Soil Strainmeter

Applications

Typical applications of the Durham Geo Soil Strainmeter include:

• Monitoring horizontal strain in embankment dams.
• Monitoring tension cracks in earth structures.
• Stainless model for monitoring strain in rockfill dams.

Operation

The soil strainmeter employs a potentiometer and a rod mounted between two anchors to monitor horizontal movements of the surrounding soil. These components are linked together so that movement of one anchor relative to the other causes a change in the output of the potentiometer. The initial reading of the strainmeter is used as a datum. Subsequent readings are compared to the datum to calculate the magnitude, rate, and acceleration of movement.

Strainmeters are usually installed in series along the axis of anticipated deformation. Strainmeters may also be arranged in arrays or in groups with different alignments. A gauge length of 3 to 6 meters is typical, but will vary according to the expected magnitude of movement and the type of structure being monitored.

There are two models of the strainmeter available: the standard strainmeter for soils and the stainless-steel strainmeter for rockfill dams.

Advantages

Easy Installation: The strainmeter is designed for easy assembly, easy extension of gauge lengths, and easy adjustment.

Reduced Cable Costs: The double-sensor version provides cable economies since a single length of cable can serve two sensors and two gauge lengths.

Manual or Automatic Readout: Strainmeters can be read manually with a portable indicator or can be connected to a data logger for unattended readings.

Standard or Stainless: The standard model is designed for use in soil embankments, and the stainless model is designed for use in rockfill dams.

For more information

Please download the data sheet for the Soil Strainmeter. The data sheet can be viewed and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Soil Strainmeter Specifications