Load, settlement and ground response at piles, shafts and piers

Deep foundations transfer load into soil and rock. Instrumentation records how foundation elements and the surrounding ground respond, so behaviour can be compared with design expectations.

• Foundation elements: strain, displacement, tilt and cracking in piles, shafts and piers.
• Settlement: vertical movement of foundation elements over time.
• Surrounding ground: pressure from soil or rock, pore-water pressure, and subsurface movement.
• Water: water movement or leakage through the surrounding soil.
• External loads: dynamic loads and vibration from traffic and seismic activity.

Geospatial positioning and laser scanning can add position and geometry data to point sensor readings.

• Strain gauges: strain in piles, shafts and piers.
• Displacement sensors and tiltmeters: shifts, misalignment and tilting of foundation elements.
• Settlement gauges: vertical movement and subsidence.
• Piezometers: pore-water pressure in surrounding soil or rock.
• Pressure cells: pressure from soil or rock on foundation elements.
• Inclinometers and extensometers: movement and deformation of surrounding ground.
• Accelerometers and seismic sensors: dynamic loads and ground movement.
• Crack, temperature and humidity sensors: cracking, thermal effects and moisture in foundation elements.
• Flow meters: water movement through the surrounding soil.
• GNSS sensors and laser scanning: position and geometry of foundation elements.