Inclinometer data interpretation
Inclinometer data interpretation
(OP)
Are there any good publications/papers on how to interpret inclinometer data?
Specifically, I am trying to find some sort of rule of thumb that would let me know when a slide may be occuring. We are installing an inclinometer in a dam that has had some localized slope failures.
What I'm looking for is something to the effect of 1)When inclinometer top moves more than ___ inches per week 2) When inclinometer appears to be rotating at (X) degrees per week- I am just looking for something to give to the field techs/EIT's interpreting the data to have in the back of their mind as sort of a check.
Specifically, I am trying to find some sort of rule of thumb that would let me know when a slide may be occuring. We are installing an inclinometer in a dam that has had some localized slope failures.
What I'm looking for is something to the effect of 1)When inclinometer top moves more than ___ inches per week 2) When inclinometer appears to be rotating at (X) degrees per week- I am just looking for something to give to the field techs/EIT's interpreting the data to have in the back of their mind as sort of a check.





RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
http://www.geomechanics.com/dspapp.cfm?appid=73
This very nice link appeared just under your question when I read it. Hope it helps.
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
There is no one "rule" to indicate when inclinometer data indicates that a slide is occuring. As with much where geotechnical engineerin is concerned - it depends. It depends on the quality of the inclinomeeter readings, the quality of the inclinometer installation, the type of slide, how well defined the slide plane, and many many other factors.
The way I always do it is to plot the data and look at it. The human brain is wonderful at spotting patterns of movement. Also, not that if the inclinometer is on or near the back slope of the slide, it is not uncommon to see two or more areas of movement at very different depths.
Good luck.
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
Also, performing an initial analysis will allow you to determine how deep you need to place the inclinometer.
One other item you need to look into is when will the inclinometer lock up. Depending on the size of the inclinometer it has a limit. From what I remember on slides, you will see a definate kink/point of rotation in the data when slip has occurred or is initiating.
You should look at the slope indicator website, or call them up and ask about their experience.
Do you have any mitigation plans in place?
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
Try to get ahold of the Bureau of Reclamation's Embankment Dam Instrumentation Manual. I have it as a .pdf, but it's 35M and I don't know if it will upload, or if you'll have to get it from them directly.
You're seeing slope failures of the dam embankment?? This must be a heck of a dam. I hope you are draining it.
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
This article has a table on how rate of movements relates to risks. I think to have seen the same or alike somewhere else but don't remember where.
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
It's kind of a smaller dam (for a storage pond, actually). Fortunately, we have not seen any tension cracks at the surface- just some surface sloughs. I will keep you posted.
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
Inclinometer readings must always be compared to each other and the pattern as well as the magnitude of the movements considered. In general, any movement less than 0.25 inches in my book is always suspect unless supported by multiple readings.
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
RE: Inclinometer data interpretation
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Transportation Research Circular E-C129 (October 2008)
Use of Inclinometers for Geotechnical Instrumentation on Transportation Projects: State of the Practice
Rockman (Randy Post)
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