Practical guide to Geotechnical Monitoring

Geotechdata.info - Updated 21.10.2013

Concept

Geotechnical monitoring is an issue of significant importance in any major geotechnical project. Information coming from geotechnical monitoring often plays an important role not only in every stage of the construction s but also at the service stage.

Objectives of monitoring

In general, the main objectives of geotechnical monitoring can be summarized as follows:

To increase safety
To confirm the design condition and improve it by back-analysis
To reduce cost by taking appropriate corrective measures
To manage legal concerns
To follow the long-term behavior

Geotechnical monitoring systems

Depending on the application and objectives, different monitoring systems can be used in geotechnical problems. The table below provides a general guide for monitoring needs and corresponding monitoring devices.

Main parameter	Application	Monitoring device
Lateral deformation	Stability assessment of slopes and embankments Follow the deformation around the deep excavation and high slope excavation Identify the necessity of corrective measures Verify the safety of geostructures during construction and service time Back-analysis and determine the need for design improvement	» Inclinometer » Rod extensometer
Vertical deformation	Evaluate the soil consolidation Follow the settelement around excavations Follow and adjust the final stage of embankment Identify the necessity of corrective measures Verify the safety of geostructures during construction and service time Back-analysis and determine the need for design improvement	» Settlement cells » Settlement points » Rod Extensometer » Horizontal inclinometer
Pore water pressure	Slope stability evaluation Uplift and lateral water pressure evaluation Monitoring the efficiency of drainage system Determine the rate of embankment fill Seepage evaluation in dams and hydraulic structres	» Standpipe Piezometer » Pneumatic Piezometer

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