fischer Construction Monitoring

The innovation for more safety and transparency

fischer Construction Monitoring
Innovations

Digital monitoring solutions for all use cases

Making the world a little bit safer. This is the mission of fischer Construction Monitoring. With our solutions for the documentation and monitoring of installations and structures, we now offer you an unprecedented combination of smart monitoring tools and strong fasteners.

Take the decisive step towards a digital future in construction with Structural Health Monitoring.

 

Theory: Torque vs. preload

  • Securely installed

    To ensure secure installation, bolts are usually tightened to a certain torque. The torque is used for practical estimation of the set preload force, as it can be checked directly with tools such as torque wrenches, unlike the force itself.

  • Application of torque

    When applying the torque, however, there are several factors that can influence the result, i.e. the translation into the resulting preload force, which cannot be easily measured or influenced, especially friction.

    This means that only 10-20% of the work involved in assembly ultimately contributes to the adjustment of the preload force.

  • Dependency between torque and preload force

    Even between bolts of the same type, the dependency between torque and preload force varies considerably due to the above-mentioned uncertainty. Although lubrication can mitigate these effects somewhat, the uncertainty increases greatly, especially with aged, i.e. dirty and/or corroded connections. Depending on the tightening procedure, there is also a variation of the set values in the tightening device (e.g. up to +/- 5% for conventional torque wrenches). These uncertainties are taken into account with design mark-ups such as the so-called ”tightening factor”

  • Preload force

    In many cases, it is necessary for a bolt to have a certain preload force for safe operation. This may be necessary, for example, to prevent sliding or gaps between components under load.

    It must then be ensured that the preload force remains within the permissible range throughout the entire service life, taking into account settling effects and the superposition of the operating force.

    Practice: What does this uncertainty mean for safety and reliability?

    Conservative calculations

    Uncertainty in the resulting preload force often requires large safety margins and thus cost-intensive overdimensioning when designing support structures and connection points.

    Periodic monitoring including documentation

    The uncertainty in the resulting preload force requires regular tests in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines during the operation of structures. Regardless of whether the structure is stable and calculated, critical components are subject to a defined test obligation. Ultimately, the responsibility for compliance with these inspection obligations lies with the operator, while the inspectors are responsible for the proper documentation of the inspections.

    Traditional vs. Innovative 

    Traditional maintenance

    Regular re-tightening

    • Uncertainty in the relation between torque and preload force
    • In the event of corrosion or scoring: No increase in preload force due to torque; Bolts erroneously appear tight.
    • Visible retightening angles only occur when there is a significant loss of preload force.
    • Damage such as corrosion or cracking remains undetected
    • Time-consuming and labour-intensive
    • Manual and paper-intensive documentation effort

    Sound test

    • Requires experienced, highly trained personnel for accurate assessment
    • Only possible in quiet conditions

    Monitoring by means of construction monitoring

    Innovative monitoring method

    • Uncertain torque is loses significance - the actual preload force is measured directly.
    • Data over the entire life cycle of the fastener is available:
    • Installation monitoring
    • Live data for optimal maintenance planning
    • Detects decreasing preload forces due to corrosion or overload
    • Easy-to-use dashboard for intuitive data evaluation
    • Convenient measurement monitoring on site and remotely, e.g. from the office

    Our product solutions

    • SensorDisc

      The SensorDisc, being a digital washer, allows you to reliably secure conventional fastening solutions and get the extra insight and transparency. Whether initial installation or retrofit, installation is as easy as with common washers. Scan your SensorDisc quickly and easily with your smartphone and the fischer PRO app to read out the preload forces as percentage. That way, you have all the relevant information at hand and ensure optimum security.

      More information

    • SensorAnchor

      The SensorAnchor extends the possibilities of sensor-integrated fastening solutions to anchors in concrete and masonry. In combination with the SensorNode, the recorded data is reliably read out and transmitted - ideal for demanding applications in which chemical fastening solutions with integrated sensors are required.

    • SensorBolt

      The SensorBolt is a unique combination of measuring and fastening device, meeting all technical requirements that also apply to unmodified bolts. With factory-fitted sensor integration and pre-calibration, the SensorBolt is able to measure absolute forces with high precision.

      The SensorBolt is combined with the SensorNode for reliable and data acquisition and transfer.

    • Sensor node

      The SensorNode takes data acquisition and transmission to a new level. LoRa-WAN technology enables reliable wireless data transmission. A central IoT gateway collects the data from a large number of SensorNodes and provides the transmission over the Internet. The energy-efficient combination of medium and long-distance wireless transmission enables several years of operational lifetime.

      Software Products

      Construction Monitoring expands the myfischer service portfolio with another module for digitalisation in construction. Designed as a standard solution, it enables straightforward use - without any complex configuration. All project data is automatically and clearly visualised in the dashboard, and with its own cloud infrastructure, fischer ensures secure and reliable data storage and processing.

      Everything from one source

      With Construction Monitoring, you get a complete solution that is fully supported by fischer. From data acquisition and storage to visualisation, everything stays in one hand so you can focus on your project. Maximum efficiency, minimum complexity.

      Clear data and device management

      All project data is automatically and clearly visualised - without any additional configuration effort. The flexible management for devices and users enables simple, project-specific management, so that collaboration with multiple project stakeholders runs smoothly and orderly.

      Construction Monitoring in the fischer app

      Download now from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

      AppleStore
      Google Play Store

      Advantages:

      Optimised maintenance costs through remote inspection as an ROI driver

      With fischer Construction Monitoring solutions, you can conveniently monitor the condition of your fasteners and structures remotely. Accurate and continuous data collection enables efficient planning and optimization of maintenance intervals based on up-to-date, real-world data.
      For you as an operator, the system becomes a real ROI driver as it enables cost-efficient maintenance. Maintenance efforts are reduced, inspection intervals extended or even fully digitalized - without compromising on safety or performance.

      Avoiding breakdowns and increasing uptime

      By using smart, sensor-integrated fasteners, our Structural Health Monitoring enables early detection of potential problems, preventing failures and increasing safety. As an operator, you benefit from additional transparency through precise monitoring data that allows you to fix damage in time and at low utilisation times before it leads to major failures. This significantly extends the uptime of your structures while avoiding unforeseen repair and downtime costs.

      The advantages at a glance

      Faster and easier inspection with instant documentation
      Monitoring throughout the entire life cycle beginning with the installation
      Direct measurement of the most technically relevant parameter bolt force
      Effects of hidden damage (e.g. overload, corrosion) become visible
      Verification of design assumptions and utilisation rate
      Robust and industrial-grade measurement technology
      Collaboration with recognised fastening experts

      References projects: Construction monitoring in action

      • New intelligence for maintenance efficiency

        The new fischer SensorBolts were installed for the first time on a radio tower in Frauenkirchen. The high-strength screws with integrated force measurement and transmission technology allow the condition of the fastening points to be monitored remotely at any time. In pilot operation, the installed fischer innovation will collect data in the coming months. The SensorBolt supplements the fischer Construction Monitoring portfolio with sensor-integrated fischer products, which also include the SensorAnchor anchor rod and the SensorDisc washer.

        For more details, visit:

      • fischer SensorBolts in pilot operation on offshore platform in the North Sea

        A groundbreaking innovation was installed on the DolWin alpha converter platform. 42 Fischer SensorBolts are used on the helicopter deck of the platform in pilot operation. The aim is to test the products over a long period of time under maritime conditions in a highly corrosive environment. In the long term, the solution is intended to increase efficiency in the maintenance of the converter platform. 

        For more details, visit:

        Your idea.  - Our solution. 

        Contact us to take the next step towards the future together!

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