Understanding the Use of Geotechnical Monitoring Instruments

There are few people that can look at a skyscraper or other engineering marvel and not be impressed or wonder about how such a feat can be achieved. As our city’s concrete jungles continually expand, it is imperative that safety protocols be in place, especially with large engineering projects, that monitor every phase of the project. Mining is another industry where safety depends on reliable, consistent monitoring. Neither of these industries are done by “listening to one’s gut,” so to speak. They utilize geotechnical monitoring instruments to conduct constant observations.

Using geotechnical monitoring instruments during construction or mining provides confirmation that the design assumptions were accurate, that safety is maintained during the project, that any changes are measured to be able to take appropriate actions for those outside an acceptable range, to show certification that all aspects are within desired perimeters, and that adjacent structures and foundations are not being compromised.

Geotechnical monitoring instruments can also be used after construction is complete and for research projects. After construction, you may want to be sure that the structure remains safe by evaluating the effect of stress, deflection, inclination, and other ongoing situations and continually compare back to the design assumptions. As for research, you can utilize geotechnical monitoring instruments to test new materials and construction techniques or to study the behavior of materials.

The key advantages of using geotechnical monitoring instruments include design verification, safety, construction control, legal protection, and performance monitoring. Be sure to select products that will be reliable, accurate, and have the appropriate sensors for the project.