The Geotechnical Instrumentation service is for measurement of construction induced changes to the built environment and ground. We supply high precision instruments that can be installed and monitored for this purpose. The information obtained can be used to ensure the safety of the built environment as well as provide factual confirmation of the construction design to contractors and other stakeholders.
Examples of this service are as follows (this list is not exhaustive):
• Monitoring of buildings: crack monitoring, tilting of walls, settlement and vibration.
• Monitoring of noise levels.
• Monitoring of the ground: surface and sub-surface ground movements, sub-surface water levels and pore-water pressures.
• Monitoring of structural elements used within a construction site: Temporary steel struts, walers and retaining walls.
The type of instrument used can be chosen depending on the accuracy of data required, monitoring frequency and site constraints. Our experienced staff can recommend the Geotechnical Instrumentation provision based on the specific project needs. We carry out the instrument installations, monitoring and reporting of data. As part of our reporting standards we also identify adverse data trends and inform key individuals when pre-set data review levels are breached.
Our service standards are established to surpass the industrywide practices in Singapore and we aim to provide full client satisfaction. Please contact us for a Geotechnical Instrumentation quotation today.
Inclinometer
Purpose
To monitor lateral movements of the ground or wall
Application
1. Monitor the sheet piles and diaphragm walls to check the lateral movements are within design limits and the adjacent buildings are not affected by ground movements.
2. Monitor slopes and landslides to detect zones of movement.
3. Monitor the effects of tunneling operations to ensure adjacent structures are not damaged by ground movements.
Piezometer (Casagrande/Pneumatic/Vibrating wire)
Purpose
To monitor porewater pressure and piezometric water levels.
Types
I) Casagrande piezometer
II) Pneumatic piezometer
III) Vibrating wire piezometer
Applications
Monitor pore-water pressure to determine the stability of slope, embankments and landfill dikes; ground improvement techniques such as vertical drains, sand drains and dynamic compaction; dewatering schemes for excavations and underground openings;
seepage and ground water movement in embankments, landfill dikes and dams; water drawdown during pumping test.
Water Standpipe
Purpose
To monitor porewater pressure and piezometric water levels.
Water Standpipe Application
1. Monitor rises or falls of water level inside the pipe (installed below ground)
with respect to the ground during excavations and underground openings.
2. Measure water levels in water wells.
Settlement (Ground/Building > Marker/Point/Socket)
Purpose
To monitor ground settlement or heave
Types
I) Ground settlement marker/point/socket/rod
II) Building settlement marker/point/socket/rod
III) Settlement plate
Application
Monitor surface ground settlement or building settlement during deep excavation very near to existing buildings and services.
Tilt Plate/Tilt Meter
Purpose
To monitor changes in the tilt of a structure. Tilt plate is also commonly known as tilt meter.
Application
1. Monitor changes in the tilt of a structure. Changes in tilt can occur when nearby construction activity affects the ground that supports the structure.
Activities such as excavation, tunneling, or dewatering may cause settlement or lateral deformation. Changes in tilt are also caused when a load is applied to a structure.
2. Monitor rotation or angular distortion of columns, walls and beams caused by tunneling , excavation or soil compaction works.
Crack Meter
Purpose
To monitor the relative crack width or opening movement on existing structure.
Type
I) Demec gauge
II) Tell-tale gauge
Application
Monitor cracks in concrete columns, walls and beams that have been affected by construction activity