The Models of Structural Mechanics for Geodetic Accuracy Assignment: A Case Study of the Finite Element Method

Abstract

It is well-known that two of the third parts of geodetic works comprise staking-out works and geodetic monitoring. Both of these tasks of applied geodesy as a scientific discipline face with the question of the measurement accuracy assignment. There are many ways how to assign an appropriate accuracy of measurements. However, all of them lack a rigorous approach. There is only one right way that consists of using the structural mechanics’ models for the calculation of probable construction displacements to assign the appropriate accuracy as a part of total construction’s displacements. The measurements’ accuracy is being treated as a function of those displacements. Geodesists have to have special skills in the structures’ design and simulation to find such displacements, which, in turn, is a complicated task. The solution is in using the finite element method (FEM) that allows modeling large structures with straightforward computations. The paper considers the general idea of the FEM and its models with the application to the geodetic accuracy assignment. Based on these models, the general approach for the accuracy assignment was developed and implemented. As a hands-on example, the different structures were analyzed, and its finite element models were constructed. For the case of staking-out works, the problem of high-rise building erection was considered. The FEM simulation allowed us to determine the influence of the structure displacements on the accuracy of staking-out works. The geodetic monitoring problem was studied on the example of underground structures. For this structure, the FEM simulation was carried out. By the simulation results, an appropriate accuracy of monitoring was assigned.