Monitoring rock mass performance

Abstract

Monitoring is the surveillance of engineering structures, either visually or with the help of instruments. In a general geomechanics context, monitoring may be carried out for four main reasons:

• (a) to record the natural values of, and variations in, geotechnical parameters such as water table level, ground levels and seismic events before the initiation of an engineering project;

• (b) to ensure safety during construction and operation by giving warning of the development of excess ground deformations, groundwater pressures and loads in support elements, for example;

• (c) to check the validity of the assumptions, conceptual models and values of soil or rock mass properties used in design calculations;

• (d) to control the implementation of ground treatment and remedial works such as ground freezing during shaft sinking or tunnelling through water-bearing ground, grouting, drainage or the provision of support by tensioned cables.