Borehole Stress Meters For Deep Foundation & Rock Mass Monitoring

Robust embedded sensors engineered to analyze in-situ 2D and 3D stress fields in geotechnical and structural environments.

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Overview

Borehole stress meters are precision-engineered instruments used to monitor stress changes in rock masses and deep foundation systems. By embedding these devices within pre-drilled boreholes, engineers can capture detailed stress profiles in two or three dimensions, offering valuable insight into the structural integrity of underground and load-bearing systems. These meters are essential for detecting variations in in-situ stress due to excavation, tunneling, mining operations, and foundation settlement. Advanced sensing technology ensures high accuracy in long-term deployments, even under harsh geotechnical conditions. Pressure Stress Measure, based in Vancouver, BC, delivers advanced borehole stress monitoring systems and tools designed for North America’s demanding B2B geotechnical and structural applications. We support clients across mining, civil engineering, energy infrastructure, and research sectors through scalable, smart solutions backed by continuous R&D, a robust QA framework, and unmatched technical support.

Instruments, Technologies & Integration Partners

In addition to offering products and systems developed by our team and trusted partners for Borehole Stress Meters, we are proud to carry top-tier technologies from Global Advanced Operations Tek Inc. (GAO Tek Inc.) and Global Advanced Operations RFID Inc. (GAO RFID Inc.). These reliable, high-quality products and systems enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive technologies, integrations, and services you can trust. Where relevant, we have provided direct links to select products and systems from GAO Tek Inc. and GAO RFID Inc.

Core Components

Hardware

  • Multi-Point Borehole Stress Sensors – Motion & Position Sensors monitor shifting subsurface stress near tunnels, dams, and buildings under financial insurance.
  • Hydraulic Load Transfer Systems – LoRaWAN End Devices provide telemetry from hydraulic actuators validating underground risk zones.
  • Inclinometers and Anchor Heads – Proximity & Presence Sensors detect misalignment or detachment in slope-stabilized financial infrastructure.
  • Data Acquisition Units (DAQs) – IoT Platforms centralize sensor data streams from insured geotechnical installations for underwriting and claims.
  • Protective Casings & Grouting Systems – LoRaWAN Accessories support robust protection and communication routing in buried insurance-critical environments.

Software

  • Stress Analysis and Visualization Software – Translates raw sensor data into intuitive visual formats like stress ellipses or vector fields.
  • Automated Alerting Systems – Trigger threshold-based alerts for early stress variation warnings.
  • Calibration Tools – Ensure accuracy through zero-load referencing and baseline correction modules.

Cloud Services

  • Remote Monitoring Platforms – Access real-time borehole data from any device with secure cloud dashboards.
  • Historical Trend Analysis – Identify patterns in geostress variation across long-term monitoring campaigns.
  • Multi-Site Integration – View data from multiple borehole installations in a single unified interface.

Key Features & Functionalities

  • Real-time measurement of 2D or 3D in-situ stress fields
  • High-temperature and high-pressure tolerance for deep formations
  • Long-term deployment capability with stable calibration retention
  • Remote data streaming and local backup redundancy
  • Multi-depth sensing configurations for complex geology

Integrations & Compatibility

Compatible with industry-standard geotechnical DAQs and SCADA systems

Interfaces with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms and digital twins

Integrates into tunneling, mining, or infrastructure monitoring control centers

Works alongside extensometers, piezometers, and pressure cells for multidimensional stress analysis

Benefits

Enables precise geotechnical modeling for safer designs

Detects shifts in stress that may indicate rock bursts or failure

Improves project planning for underground construction and excavation

Enhances safety in high-risk mining and energy applications

Reduces maintenance costs by supporting predictive intervention strategies

Applications

  • Monitoring stress redistribution around tunnels, caverns, and shafts
  • Evaluating rock stability in mining operations and slope engineering
  • Assessing foundation stress in high-rise buildings and dams
  • Supporting scientific research in crustal stress and tectonic activity
  • Ensuring long-term structural integrity in underground storage facilities

Industries We Serve

  • Mining and Mineral Extraction
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Oil & Gas and Energy Infrastructure
  • Geotechnical Research & Academia
  • Transportation Tunneling and Subway Projects

Relevant U.S. & Canadian Industry Standards

  • ASTM D7012
  • ASTM D2938
  • CAN/CSA-S832
  • ISO 18674-6
  • FHWA-NHI-16-072

Case Studies

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U.S. – Mining Operation in Nevada

A large copper mining facility in Nevada integrated borehole stress meters from Pressure Stress Measure to assess stress buildup during underground drift expansion. The system enabled early detection of hazardous stress concentrations, leading to a redesign of excavation sequences that significantly improved worker safety and reduced unplanned downtime.

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U.S. – Civil Infrastructure in Pennsylvania

In a major tunneling project for a subway extension in Philadelphia, our borehole stress meters were deployed at strategic borehole locations to monitor pressure variations during TBM operations. Data from our remote system allowed engineers to proactively mitigate risks tied to overbreak and convergence, enhancing construction quality and timeline predictability.

Aerial view of a bustling cityscape featuring numerous skyscrapers under a partly cloudy sky, with a mix of modern and classic architecture surrounded by greenery and roads.

Canada – Hydroelectric Project in British Columbia

A Canadian utility deployed borehole stress meters supplied by Pressure Stress Measure to monitor deep foundation stress beneath a large-scale hydroelectric dam in BC. Over a 12-month period, the data supported regulatory reporting, enabled early stress correction, and validated long-term structural assumptions critical for the dam’s operational life.

Have Questions or Need Expert Support with Borehole Stress Meters?

Our team is ready to assist. Whether you’re seeking product recommendations, system integration guidance, or technical consultation, our experts are here to help streamline your next project.

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