Investigation of Embankment Performance

The performance of an embankment and its foundation must be investigated and evaluated both during construction and for an indefinite period of time following completion. Instruments presently available for this purpose are described and evaluated. Reference is made to actual embankments which have incorporated successful installations. Instrumentation problems and limitations are reviewed with respect to the types of measurements desired in embankment construction. It is emphasized that because of severe environment and need for long-time reliability, instrumentation must be simple, rugged, and easily maintained and repaired. Types of instrumentations described include piezometers, inclinometers, settlement devices, horizontal strain and movement devices, surface measurements including creep of natural slopes, and strong-motion earthquake recorders.