Accuracy of Static Differential GPS Techniques; Implications for Structural Deformation Monitoring

In recent years, the need to monitor for Deformation in Engineering Structures such as Dams, Bridges and Tall buildings have become more necessary as a result of reported failures of many of these structures with catastrophic consequences globally. Global Positioning System (GPS) is highly automated and less labour intensive than other conventional techniques used in structural deformation monitoring. For most applications, such as National Geodetic Control Network, Urban Control Network and other Engineering Control Network, an accuracy in the cm level for most GPS work is quite adequate. For Structural deformation monitoring however, the required accuracy is in millimeters. In this paper, the use of Static Differential GPS method with multiple receivers for high precision measurement was investigated using the monitoring Stations at Ikpoba Dam as case study Scenerio. Four units of LEICA 300 Dual Frequency GPS receivers were deployed for code and carrier phase measurements with observation session of 1hr at a sampling rate of 15 sec. Baseline Processing and Least Squares Adjustment of observation was carried out in WGS 84 and NTM reference frames using the LEICA SKI-PRO Processing software and Move. Analysis of the results revealed that the number of outliers in the observation were <5% and the accuracy of horizontal and vertical coordinates were 4mm maximum for horizontal and 2mm maximum for vertical. The study revealed that in areas with favourable satellite constellation and appropriate reduction or elimination of multipath and other noise like errors, Static Differential GPS techniques with a combination of code and carrier phase measurement gives good results for structural deformation monitoring.