Install settlement plates or markers: location, protection, first readings

Definition: Install settlement plates or markers for geotechnical and earthworks teams, verifying locations, datum ties, protective measures, and initial readings; excludes deformation analysis and long-term interpretation.

Verify setout against drawings and datum for traceable baseline readings.
Tie elevations to stable benchmarks using calibrated levels and closures.
Protect risers with standpipes, caps, and bollards to prevent disturbance.
Interactive, commentable checklist with export and QR code for traceability.

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Checklist

Install settlement plates or markers correctly to establish reliable baseline data for future settlement monitoring. This checklist guides field engineers and surveyors through siting, survey control, protection, and initial readings for settlement plates and settlement markers. It focuses on location verification against approved drawings, robust datum ties to benchmarks, secure physical protection (standpipes, caps, bollards), and capturing defensible initial readings. By bounding the scope to installation and first measurements, you avoid common risks such as mislocated targets, unreliable elevations, damaged risers, or undocumented references that compromise future monitoring. You will confirm survey control, set tolerances, install the plate or marker assembly, protect it from traffic and weather, and record coordinates and elevations with photos and signatures. Full deformation analysis and trend interpretation are intentionally excluded. Use this as a consistent, auditable process that reduces rework and accelerates approvals. Start interactive mode to tick items, add comments, and export your record as PDF or Excel with a secure QR link.

Ensure each plate or marker is set out within defined horizontal and vertical tolerances relative to the project datum. Capture coordinates, benchmark references, and initial readings with repeat checks to validate reliability, minimizing future uncertainty and avoiding resurvey or relocation costs.
Increase survivability and data integrity by installing standpipes, lockable caps, and perimeter protection such as bollards and signage. The checklist standardizes protective measures and identification so instruments remain accessible, visible, and undisturbed throughout construction and early monitoring stages.
This workflow builds an auditable as-built record, linking photos, readings, and signatures to each instrument ID. Interactive online checklist with tick, comment, and export features secured by QR code. The combination of controls, evidence, and approvals accelerates handover and supports future monitoring without ambiguity.

Pre-Installation Verification

1. Confirm latest issued-for-construction drawings, plate/marker schedule, chainage, and offsets; verify revision/date match site scope; upload the marked-up sheet as evidence.
2. Obtain permit-to-dig and scan the area with multi-frequency GPR and a cable locator; acceptance: no utilities within 1.5 m; attach permit and scan images.
3. Check access and working platform condition; acceptance: level within ±20 mm over 3 m and free of standing water; photo evidence with staff and straightedge.
4. Flag proposed plate/marker locations with paint and lath; ensure visibility and no conflict with plant or traffic routes; upload wide-angle site photos.

Survey Controls and Datum Ties

5. Establish site control using total station or GNSS; acceptance: traverse closure better than 1:10,000; attach control report and coordinate list.
6. Verify benchmark elevation via closed level loop; acceptance: closure within ±3 mm; upload level book or digital level file with instrument calibration certificate.
7. Set out plate/marker center using total station; acceptance: horizontal position within ±25 mm of design; provide stake coordinates and cut sheet.
8. Mark design RL at riser top position on a nearby reference; acceptance: target RL within ±5 mm; photo of staff reading and mark.

Installation of Plates or Markers

9. Prepare base to firm subgrade; acceptance: level within ±5 mm across plate footprint and free of loose debris; photo with 1 m straightedge.
10. Place settlement plate on clean bedding (or geotextile if specified); acceptance: plate fully bearing, no rocking on tap test; close-up photo evidence.
11. Assemble riser extensions using threaded couplers or solvent-weld PVC; acceptance: plumb within 5 mm per 1 m; spirit level photo and joint details.
12. Backfill and compact around the riser in ≤200 mm layers; acceptance: per approved project specifications and authority requirements; record lot reference and layer photos.
13. Fit survey target or reading plate at the riser head; acceptance: secure fixing, cannot twist by hand; photo showing target alignment.
14. Attach corrosion-resistant ID tag with unique instrument code; acceptance: legible from 1 m; photo of tag and code in log.

Protection and Identification

15. Install concentric standpipe or slotted casing around riser; acceptance: ≥20 mm radial clearance and vertical within 10 mm per 1 m; photo with tape measure.
16. Provide lockable weather cap; acceptance: fully seated, gasket intact, key recorded; close-up photo and key ID in log.
17. Install bollards or barrier around assembly in high-traffic areas; acceptance: min 300 mm offset, reflective tape fitted; plan-view photo.
18. Post durable signage with instrument ID, contact, and no-disturb message; acceptance: weatherproof and visible from 5 m; photo evidence.

Initial Readings and Documentation

19. Record initial elevation (RL) with a calibrated digital/auto level; acceptance: two-shot repeat within ±2 mm; upload readings, instrument serial, and time.
20. Capture XYZ coordinates and residuals using total station or GNSS; acceptance: horizontal/vertical residuals ≤10 mm; attach CSV and coordinate system details.
21. Produce an as-built sketch/plan showing chainage, offset, RL, and protection layout; acceptance: includes benchmark tie and north arrow; upload annotated PDF.
22. Complete QA review and obtain contractor and engineer sign-off; acceptance: digital signatures and date; export signed checklist as PDF for records.

Location and Datum Control: Build a Trustworthy Baseline

Settlement monitoring succeeds or fails on day one. Accurate siting and a defensible datum link ensure every future reading is comparable and trusted. Start by confirming the latest drawings and a safe, accessible working area. Establish robust control using a total station or GNSS and verify a benchmark via a closed level loop. Set out the plate or marker within tight tolerances and mark a target RL. Many projects lose time because instruments are mislocated by a few centimetres or tied to an unstable reference. This checklist demands closure limits, residual checks, and photo evidence so your baseline is auditable. A typical example: an embankment plate set at chainage 420 with a ±25 mm horizontal tolerance and ±5 mm RL tie; the team captures control reports, staff photos, and the initial reading before any fill lifts proceed.

Use a verified benchmark with a closed loop.
Keep horizontal setout within ±25 mm.
Tie elevations within ±5 mm to datum.
Capture control reports and staff photos.

Installing Plates or Markers: Bedding, Verticality, and Assembly

A stable, level base prevents early movement and skewed readings. Prepare the subgrade to firm bearing and verify level across the plate footprint. Seat the plate on clean bedding—or geotextile if specified—so it does not rock. Build risers using threaded couplers or solvent-weld PVC, checking plumb as you go. Backfill in controlled layers to protect the assembly without imparting lateral loads. Fix the reading target securely so it cannot twist, and tag the instrument with a corrosion-resistant ID. Acceptance cues include a 1 m straightedge level check, spirit-level plumb limits, and secure fasteners. Real-world issues like soft spots, debris under the plate, or loose targets introduce errors that follow the asset’s life. This procedure eliminates those traps and produces consistent baseline data every time.

Level base within ±5 mm across footprint.
Riser vertical within 5 mm per metre.
Compact backfill per approved specifications.
Fix targets so they cannot twist.

Protection and First Readings: Keep Instruments Safe and Data Repeatable

Physical protection prevents accidental knocks, theft, or weather damage. Fit a concentric standpipe with adequate clearance, add a lockable cap, and protect the assembly with bollards in traffic zones. Use clear signage for visibility. Then capture initial readings that will anchor all future measurements. Use a calibrated level and repeat the shot; if repeatability is outside ±2 mm, troubleshoot instrument setup, staff footing, or sight lines. Record XYZ coordinates with the coordinate system and residuals. Finish with an as-built plan tying the instrument to chainage, offset, and benchmark. This combination of protection and documentation ensures that even months later, teams can return, identify the point instantly, and reproduce readings without confusion.

Standpipe clearance ≥ 20 mm around riser.
Cap must lock and seal against weather.
Initial RL repeat within ±2 mm.
As-built includes benchmark and chainage.

How to Use This Interactive Checklist for Settlement Plates/Markers

Preparation: Gather total station or GNSS, calibrated auto/digital level, staff, GPR/cable locator, hand tools, plates/risers, standpipe, lockable cap, bollards, signage, geotextile (if specified), paint/lath, PPE (helmets, gloves, hi-vis, boots), and approved drawings.
Verify site conditions: Confirm access, permits, and weather; brief the team on tolerances and safety. Identify benchmarks and control points before moving to setout or excavation.
Using the Interactive Checklist: Start interactive mode, follow grouped steps, tick items as completed, and attach photos, control reports, and measurement files directly to each step.
Capture measurements: Enter coordinates, RLs, instrument serials, and closure/residuals; add comments with context (e.g., obstructions, soft ground) so future teams understand site conditions.
Export and share: Generate a timestamped PDF or Excel export for approvals and records; the system embeds a QR code to validate the latest signed version.
Sign-off and archive: Obtain digital signatures from contractor and engineer, distribute to stakeholders, and archive with QR authentication for quick retrieval on future monitoring visits.

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Dmitry Volkov BridgeMasterDmitry

Nov 16, 2025

194

FAQ

Question: What tolerances are acceptable for settlement plate or marker location and level?

For most earthworks projects, aim for horizontal position within ±25 mm of design and an elevation tie within ±5 mm to the project datum. Confirm control quality with a closed level loop and traverse closure or residual checks, and retain photos and reports as evidence for auditability.

Question: How should I tie initial readings to the project datum reliably?

Use a verified benchmark and run a closed level loop to confirm stability. Take the initial RL with a calibrated level, repeat the shot, and only accept values if repeatability is within ±2 mm. Record instrument serials, staff ID, time, and weather, and store files with the instrument ID.

Question: What protection is recommended in high-traffic or plant-access areas?

Install a concentric standpipe with ≥20 mm clearance, a lockable weather cap, bollards or a small barrier with reflective tape, and durable signage. Keep at least 300 mm offset from the riser. Photograph the completed arrangement and include it in the as-built pack for easy identification.

Question: Do I need to perform settlement analysis during installation?

No. This checklist covers installation and initial readings only. Ongoing monitoring, data trending, and deformation analysis occur later under separate procedures. Here, the goal is a precise, well-documented baseline with secure protection and a traceable datum link that supports future measurements.

Question: What evidence should be captured to support approvals and future monitoring?

Attach control reports, level book files, photos of setout, base preparation, riser verticality, protection details, and the initial RL. Include CSVs of coordinates with residuals and an as-built sketch showing chainage, offset, and benchmark ties. Secure sign-offs to complete the record.