Soil Inclinometer - Measuring Lateral Movement In The Ground

Soil inclinometers, also known as clinometers which are used to measure lateral movement, tilt, elevation, and depression in the soil. These instruments are capable of measuring upward slopes as well as downward slopes. Inclinometers find application primarily in functions that involve the measurement of lateral movements, such as testing the performance of embankments on soft clay. Besides this, geographers use a soil inclinometer while mapping or carrying out land surveys. Inclinometers can accurately detect the strike and dip of geologic formations and help to seek out minerals.

Inclinometers are also used in forestry and the military to measure the height of trees and calibrating artillery guns, respectively. Several factors affect the measurement of lateral movement, and it is necessary to consider these. For instance, the base where the bottom of the inclinometer rests must be stable. The user of the inclinometer should be able to watch the measured point. Other factors include gravity, temperature, angle measurement precision, etc.

How to install an inclinometer for the measurement of lateral displacement?

As mentioned earlier, one of the most popular applications of inclinometers is measuring the lateral displacement of the ground. One must install a soil inclinometer properly for accurate measurements. Here is how to install an inclinometer:

·       Create a borehole on the ground and insert the inclinometer into it. Fill the space between the walls of the borehole and the casing with sand or gravel. This effectively forms a gauge well.

·       The casing comes with four grooves running along its length, at an angle of ninety degrees with each other. The inclinometer probe comes with wheels that fit into these grooves.

·       By placing the wheels in the grooves, the probe is extended downwards and the casing at regular intervals.

·       Relative horizontal displacements in the soil change the angle of the guide casing. The probe remains with accelerometers that accurately read any changes in the tilt.

·       The changes in the tilt are recorded and assessed to find the exact lateral displacement.

During the measurement of lateral soil movement using a soil inclinometer, you must take every possible care to ensure maximum accuracy.