Magnetic Probe Extensometer Overview

The Magnetic Probe Extensometer is used to monitor soil or rock settlement and heave in excavations, foundations, dams, and embankments, tunnels, shafts and sheet piles. Data from the extensometer indicate the depths at which settlement has occurred as well as the total amount of settlement.

The Magnetic Extensometer System comprises a probe, a graduated tape on a reel and an access pipe along which magnetic targets are positioned. A datum or reference magnet is fixed to the bottom pipe. The probe design incorporates triple reed switches. As the probe moves along the access pipe, it detects the magnets by way of a reed-switch circuit closing. This causes a light to display and a buzzer to sound at the reel.

The bottom of the access pipe is anchored into stable ground such as bedrock. Any settlement or heave of the ground being measured will cause the magnets to move along the axis of the pipe. Various types of magnetic targets are available. There are three-legged and six-legged spider magnets, retained by leaf springs, for use in boreholes. Plate magnets are also available for placing in soil or fill when adding further sections of tubing during construction.
Magnetic Probe Extensometer Data Sheet
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Magnetic Probe Extensometer User Manual
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Product Features
  • Versatile system with a variety of magnetic targets to suit different applications
  • Measures settlement and heave
  • Oversized targets are available to use with inclinometer casing
  • Magnetic extensometer probe is available with various tape lengths
  • Access tube can be extended through fill material
  • Gives audio and visual indication of magnetic targets

Product Benefits
  • Reliable and accurate measuring system that is easy to read
  • Any number of targets can be monitored in a single borehole
  • One probe reads at many locations; only the access tubing and magnet targets are permanently installed in the ground

Operation
The access tubing is installed to the length required, by coupling together successive three-metre lengths. Magnetic targets are installed as needed along the tubing, to the required depth.

Fixed joints or telescoping should be used if large amounts of ground movement in the axis of the tubing are expected.

Measurements are taken by lowering the suspended probe down the access pipe and using the graduated tape to measure the distance from the top of the access pipe to each magnetic target.

By taking repeated probe measurements of each target over a period of time, this shows any displacement of the ground being measured. Changes in this distance relative to the datum magnet near the base of the pipe will reflect the rock and soil movements along the axis of the access casing.

Alternatively, readings may also be made relative to topographic survey measurements taken from the measuring point at the top of the access tubing.

Application
The Magnetic Extensometer System is installed at locations where monitoring of settlement or heave is needed.

Typical applications include:
  • Excavations
  • Foundations
  • Dams
  • Embankments
  • Retaining structures, such as sheet piles and slurry walls
  • Tunnels and shafts
  • Surcharge sites.

Technical Rating
As the correct installation of any monitoring sensor or system is vital to maximise performance and accuracy, Geomotion makes the following recommendations for the skill level of the installation contractor.

Technical Rating for this Product:  INTERMEDIATE

The installer already has previous experience and/or training in the installation of this instrument or system.

Geomotion offer installation and monitoring services to support this system. For more information please contact us.