavation and blasting.

Slopes & landslides

Track tilt and horizontal displacement at critical depths within a slope.

Excavations

Monitor horizontal displacement at different depths in retaining structures and surrounding ground.

Product demonstration

See the sensor and its positioning components

This 3D product demonstration shows the RT-1020 sensor body, positioning components and overall assembly.

3D animation · Approx. 31 seconds

Download product demonstration

Technical data

RT-1020 specifications

RT-1020 technical specifications
Measurement
Measurement axes3 axes
Tilt range±90°
Tilt resolution0.001°
Tilt accuracy0.005° within ±30°
Output dataThree-axis tilt, temperature, supply voltage
Electrical
Operating voltageDC 5–30V
Operating current<5mA
Communication
InterfaceRS485
ProtocolStandard Modbus protocol
Mechanical
Dimensionsφ28mm × 810mm
Material304 stainless steel
Weight3.5kg
Environmental
Operating temperature-40°C to +85°C
SealingIP68
Water pressureMaximum 2MPa

Product resources

Downloads

The brochure is an earlier edition. Some specifications have since been updated; refer to this page and confirm project requirements with our technical team.

Selection & use

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose between the RT-1020, RT-1015 and RT-1010?

The RT-1020 is suited to precise, long-term monitoring at selected borehole depths. The lightweight RT-1015 supports on-site assembly for shallow-to-medium-depth boreholes. The RT-1010 supports continuous measurement along multiple depths for horizontal displacement and settlement, with optional groundwater level, water temperature and multi-depth settlement measurements.

How is horizontal displacement calculated?

Tilt changes at fixed depths are combined with the installation spacing and initial reference to calculate horizontal displacement. Multiple measurement points form a depth–displacement profile.

How are sensor positions chosen?

Monitoring depths are normally selected around geological layers, potential slip surfaces and zones where deformation is of interest. Sensor quantities and spacing can be configured for the project.

Can the RT-1020 be used in boreholes containing groundwater?

The sensor uses 304 stainless steel, is sealed to IP68 and is rated for a maximum water pressure of 2MPa. Confirm suitability for the site water pressure and water corrosivity when selecting the product.