A weighted-stretched-wire system for monitoring deflections

Measurements of short- and long-term deflections are often helpful in understanding and evaluating the behavior of civil engineering structures. This paper describes the mechanics and design of a Weighted Stretched Wire System (WSWS), a simple but effective device that was developed to monitor structural deflections. The primary advantages of this new system are that it is accurate, robust and inexpensive, and it is suitable for continuous monitoring. The paper considers static and dynamic response, provides design recommendations, illustrates the design of a WSWS with an example and provides field verification of performance.