2025-07-17 GeoSitter 0
You want your inclinometer installation to work well the first time. If you make mistakes during inclinometer installation, you can run into problems like sensitivity issues, zero bias, or misalignment. These problems can mess up your whole project. Many people have trouble with inclinometer installation when the device slips, the casing moves, or the sensor gets too hot or cold. To prevent these issues, focus on the basics of inclinometer installation. Prepare your site, seal everything tightly, line up the parts, calibrate with care, and do regular maintenance. Use this guide as your checklist for a successful inclinometer installation from the start.
You need to pick good spots for your monitoring points before you start. These points help you see if the ground or buildings move sideways. Put them where you think movement will happen or where you want to keep things safe. Some places to put monitoring points are:
1.Behind excavation support systems
2.Inside slopes or landslide zones
3.Along retaining walls
4.Near diaphragm walls or other structural elements
Always choose monitoring points that fit your project’s needs. Think about where movement might happen and what you want to check. Picking the right spots helps your inclinometer installation give you good data you can trust.
Getting your tools and materials ready helps everything go better. Use this checklist to make sure you have what you need:
1.Toolbox with basic hand tools (spanner, screwdriver, pliers, flat file)
2.50 mm wide waterproof sealing tape
3.Voltage tester
4.Safety line or tension cable for deep holes
5.Clean water and acetone for cleaning
6.Hand saw with extra blades
7.Casing collar protection (if needed)
8.Grout tube of the right length
9.Aluminum pop rivets and pop rivet gun
10.Drill with spare bits
11.Casing clamps and plumb bob
12.Casing cap with guy ropes (for embankments)
13.U clamps and grout bolts (for concrete)
14.O-rings, lock rings, and dummy probe
Test your inclinometer before you install it. The ASTM D7299-20 standard says to do three function tests. These tests help you find problems with the probe before you use it. If your probe passes, you know it works well. If it fails, send it back to get fixed. Follow the instructions and use the right tools for these tests. This step helps you avoid problems later and keeps your inclinometer installation working right.
You want your borehole to be just right for inclinometer installation. Start by picking the right diameter and depth. Most projects use a 125 mm borehole. If you plan to use spider magnets, go for 150 mm. Drill your borehole about 0.5 meters deeper than your planned casing length. This extra space helps you set the casing without trouble.
Keep your borehole as straight as you can. A straight hole makes the rest of the job easier. Use a rotary wash boring rig for best results. If the ground is soft, add bentonite slurry to keep the hole from caving in. Always check for underground utilities before you start drilling.
Now it’s time to install the casing. The casing keeps your inclinometer probe safe and helps you get good readings. Most casings are made from ABS plastic. ABS works better than PVC because it bends without breaking and handles cold weather well. You can find casings in different diameters—85 mm is great for landslides and long-term jobs, 70 mm works for most construction sites, and 48 mm is for small movements.
You have a few casing styles to choose from:
1.QC casing: Snaps together, seals itself, easy to use.
2.Standard casing: Needs glue and rivets, strong and twist-resistant.
3.EPIC casing: Good for saving money, strong couplings.
4.CPI and Shear Wire casings: Best for cold weather or temporary setups.
Before you lower the casing, attach a bottom cap. If you expect the ground to move a lot, use a bigger diameter. Larger casings can handle more bending before they pinch shut.
Groove orientation matters a lot for inclinometer installation. The grooves guide your probe and keep it on track. Always line up the grooves so they point in the direction you expect movement. Make sure the grooves stay vertical and do not twist as you add each casing section. If you twist the grooves, your probe might climb out or get stuck, and your readings will be off.
Mounting and fastening the casing keeps everything stable. Never push down from the top. This can squash the casing and mess up your depth readings. Instead, use a steel pipe or drill rods inside the casing to add weight. This helps the casing stay straight and fights against buoyancy.
When you connect casing sections, seal every joint. Wrap about four inches of sealing tape around each joint, covering any rivets or screws. You can add duct tape on top for extra protection. Always fit couplings before you lower the casing. This makes sealing easier and keeps water out.
Good cable management keeps your inclinometer working for years. Secure the signal cable to the wire rope and spacer tubing with cable ties. This stops the cable from moving around or getting pinched. As you lower each sensor, use a retaining rod to keep it from falling. Take your time and check that connectors are tight and straight.
Keep cables away from sharp edges and out of the way of grout. If you need to fill the casing with water, make sure the cable stays dry and clean. After you finish, flush the inside of the casing with water to remove any grout or dirt.
With these steps, you set yourself up for a successful inclinometer installation. Careful drilling, smart casing choices, and good cable management all help you get accurate, long-lasting results.
You have finished installing your inclinometer. Now it’s time to take your first measurement. This step sets the baseline for all future readings, so you want to get it right.
Before you start, check your inclinometer and make sure everything works as it should. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
Inspect the probe and guide wheels. Make sure they move smoothly and have no dirt or damage.
Check the calibration status. Look at the checksum values when the probe is at 0° and 180°. These numbers should match and stay close to zero. If they don’t, your probe might need recalibration.
Use a reference frame to test known angles like -10°, 0°, and +10°. Compare these readings to your calibration certificate. If they match, your probe is ready.
Clean the probe and cable. Wipe away any dirt or moisture before you use them.
Handle your probe and field computer with care. Avoid dropping or bumping them.
Now you can start measuring. Lower the probe into the casing, making sure the guide wheels fit into the grooves. Take readings at each depth, both going down and coming back up. This helps you spot any errors and keeps your data accurate.
1.Always measure in both directions—forward and reverse. This cancels out small mistakes and gives you a true reading.
2.Record the time, weather, and temperature. These details help you understand your results later.
After you finish, clean your equipment and store it safely. Cover the top of the casing to keep out dirt and water. Your first measurement is now complete! You have set a strong foundation for all future inclinometer monitoring.
You need to check your inclinometer often to get good data. Most projects need daily or weekly checks. If your site is risky, use real-time monitoring. This helps you see ground movement right away. You should also recalibrate and maintain your inclinometer every 6 to 12 months. Regular checks help you find problems like sensor drift or noise early.
Write down the time, weather, and temperature each time you take a reading. These details are important for your results. Temperature changes can make your inclinometer drift. Weather like rain or heat can change the soil and affect the sensor. If you skip this step, you may not know why your data looks odd.
1.Temperature can change your readings by ±0.01° to 2°.
2.Rain can make the soil weaker and move your inclinometer.
3.If the tilt angle is too high, your readings are not as accurate.
Cleaning your inclinometer helps it last longer and work well. Dirt or water on the probe can cause bad readings or damage. After each use, wipe the probe and cable. Look for any signs of damage or wear. Update your data software when needed and check for strange numbers in your data.
You now have the tools for a successful inclinometer installation. Careful planning, correct borehole depth, and straight conduit help you avoid common mistakes. Here are some errors you can dodge:
Borehole too shallow—always check your depth.
Letting the conduit twist—secure it with screws.
Wavy conduit—grout it straight.
Water inside—remove it before you start.
Freezing water—protect your instrument.
Wrong cement—pick the right one for your weather.
Stick to these steps and use your checklist every time. You will get reliable results and long-term performance.
You should install your casing at least 0.5 meters deeper than your planned monitoring depth. This extra space helps you set the casing straight and keeps it stable.
Remove the water before you start monitoring. Use a hand pump or siphon. Water can affect your readings and damage your probe if you leave it inside.
Most manufacturers recommend calibrating once a year. If you use your inclinometer a lot or notice strange readings, check it more often.
You should not reuse casings. Old casings may have bends, dirt, or damage. These problems can give you bad data. Always use new casings for each project.
Stop and do not force it. Check for dirt or twisted grooves. Clean the casing if you can. If the probe still will not move, call your equipment supplier for help.
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