Mid Term Project
Geotechnical Instrumentation Plan for Monitoring Excavation in
Urban Areas
Submitted by
Arth Prajapati – 0452514
Manish Koli – 0459778
Trunalkumar Patel – 0462218
Rajender Singh – 0472315
ENGR_5396 EL 02
Instrumentation for Geotechnical Application
Submitted to
Dr. Philip Dirige, PhD, PEng
Submission Date: July 22, 2025
Table of Contents
1. Project Overview
2. Geotechnical Instrumentation Monitoring Plan
2.1 Considerations for an Adequate Instrumentation Plan
2.2 Instrument Features and Properties to be Monitored
2.3 Common Geotechnical Instruments Used
2.4 Suggested Instruments and Their Accuracy and Range
2.5 Proposed Geotechnical Instrument Locations
2.6 Proposed Frequency of Instrument Readings and Alert Criteria
3. Summary and Conclusions
4. References
1. Project Overview
1.1 Introduction
Excavation in urban areas presents complex challenges, especially near
sensitive infrastructure, historical buildings, and heterogeneous subsurface
conditions. The aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive
geotechnical instrumentation plan integrating multiple monitoring
technologies to ensure excavation safety (Dunnicliff, 1993).
This report is based on a hypothetical excavation site measuring
approximately 20 m × 50 m and 7–10 m deep, located in a congested urban
center. Surrounded by old buildings and soft ground, continuous
geotechnical observation is crucial to avoid ground movement, structural
distress, and groundwater-related hazards.
1.2 Background and Context
Urban excavation is often influenced by historical development layers,
variable soils, high water tables, and adjacent structures. Without a reliable
instrumentation system, projects can encounter failures, litigation, and cost
overruns (Canadian Geotechnical Society, 2006).
A geotechnical instrumentation strategy helps:
Detect early signs of instability or excess deformation
Validate design assumptions
Support adaptive construction techniques
Maintain safety and code compliance
This report proposes a hybrid instrumentation approach combining manual
and automated tools.
2. Geotechnical Instrumentation Monitoring Plan
2.1 Considerations for an Adequate Instrumentation Plan
An effective instrumentation plan must incorporate multiple site-specific
factors (Terzaghi, 1943):
a) Site Geological Conditions
Urban soils often include fill, clays, and weathered rock. Understanding the
strength, compressibility, and permeability of each layer is essential for
selecting instruments and installation methods.
b) Groundwater Conditions
Changes in pore water pressure can cause base heave, wall failures, or
instability. Continuous groundwater monitoring with piezometers is crucial
for managing excavation below or near the water table (Retallack, 2001).
c) Adjacent Structures
Historical or sensitive buildings are vulnerable to even minor ground
movement. Monitoring lateral displacement, vibration, and settlement
ensures safety (Priestley et al., 1996).
d) Excavation Method and Supports
Multi-anchored retaining walls need real-time monitoring of anchor loads and
lateral pressures. Inclinometers and strain gauges help ensure the structural
integrity of supports (Dunnicliff, 1993).
e) Redundancy and Cross-Verification
Using different instruments to monitor the same property increases reliability
and enables cross-checking of data to reduce errors (Terzaghi, 1943).
f) Environmental Considerations
Rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, and nearby vibrations affect data interpretation.
Instruments must be resilient and suitable for long-term outdoor use
(Canadian Geotechnical Society, 2006).
2.2 Instrument Features and Properties to be Monitored
Key geotechnical parameters to monitor include:
Groundwater Levels (Retallack, 2001)
Displacement (Vertical and Horizontal) (Dunnicliff, 1993)
Stress and Strain (Priestley et al., 1996)
Vibration (Priestley et al., 1996)
All instruments should be capable of high-resolution data logging,
environmental resistance, and, when necessary, remote access (Terzaghi,
1943).
2.3 Common Geotechnical Instruments Used
Propert Readi
y to ng
Measur Instrument/ Metho
e Equipment d Purpose/Function Reference
Ground Piezometer Manu Measures pore water Retallack
water (Vibrating al / pressure and groundwater (2001)
Level Wire/Stand Auto table
pipe) matic
Vertical Extensomet Manu Monitors settlement or heave Dunnicliff
Displac er al / in soil and rock layers (1993)
ement Auto
matic
Lateral Inclinomete Manu Measures angular movement Canadian
Movem r al / and lateral displacement Geotechnica
ent Auto l Society
matic (2006)
Structu Strain Auto Detects stress/strain in Priestley et
Propert Readi
y to ng
Measur Instrument/ Metho
e Equipment d Purpose/Function Reference
ral Gauge matic retaining structures, anchors, al. (1996)
Strain or struts
Vibratio Geophone Manu Detects ground vibrations Priestley et
n al / due to construction, traffic, or al. (1996)
Auto machinery
matic
Vibratio Accelerome Manu Monitors ground acceleration Terzaghi
n/ ter al / from dynamic or seismic (1943)
Acceler Auto activity
ation matic
2.4 Suggested Instruments with Accuracy and Measurement
Range
Instr Measure
ume Accura ment
nt cy Range Application / Notes Reference
Piez ±0.1% 0–50 Installed in boreholes to Retallack
ome Full meters monitor water table and pore (2001)
ter Scale depth pressure changes
Exte ±0.5 Up to 30 Tracks vertical movement and Dunnicliff
nso mm meters settlement across soil or rock (1993)
met interfaces
er
Incli ±2% Up to 100 Detects slope movements or Canadian
nom of meters wall tilting from lateral ground Geotechnical
eter readin depth pressures Society
g (2006)
Strai ±0.5% 0–5000 Measures strain in structural Priestley et
n µε elements al. (1996)
Gau (microstra
ge in)
Geo ±0.1 0–100 Captures low-frequency ground Priestley et
phon mm/s mm/s vibrations al. (1996)
e
Acce ±0.1 g ±2 g Measures peak ground Terzaghi
lero accelerations from dynamic (1943)
met loads
er
2.5 Proposed Geotechnical Instrument Locations
Instrumentation will be strategically placed to monitor structural and ground
behavior.
Adjacent Buildings (East and South sides): Inclinometers and
extensometers to monitor settlement and lateral movement.
Retaining Walls (All perimeters): Strain gauges and inclinometers
installed at different levels to observe deformation.
Excavation Base and Centerline: Piezometers and extensometers
to measure pore water pressure and vertical displacement.
Vegetated and Road Areas (North and West): Geophones and
accelerometers to detect vibrations or seismic movements.
Instrumentation Layout Diagram:
Instrumentation Layout
2.6 Proposed Frequency of Instrument Readings and Alert Criteria
Phase Frequency Justification
Pre- Weekly Establish baseline values
constructi
on
Construct Real-time (automated); Continuous monitoring to detect
ion Weekly (manual) immediate deviations
Post- Bi-weekly for at least 6 Long-term stabilization and
constructi months performance assessment
on
Alert and Alarm Thresholds:
Property Alert Threshold (Yellow) Alarm Threshold (Red)
Groundwater Rise > +0.5 m from baseline > +1.0 m
Lateral > 5 mm > 10 mm
Displacement
Anchor Strain > 75% of design load ≥ 90% of design load
Vibration (PPV) > 3 mm/s > 5 mm/s
3. Summary and Conclusions
This geotechnical instrumentation plan addresses the complex challenges
associated with urban excavations. Through the integration of reliable
instruments, strategic placement, and a responsive alert system, the project
aims to safeguard infrastructure, people, and the construction process.
Key Highlights: - Monitoring covers both geotechnical and structural
properties. - The plan emphasizes redundancy, data accuracy, and real-time
decision-making. - Layout and thresholds are tailored to urban constraints
and project risks.
4. References
1. Terzaghi, K. (1943). Theoretical Soil Mechanics. Wiley.
https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470172766
2. Priestley, M. J. N., Seible, F., & Calvi, G. M. (1996). Seismic Design and
Retrofit of Bridges. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470172858
3. Retallack, G. J. (2001). Soils of the Past: An Introduction to
Paleopedology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470698716
4. Dunnicliff, J. (1993). Geotechnical Instrumentation for Monitoring Field
Performance. Wiley.
5. Canadian Geotechnical Society. (2006). Canadian Foundation
Engineering Manual, 4th Edition.
