Geotechnical Instrumentation
Use ground behaviour monitoring throughout your construction project stages or measuring engineering performance of water and tailing dams.
Risk-based monitoring system design
A geotechnical monitoring plan should consider existing site conditions, planned construction activities and how the collected data will inform project decisions. Geotesta works closely with the project team to determine appropriate monitoring locations, equipment requirements and reading frequencies.
Field readings can be collected manually or through an automated system, depending on the project scope. The resulting data helps technical personnel understand how the ground and surrounding structures respond throughout each stage of construction.
Monitoring process
Design of monitoring system
Available investigation data, design information and project risks are reviewed to establish the monitoring objectives and required locations.
Selection of equipment
Instrumentation is selected according to the condition being measured, anticipated range of movement, site access and required reading frequency.
Installation of instrumentation
Equipment is installed and positioned to collect information relevant to the ground, structure or construction activity being assessed.
Initial measurements (Baseline)
Initial measurements establish a reference point before excavation, loading or other project activities begin to influence site conditions.
Ongoing monitoring
Readings may be collected manually or automatically at intervals suited to the level of risk and anticipated rate of change.
Reporting of results
Monitoring results are organised and presented to help project personnel identify movement, trends and results requiring further technical review.
Integrated geotechnical expertise supports instrumentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Instrumentation can monitor a variety of conditions including movement, deformation, settlement, water levels or leakage, and other relevant ground or structural conditions. The type of system used depends on the specific risks present and objectives of the monitoring activity.
It is generally recommended that instrumentation be installed early enough so that useful baseline readings can be obtained before any excavation, loading or construction activities begin to impact the monitored conditions.
Yes, where suitable sensors, data loggers, power and communications are available. Automated systems can collect readings at defined intervals and support remote access to monitoring information.
Reading frequency depends on the level of risk, expected rate of change, construction sequence and decisions the data supports. The frequency may be adjusted as the project progresses.
The results are communicated to the appropriate project personnel for technical review. Further assessment, increased monitoring or changes to the works may then be considered.