Strain monitoring technology used in Cutty Sark restoration

AV Technology provides specialist instrumentation

Special instrumentation and strain monitoring technology has been used in the critical lifting stage of an essential upgrade project for the world famous clipper ship, the Cutty Sark.

Berthed in Greenwich since 1954, the world-famous tea clipper was open to the public until 2006 when it closed for the Cutty Sark Conservation Project.

In 2007 a fire swept the clipper, placing the entire project in jeopardy. Fortunately much of the ship had already been removed and put into storage. The conservation project recommenced in 2008, after securing £10 million in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

One of the major aims of the conservation project is to raise the ship by three meters to build a permanent visitors' centre on the dry berth underneath.

Engineering consultancy AV Technology (AVT) provided specialist instrumentation to measure and monitor the structural integrity of the Cutty Sark during the critical lifting phase. A strain monitoring system consisting of 96 strain sensors to monitor loads in the ship's metal frame and the supporting props and tie rods that hold up the 800-tonne weight of the ship was installed.

Wireless technology enabled transfer of data from the datalogger on the ship to the real-time display on a PC in the control room where structural engineers accessed load data for instant analysis.

Although the lifting work is complete, AVT will continue to monitor Cutty Sark's 280-foot structure for the next six months of the project.

The ongoing monitoring is intended to ensure the stability of the ship in its raised position and to verify the integrity of the supporting props as more of the original fabric of the ship is reinstalled including the main mast and woodwork.

Simon Hirst, AVT’s special projects deputy manager continued: “There is still a lot of internal and external work to be done in preparation for Cutty Sark becoming a visitor attraction.”

The Cutty Sark is due to be reopened to public in spring 2012.