Quay Wall Monitoring in Amsterdam
Why quay walls are difficult to monitor
1,700+ km of quay walls
Across the Netherlands, construction, loading and foundation conditions vary from one wall to the next.
128 parallel measurement channels
Q1 observed a 12 m line beneath the capstone from the opposite side of the canal.
Ambient and hammer tests
Laser RADAR and accelerometers recorded the wall’s response side by side.
The field test
What stand-off laser vibrometry offers
Stand-off access
Set up from the opposite side of the canal, with no sensors mounted across the wall face.
A broader view
Parallel channels reveal how the response changes along the measured line.
Vehicle-mounted campaigns
Vehicle-mounted measurement makes it practical to cover more of the network while keeping set-up light.
Measurement layout
What we found
Plan your quay-wall survey
Amsterdam quay-wall measurement questions
The Recht Boomssloot field test shows how 128-channel Q1 modal mapping and accelerometer references build a repeatable quay-wall assessment baseline.
How was the Recht Boomssloot quay wall measured?
Q1 Laser RADAR observed a 12 m line below the capstone from the opposite side of the canal using 128 parallel optical channels. Ambient and hammer tests were recorded alongside two accelerometer layouts. Q1 acquired phasor data at 40 kHz, which the team converted to velocity time series for modal analysis.
Did Laser RADAR and the accelerometers measure the same mode?
In the field test, both systems identified the same main sideways mode in the ambient and hammer-test data, while the hammer test also revealed higher vertical modes. This agreement connects Q1’s continuous 12 m optical line with established reference channels for a spatially resolved modal baseline.
How do the modal results support quay-wall assessment?
The identified vibration modes provide a repeatable dynamic baseline for the wall. Combine that baseline with the inspection record, soil and water context, structural analysis, uncertainty assessment and criteria from the responsible engineering authority to evaluate condition, load capacity, foundation behaviour and maintenance priorities.
What should be planned for a stand-off quay-wall survey?
Define the engineering question, visible measurement line, working distance, optical return, expected motion, excitation or ambient sources, reference-sensor layout, synchronization, duration and environmental conditions. Repeated surveys also require a stable geometry, comparable operating conditions and a rule for interpreting change.
Ommatidia Upgrade & Trade-In Program
Upgrade to Ommatidia’s latest Laser RADAR technology and unlock more capability for your next measurement challenge. Whether you are expanding an existing setup or replacing an older system, we offer tailored upgrade options with discounts of up to 40%.
If you are currently using another manufacturer’s system, send us your model and measurement requirements. We will review your trade-in possibilities, identify the best Ommatidia configuration, and outline a practical upgrade path for your team.
