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CALI - Vibrating Wire Calibration

An overview page to review and manage calibrations for Vibrating Wires

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Written by Sameer Shaik Abdul Rahaman
Updated over 3 weeks ago

1. Introduction

The Vibrating Wire Calibration page provides a centralized interface for viewing, managing, and updating calibration parameters of vibrating wire instruments. These instruments are commonly used in geotechnical and structural monitoring. Calibration data on this page is essential to convert raw frequency readings into accurate engineering values (e.g., pressure, force, or displacement) while compensating for factors like temperature.

NOTE: This CALI – Vibrating Wire Calibration Page is only applicable to instruments that require calibration, such as vibrating wire sensors.

2. Page Navigation

  1. Sign in to GeoSens.

  2. Click on left-hand corner icon 'Setting', click to expand 'INIT | REV | CALI | DATA'→ expand 'CALI' → click Vibrating Wire Calibration.

    1. Instrument Type Filter: select instrument type to narrow down the list.

    2. Calibration Data Table: view and manage parameter details.

    3. Function Bar: edit, export, delete, or copy parameters.

3. Instrument Type Filter

To use instrument type filter

A dropdown menu used to filter the data table by instrument type (e.g., Vibrating Wire Piezometer (LS-VWP)).

Use Case: If you're only working with a specific type of instrument, this filter helps isolate the relevant records for easier review or editing.

4. Calibration Data Table

Each row in this table represents one calibration configuration for a specific vibrating wire sensor.

4.1 General Field Introduction

Column

Description

Instrument Name

The project-specific identifier for the instrument.

Revision

The calibration revision number. Starts at 0 and increments for updated calibrations.

Date-Time

The date and time the calibration was conducted or recorded. Important for traceability.

Serial Number

The serial number of the instrument. Used for manufacturer tracking and asset management.

Sensor

Internal sensor ID or channel for multi-sensor configurations.

Zero Reading (R0)

The frequency reading (Hz) at the baseline (zero) condition—typically no load or pressure.

Zero Temperature (T0)

The temperature at which the zero reading was taken. Essential for temperature compensation.

Zero Pressure (S0)

The pressure (e.g., in kPa) at the time of the zero reading. Commonly 0 but can vary based on calibration method.

4.2 Calibration Coefficients

Column

Description

Gauge Factor (G)

Represents sensitivity of the sensor; used in standard vibrating wire pressure formulas.

Thermal Coefficient (k)

Also called Ct, this accounts for temperature-induced variation in sensor frequency.

Pressure Coefficient (Cp)

Multiplier applied during pressure conversion, especially for hydraulic load cells.

4.3 Temperature Influence (TI) Factors

These are used for advanced temperature compensation models, particularly for sensors exposed to varying environmental conditions.

Column

Description

TI Factor C0 to C5

Constants used in temperature-influenced calibration models. Higher-order temperature terms (up to 5th order) enable nonlinear compensation.

4.4 Administrative Columns

Column

Description

Notes

Optional. Used to record any relevant remarks—e.g., test environment, calibration certificate references, special conditions.

Updated By

Username/email of the last person who edited the record. Ensures traceability.

Updated On

Timestamp of the last update for auditing purposes.

4.5 Additional Information Column

Additional columns can be dragged and dropped from the column chooser '' into the data table to customize the view and add more information.

Field Name

Description

VWCali ID

Unique identifier for the vibrating wire calibration record.

Sensor ID

Identifier for the specific sensor being calibrated.

Initial Barometer Pressure

Barometric pressure recorded at the start of calibration.

Zero Barometer Pressure

Reference barometric pressure used as a baseline.

TI Factor C0–C5

Temperature influence coefficients used to adjust readings based on temperature.

Gauge Conversion

Factor used to convert frequency readings into engineering units.

Serial No.

Serial number of the instrument being calibrated.

Created By

User who created the calibration record.

Created On

Date and time when the calibration record was created.

vwCalid

Possibly a duplicate or alternate ID for the calibration record.

4.6 Filtering and Sorting

Filtering Function

  • Click on the filtering icon ‘’, type in the key words to narrow down records, tick on one or multiple items in the list to apply the filter.

Sorting Function

  • Click on column headers to sort your data.

  • Toggle between ascending and descending order to enhance data management efficiency.

5. Function Bar (Top Right)

This section provides introduction to each function.

Button

Description

Edit Grid

Unlocks the grid for inline editing. After clicking, users can modify cells directly within the table.

Export

Exports all visible data into Excel.

  • By Selection: all ticked and selected calibration rows will be exported via email.

  • By Type: If an instrument type is selected in the instrument type filter, then all instruments calibration records in this type will be exported via email.

New

Opens a form to create a new calibration record. Useful for new instruments being deployed in the field.

Edit

Opens a selected row in a modal or form view for editing.

Delete

Deletes selected calibration records.

6. Workflow: How to Use This Page

A. Viewing Calibration Records

  1. Use the Select a Project Instrument Type filter to narrow down the results.

  2. Filter out Alarm limits → Click on the filter next to header 'Instrument type' and select the specific instrument type to narrow down the list, or filter by 'instrument name' and 'revision'.

  3. Review coefficients to ensure they're consistent with lab results or manufacturer specs.

B. Editing Existing Records

  1. Click Edit Grid.

  2. Modify fields such as Zero Reading, Gauge Factor, or Factor A-C.

  3. Ensure values are numeric and match instrument documentation.

  4. Optionally, add a comment in Notes.

  5. Click on Save to save all the changes.

C. Adding a New Record

  1. Click New.

  2. Fill in all required fields: serial number, sensor, R0, G, Ct, coefficients, etc.

  3. Submit the form to save the calibration record.

NOTE: Please be cautious to avoid entering duplicate calibration records for the same instrument and revision.

NOTE: If instruments are recalibrated, duplicate the original row and increase the revision rather than deleting.

7. Troubleshooting & Tips

Issue

Suggested Action

Cannot edit fields

Ensure you’ve clicked Edit Grid. Check if you have editing permissions.

Wrong values saved

Check for decimal formatting (use period . not comma ,). Re-edit and save.

Sensor not listed

Use New to add calibration for that sensor.

Export missing data

Only visible rows are exported. Use filter to ensure desired records are in view.

8. Security & Permissions

  • Only authorized users should edit calibration data.

  • Deleting records may be disabled depending on user roles.

  • Audit trail columns (Updated By, Updated On) help enforce accountability.

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