Hydraulic Pressure Cells For Accurate In-Situ Stress Monitoring
Monitor internal stress dynamics in soils and concrete with precision hydraulic sensor systems
Overview
Hydraulic Pressure Cells are specialized instruments designed to measure total stress or pore water pressure in soil, rock, or concrete. These sensors use a fluid-filled chamber that responds to applied stress, converting the pressure changes into electrical signals. Embedded during construction or inserted into existing structures, they are critical in evaluating long-term structural behavior, detecting settlement, and validating geotechnical models. These systems play a vital role in major infrastructure projects, from deep excavations to dam embankments. Pressure Stress Measure, based in Vancouver, BC, offers advanced Hydraulic Pressure Cell technologies tailored for B2B clients across North America. Our solutions, built through rigorous R&D and quality assurance, help engineers gain actionable insights while reducing failure risks in civil, mining, and infrastructure sectors.
Technologies & Systems We Offer
In addition to offering products and systems developed by our team and trusted partners for Hydraulic Pressure Cells, 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
- Pressure Transducer & Fluid Chamber – Chemical and Gas Sensors help detect pressure variations for infrastructure leak detection tied to insured pipelines.
- Flexible Diaphragm – BLE Gateways, Beacons & Accessories support wireless transmission from flexible stress sensors used in real-time risk scoring.
- Protective Housing – NB-IoT Accessories ruggedize buried insurance monitoring hardware in wet or shifting environments.
- Signal Cable – Cellular IoT Accessories connect remote sensors to mobile data uplinks in field audits of financial infrastructure.
Software
- Data Visualization Platforms – Real-time stress monitoring dashboards for interpreting trends and anomalies.
- Calibration & Configuration Tools – For on-site zeroing, calibration curves, and offset adjustments.
Cloud Services
- Cloud-Connected Data Logging – Enables centralized access to stress data from multiple remote locations.
- Alarm & Threshold Settings – Automated alerts when stress levels exceed predefined limits.
- API Integration – For merging pressure cell data with third-party analytics or SCADA systems.
Key Features & Functionalities
- Embedded or surface-mounted installation versatility
- Capable of reading both total and effective stress in soils
- High-pressure range support (up to several MPa)
- Minimal temperature sensitivity and long-term drift
- Customizable diaphragm size and thickness
- Analog and digital output compatibility
- Field-replaceable cables and connectors
Integrations & Compatibility
Geotechnical Monitoring Systems
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs)
Our Hydraulic Pressure Cells can be integrated with a wide range of instrumentation and control systems, including:
Smart Dams and Levee Monitoring Systems
Load Monitoring in Retaining Structures
IoT Gateways and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)
Benefits of Hydraulic Pressure Cells
Real-Time Stress Feedback
Enhances project safety by tracking pressure changes continuously
Reliable Long-Term Monitoring
Robust design supports long-duration embedding without data loss
Improves Predictive Maintenance
Early warnings help prevent structural failures
Supports Design Validation
Provides empirical stress data to refine geotechnical and structural models
Adaptable Deployment
Available in flat or cylindrical formats for different material types
Applications
- Earth and rockfill dams
- Deep foundations and retaining walls
- Bridge abutments and tunnel linings
- Slope stability analysis
- Load transfer in pile groups and anchors
- Settlement monitoring in embankments
Industries We Serve
- Civil Infrastructure & Construction
- Mining and Tunneling
- Environmental & Geotechnical Engineering
- Energy and Hydroelectric Projects
- Transportation Infrastructure (Rail, Roads, Ports)
U.S. and Canadian Industry Standards & Regulations
- ASTM D6026
- AASHTO T296
- FHWA NHI 16-007
- CSA A23.3
- CGS Geotechnical Guidelines
Case Studies
U.S. Hydropower Dam Retrofit
In Colorado, our Hydraulic Pressure Cells were embedded during the retrofit of a 60-year-old hydropower dam to monitor uplift pressures and reduce the risk of foundation cracking. Over two years of monitoring helped engineers validate reservoir load transfer models and modify drainage structures accordingly.
Urban Tunnel Boring Monitoring – New York
During the Manhattan East Side Access project, Hydraulic Pressure Cells provided continuous pressure readings behind temporary retaining walls and slurry walls. The data ensured safe excavation through variable soil strata and guided TBM path adjustments in real-time.
Canadian Open-Pit Mining Operation – Alberta
In an oil sands mining project in Alberta, Canada, our pressure cells were installed beneath haul roads to monitor loading stress from 400-ton trucks. The data helped optimize road reinforcement layers and minimize rutting in soft soil zones.
Looking to Enhance your Structural or Geotechnical Monitoring with High-Performance Hydraulic Pressure Cells?
Contact Pressure Stress Measure for expert guidance, product support, or to discuss your custom requirements. Let us help you deliver safer, smarter, and more efficient solutions.