Vibrating Wire Piezometers

Piezometer Applicationspiezometers used for earthfill dams

Piezometers measure pore-water pressure and ground water levels, providing information essential to:

  • Understanding initial site conditions.
  • Determining safe rates for placement of fill
  • Predicting slope stability.
  • Designing for lateral earth pressures.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of drainage schemes.
  • Checking the performance of containment systems.

Types of Piezometers

Standpipe Piezometers

The standpipe piezometer is the most basic type of piezometer. It consists of filter tip joined to a riser pipe that extends to the surface. Water flows through the filter tip into the riser pipe. Readings are obtained with a water level indicator.

Vibrating Wire PiezometersVibrating Wire Piezometers

The vibrating wire piezometer is the most commonly deployed type of piezometer. Suitable for most applications, it can be installed in a borehole, embedded in fill, or suspended in a standpipe. Readings are obtained with a portable readout or a data logger.

Pneumatic PiezometersPneumatic Piezometers

The pneumatic piezometer operates by gas pressure. It can be installed in a borehole, embedded in fill, or suspended in a large diameter standpipe. Readings are obtained with a pneumatic indicator.

Titanium Piezometer4-20mA Titanium Piezometer

The titanium piezometer is a 4-20mA device that is compatible with industrial data loggers. It is generally used for drawdown tests.

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