Install Inclinometer Casings: Depth, Verticality, Baseline

Definition: Install inclinometer casings using this field checklist for geotechnical teams, confirming depth, verticality, baseline reference readings, and protective caps, excluding data interpretation beyond initial setup activities.

Verify design depth and casing verticality with calibrated tools and survey.
Capture baseline reference readings at fixed intervals for future comparisons.
Protect casing tops with labeled, lockable caps and durable covers.
Interactive, commentable checklist with export and QR code verification.

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Checklist

Install inclinometer casings correctly to establish reliable baseline monitoring points for lateral movement. This checklist standardizes inclinometer installation, casing deployment, and borehole instrumentation steps so crews achieve design depth, confirm verticality, record baseline reference readings, and secure protection caps. It focuses strictly on baseline setup and hardware verification, not data interpretation. Following these steps reduces risks like off-depth installations, misaligned grooves, uplift during grouting, damaged joints, and unsecured heads that jeopardize future monitoring. You’ll verify calibration, depth, top elevation, head verticality, groove orientation, and baseline runs with clear acceptance cues and captured evidence (photos, readings, signatures). The outcome is a defensible as-built package—survey coordinates, depth records, baseline files, and protection details—ready for ongoing monitoring per approved project specifications and authority requirements. Use the interactive features to tick items, add comments for nonconformances, and export as PDF/Excel with a QR code for authenticated sharing.

Fast, repeatable process for inclinometer casing installation that focuses on depth confirmation, head verticality, groove alignment, and baseline reference readings. Crews capture photos, calibration certificates, and survey notes to produce a defensible, audit-ready as-built package for monitoring.
Clear acceptance criteria and tolerances steer field decisions—design depth within ±0.1 m, head verticality verified at the plate, groove orientation aligned to survey marks, and baseline runs completed per manufacturer limits. Each step requires evidence for traceable quality control.
Protection measures—lockable caps, labeled IDs, flush road boxes, and barriers—preserve access and integrity for future measurements. Documented handover includes coordinates, elevations, file names, and sign-offs, minimizing rework and safeguarding monitoring continuity across project phases.
Interactive online checklist with tick, comment, and export features secured by QR code.

Pre-Installation Verification

1. Confirm approved drawings/specs, casing diameter, length, groove type, and target depth; record document references and revisions. Acceptance: submittals match site delivery. Evidence: photos of labels, delivery dockets, and approved submittal cover sheet.
2. Verify inclinometer probe and data logger calibration certificates are current (≤ 12 months). Acceptance: valid certificates attached. Evidence: upload PDFs/photos and enter certificate numbers and expiry dates.
3. Inspect casing sections, couplings, O-rings, and centralizers for cracks, deformation, or missing parts. Acceptance: components defect-free and complete. Evidence: close-up photos and batch/lot numbers recorded.
4. Confirm borehole ID, coordinates, and design depth with survey control. Acceptance: coordinates within project tolerance per approved project specifications and authority requirements. Evidence: survey note with control points and photos of stake/mark.

Borehole Preparation

5. Measure actual borehole depth using a weighted tape or tag line. Acceptance: reaches design depth within ±0.1 m. Evidence: photo of tape reading and recorded depth in metres.
6. Check borehole cleanliness by flushing with clean water or drilling fluid until returns run clear. Acceptance: minimal cuttings remaining. Evidence: photo of clear returns and log of flushing duration/volume.
7. Review drilling log or deviation record if available to anticipate alignment issues. Acceptance: no excessive deviation beyond project limits. Evidence: upload relevant log pages and note any risk flags.

Casing Installation

8. Assemble casing with specified couplings and lubricated O-rings; fully seat joints per manufacturer instructions. Acceptance: watertight joints, no visible gaps. Evidence: joint close-up photos and assembly log.
9. Install centralizers at approximately 3 m spacing to maintain annulus. Acceptance: centralizers secure and evenly spaced. Evidence: photos showing spacing and counts per length.
10. Align casing grooves to required azimuth using groove alignment tool/compass and marked reference. Acceptance: groove orientation within ±2°. Evidence: photo of alignment mark and compass reading.
11. Lower casing steadily to base using tag line; avoid impact or twisting. Acceptance: no binding; sections intact. Evidence: time-stamped installation log and photos during lowering.
12. Confirm final toe depth with a weighted tag; verify against design. Acceptance: design depth ±0.1 m. Evidence: photo of tag reading and recorded final depth.
13. Survey top-of-casing elevation with level or total station. Acceptance: within ±5 mm of design where applicable. Evidence: survey note with benchmark ID and elevation in metres.
14. Check head verticality using a bullseye level or machinist square on a 150 mm plate. Acceptance: bubble centered or ≤ 2 mm per 100 mm. Evidence: photo of instrument reading.
15. Place grout via tremie from base upward in a continuous pour, per approved project specifications and authority requirements. Acceptance: continuous column, no segregation. Evidence: grout batch IDs, photos of returns, and placement log.
16. Monitor uplift during grouting with reference mark at head. Acceptance: uplift ≤ 10 mm; if exceeded, pause and correct. Evidence: before/after measurements and notes.

Baseline Readings and Survey

17. After grout set per manufacturer guidance, zero the probe and verify temperature. Acceptance: instrument within calibration parameters. Evidence: screenshot/photo of zero and temperature checks.
18. Conduct baseline reference run at 0.5 m increments in A-then-B grooves from base to top. Acceptance: complete dataset without gaps. Evidence: data file name, date/time, operator signature.
19. Repeat down-run and compare with up-run per manufacturer limits. Acceptance: differences within stated limits; investigate if exceeded. Evidence: QC comparison report or screenshot.
20. Survey final position: coordinates and top elevation of casing head. Acceptance: matches staked location within project tolerance. Evidence: survey sketch, CSV, or screenshot with control reference.

Protection and Handover

21. Install lockable protection cap with gasket and weather seal; label with ID and date. Acceptance: cap secure, legible label. Evidence: close-up photos and label text entered.
22. Provide protective cover—flush road box set in concrete or standpipe guard—as specified. Acceptance: level with grade, no trip hazard. Evidence: wide-angle photo and dimensions.
23. Install bollards or cage where exposed to traffic or equipment. Acceptance: minimum 0.3 m clearance around head. Evidence: site photos with measured offsets.
24. Compile and upload as-built package: approvals, calibration, depth/survey records, baseline files, photos. Acceptance: reviewed and signed by responsible party. Evidence: sign-off names, dates, and file links.

Scope, Risks, and Acceptance Cues for Inclinometer Casings

This checklist targets baseline installation of vertical inclinometer casings only—confirming depth, verticality at the head, groove orientation, baseline reference readings, and protective measures. It avoids data interpretation and ongoing monitoring analysis. The main risks are off-depth completion, poorly seated joints, misaligned grooves, uplift during grouting, and unsecured or unlabeled heads. Acceptance cues include design depth achieved within ±0.1 m, casing head verticality verified on a reference plate, correctly aligned orthogonal grooves, and complete baseline runs captured with a calibrated probe. Practical field evidence—photos, survey notes, calibration certificates, and signed data logs—forms a traceable quality trail. Following a consistent method reduces rework, protects borehole integrity, and ensures that subsequent monitoring starts from a reliable reference. Use manufacturer instructions alongside approved project specifications and authority requirements to select appropriate couplings, O-rings, centralizers, grout approach, and protection hardware that match site constraints.

Limit scope to baseline setup; exclude interpretation and trend analysis.
Achieve design depth within ±0.1 m, evidenced by weighted tape.
Verify head verticality on a 150 mm plate or bullseye level.
Align grooves to marked azimuth within ±2° and document.
Capture complete baseline runs and save source data files.

Methods to Confirm Depth, Verticality, and Alignment

Depth is verified using a weighted tape or tag line before and after lowering the casing, ensuring the toe meets design within tolerance. Head verticality is checked using a machinist square or bullseye level placed on a rigid plate; a centered bubble or ≤ 2 mm per 100 mm plate indicates acceptance. Groove orientation is established with a groove alignment tool and compass against a marked azimuth; aim for ±2°. Survey equipment—automatic level or total station—records top-of-casing elevation and coordinates for as-built documentation. If grouting is specified, place via tremie from the base upward while monitoring for uplift at the head. These field methods are simple, repeatable, and minimize reliance on assumptions. Each verification step should be photographed and paired with measurements recorded in SI units, enabling rapid review and sign-off without ambiguity.

Use weighted tape to confirm toe depth pre- and post-installation.
Check head verticality with a bullseye level on a flat plate.
Set groove azimuth using compass and reference marks.
Survey top elevation and coordinates against project control.
Monitor uplift during grouting; limit to ≤ 10 mm.

Baseline Reference Runs and Protection for Long-Term Access

Baseline reference readings enable later comparisons, but this checklist limits itself to collecting the initial dataset only. After grout set, zero and verify the inclinometer probe, then run at 0.5 m intervals in both groove directions. Repeat in the opposite direction and compare runs to ensure differences are within manufacturer limits. Save files with consistent naming conventions and capture screenshots for traceability. Protect the casing with a lockable cap, legible ID, and a cover (road box or standpipe guard) suited to site traffic. Add bollards or a cage when exposed to equipment. Proper protection prevents impact damage, water ingress, and unauthorized access, safeguarding future monitoring. Close with an as-built package containing approvals, coordinates, elevations, photos, calibration certificates, baseline data files, and signatures.

Complete baseline runs in both groove orientations.
Save source data files and screenshots with timestamps.
Install lockable, labeled caps to prevent contamination.
Use road boxes or guards where vehicles operate.
Deliver a signed as-built document set.

How to Use This Checklist On Site

Preparation: gather casings, couplings, O-rings, centralizers, tremie, grout, weighted tape, bullseye level, total station/level, inclinometer probe with logger, lockable caps, road box/guards, labels, and PPE (helmet, gloves, eyewear, boots, hearing protection).
Verify site conditions and controls: confirm borehole ID, design depth, access, traffic management, utilities clearance, survey benchmarks, and communication plan with the crew.
Start the interactive mode: open the checklist, select the borehole ID, and tick items as you complete them; attach photos and measurements in SI units.
Use comments to note nonconformances, corrective actions, or site constraints; tag responsible parties and set due dates for follow-up.
Upload calibration certificates, survey notes, and baseline data files; reference file names consistently for easy traceability and audit.
Export the record to PDF/Excel for review and distribution; the export includes embedded photos, signatures, and geo/survey data.
Sign-off: collect digital signatures from installer, surveyor, and supervisor; archive with a QR-authenticated link and share with stakeholders.

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kamal tarek EcoArcKamal

Nov 14, 2025

FAQ

Question: What tolerances should I use for inclinometer casing depth and head verticality?

Use project-approved tolerances. Common practice is achieving design depth within ±0.1 m and confirming head verticality with a bullseye level on a reference plate (e.g., bubble centered or within 2 mm per 100 mm). Always defer to approved project specifications and authority requirements if they are stricter.

Question: When should baseline reference readings be taken after installation?

Complete baseline reference readings after the grout has set per manufacturer guidance to avoid false movement indications. Zero the probe, verify temperature, then run at consistent intervals (e.g., 0.5 m) in both groove directions. Repeat for an up/down comparison and ensure differences are within manufacturer limits before accepting the dataset.

Question: How do I align the casing grooves correctly for future monitoring?

Use a groove alignment tool and a compass against a marked azimuth on the head. Mark the reference line clearly and confirm within ±2°. Photograph the alignment, record the azimuth, and include it in the as-built pack so monitoring teams can reproduce the orientation accurately during future measurements.

Question: What protection is recommended for the casing head in traffic areas?

Install a lockable cap with a gasket and a flush road box set in concrete, or a standpipe guard with bollards. Ensure clear labeling, adequate clearance, and that surfaces are level to avoid trip hazards. Include photos and dimensions in your record to verify compliance and aid future access planning.