Geotechnical Monitoring Systems
The management of a geotechnical project requires a wide range of important information coming from the sensors, which are of vital importance for correct execution of construction plans and to refine soil models.
Geotechnical applications mainly concern constructions where engineering properties of rock and soil must be considered. The capacity of the ground to support constructions is studied by engineers with geotechnical instrumentation. Thus, the Testindo Group is able to offer both in-situ testing and traditional instrumentation.
The main advantages of instrumentation in geotechnical applications are:
- To help design
- To reduce costs
- To increase safety
- To manage legal concerns
- To check long-term performance
Engineers in charge of a project can take specific and quick decisions for an appropriate control of the works.
Benefits of Testindo Group Integrated Geotechnical Monitoring Solutions
1 - Integrated Solutions The Testindo Group provides Integrated Structural Health Monitoring Solutions for geotechnical applications, based on advanced fiber optic technologies and conventional sensors. The Testindo Group also integrates local corrosion sensors and other third party transducers for additional information. All sensing technologies are seamlessly integrated into a single database and user interface.
2 - SHMLive Through the SHMLive service, the Testindo Group offers a comprehensive solution for geotechnical monitoring. This includes the design of the system, its delivery and installation, maintenance and operation, web access to the data and data analysis by experienced engineering partners, all for a fixed monthly fee.
3 - Understand the initial site conditions The instrumentation of the Testindo Group allows a better comprehension of a site condition during the design phase of a project. Groundwater pressure, total stress, load, proof and deformability are some important geotechnical parameters that have to be known. The understanding of ground conditions alows a rational design of constructions (for example, the piles for a foundation).
4 - Ensure safety during construction There is often a need to monitor the effects of construction on adjacent structures. Therefore, during excavation for underground parking, subway, building or highway, instrumentation is often used to ensure safety of the construction and nearby structures.
5 - Reduce costs during construction A continuous monitoring system allows the designer to modify the scheduled procedures of construction in accordance with the actual behavior. The possibility to modify the phases of a construction helps to save money (for example, during the construction of an embankment).
6 - Legal protection: A good way to save time, money and problems. An open excavation in a city could affect the neighbouring properties. Adequate static and dynamic monitoring systems can solve responsibility issues.
7 - Verify long-term performance The responsibility of an engineer is to design and build structures with long-term reliability. Consequently, an appropriate monitoring system allows to have the construction under control during its whole lifespan.
8 - The Testindo Group: a dependable partner for instrumentation project management The Testindo Group will support the owners in all phases of a project, from the system design to installation, commissioning and training. Through the experience and commitment of the Testindo Group, any monitoring needs will be met. The Testindo Group has been instrumenting critical structures, including dams and nuclear power plants, for more than 60 years. Its worldwide network of system integrators provides a competent local support for any project. All the systems come with a 10 year warranty on the availability of spare parts.
Solutions
The following packages are the most widely used for geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring. However, each project has specific requirements and needs that can be addressed by a tailored system. The Testindo Group has developed a 7-step methodology to design and implement an optimal SHM system for any geostructure.
- Average Stain: Extensometer, pile deformation
- Local Strain: Strain in bracings, piles and other structural elements
- Soil Stability: Soil stability, detection of landslide movement
- Settlement: Differential settlement, soft ground compaction
- Displacement: Monitoring cracks in nearby constructions
- Tilt: Tilt of retaining walls, soil deformation
- 3D Movement: Global movement, slope and landslide movements
- Vibration: Vibration in existing structures during excavation
- Water Pressure: Pore water pressure, soft soil compaction, groundwater level
- Pressure: Total soil pressure