Types of Inclinometer Casing

Inclinometer casing is a special purpose pipe used in inclinometer installations. It performs three functions:

It maintains access for the inclinometer probe, allowing it to obtain subsurface measurements.
It controls the orientation of the probe via internal grooves.
It conforms to movement of the surrounding ground.

When you buy inclinometer casing, important features to consider are:

Casing diameter
Groove shape
Coupling style

Casing Diameter

Movement of the ground causes the casing to deform. Eventually, the casing is sheared off or pinched closed. When that happens, the probe can no longer pass through, and no more readings can be obtained.

In general, larger diameter casing will offer a longer useful life, because it can accommodate more deformation before access is closed to the probe.

85 mm / 3.34 inch casing is the largest diameter. It is suitable for all uses and especially recommended for landslides and long-term monitoring. It is also appropriate for monitoring multiple shear zones or very narrow shear zones.

70 mm / 2.75 inch casing is suitable for construction projects. It can also be used for slope stability monitoring if only a moderate degree of deformation is expected.

48 mm / 1.9 inch casing is used only deformations are expected to be very small and are distributed over broad zones. It is generally not installed in soils.

Groove Shape

The accuracy of inclinometer measurements is directly influenced by the quality of the casing grooves. The best grooves provide a regular, flat surface for the wheels of the probe.

The grooves should be slightly wider than the wheels, to permit some side to side movement as the probe passes through curves. If the grooves are too tight, the wheels will climb out of the grooves and degrade the reading.

Coupling Style

QC Casing

QC casing is Slope Indicator’s most popular style of casing. It offers precision grooves, flush self-sealing, joints, and snap-together convenience.

Casing sections have built-in couplings that snap together. O-rings ensure that the joint is grout proof. There is no need for solvent cement or tape.

QC casing is offered in 70 and 85 mm diameters. Accessories include grout valves, casing anchors, telescoping sections, and splice kits.

Standard Casing

This is Slope Indicator’s traditional glue and rivet style of casing. It features precision grooves and strong, flush joints that provide superior resistance to twisting and bending.

Casing sections and couplings are glued together, riveted, and sealed with mastic and tape.

Standard casing is offered in 48, 70, and 85 mm diameters. Accessories include grout valves, casing anchors, and telescoping sections.

EPIC Casing

Epic casing is an economical casing that withstands rough handling. It can be cut and coupled anywhere along its length, so it is easy to extend and easy to repair. Its strong, oversize couplings provide superior resistance to twisting and bending.

Casing sections and couplings are glued together, riveted, and sealed with mastic and tape. The injection molded couplings provide an interference fit for better sealing.

Epic casing is offered only in 70 mm diameter. Accessories include grout valves, casing anchors, and simple telescoping couplings.

CPI Casing

CPI casing features precision grooves, self-sealing couplings, and rapid assembly. Its oversize, injection-molded couplings can withstand twisting and bending. CPI casing can be used in weather that is too cold for snap or glued couplings. It is also suitable for temporary installations that require repeated assembly and disassembly.

The coupling is pressed onto the casing section and an nylon shear wire is inserted to lock the joint. An O-ring inside the coupling makes the joint grout proof.

CPI casing is offered in 48, 70, and 85 mm diameters. Accessories include grout valves, casing anchors, and telescoping sections.

Shear Wire Casing

Shear wire casing is a cold-weather alternative to QC casing. It provides precision grooves, self-sealing flush joints, and rapid assembly. Shear wire casing can be disassembled, but it is not designed for repeated disassembly.

Casing sections have integral couplings. Sections are pressed together and a nylon shear wire is inserted to lock the joint. An O-ring makes the joint grout proof.

Shear wire casing is offered in 70 and 85 mm diameters.

Installation Information

You can find installation information and more in our tech notes section. Some links that might be useful are:

Datasheet and Documents

Please download the data sheet for Inclinometer Casing. You may also be interested in: