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Geotechnical Monitoring

Reliable geotechnical sensors that track soil behavior, manage geotechnical risks, and support smarter decisions during and after construction.

Advanced Geotechnical Sensors

Earthworks, deep foundations, tunneling, and other subsurface construction activities inevitably generate ground movements that must be monitored to ensure safety and structural performance. Modern geotechnical sensors provide the precise, continuous data needed to understand soil behavior, control geotechnical risks, and optimize the design and construction of underground structures.

By installing geotechnical sensors during construction, and retaining them for long‑term monitoring, project teams gain reliable insight into the stability of embankments, cuttings, retaining structures, and other critical assets. These instruments also play a key role in diagnosing soil failures such as settlement, heave, or landslides, enabling engineers to design effective remediation strategies and prevent future movement.

Whether deployed at the surface or below ground, geotechnical sensors deliver essential measurements that support safe, efficient, and data‑driven decision‑making throughout the life of a project.

What Geotechnical Sensors Measure

Geotechnical sensors can be configured to monitor a wide range of soil and structural parameters, including:

  • Groundwater levels
  • Subsurface pore pressures
  • Ground deformation (settlement, heave, lateral movement, slip)
  • Stress states within soil and structural elements

These measurements help engineers:

  • Verify actual deformations against design assumptions
  • Optimize the sizing of underground structures
  • Manage geotechnical risks such as landslides or excessive settlement
  • Track long‑term changes in soil behavior for asset management

Types of Geotechnical Sensors and Their Applications: Deformation and Strain Measurements

Borehole Extensometers

Provide highly accurate, millimetric measurements of relative displacement between anchor points. They can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at an incline, making them suitable for a wide range of deformation monitoring scenarios.

Borehole Settlement Gauges

A cost‑effective alternative for monitoring larger‑scale settlement in embankments and fills.

Inclinometers

Measure lateral ground deformation with millimetric precision. Installed vertically, they track horizontal movement; installed horizontally, they record settlement profiles. Inclinometers can be embedded directly in soil or integrated into structural elements such as diaphragm walls and piles.

Embankment Settlement Meters

A family of instruments designed specifically to measure settlement across embankments and large earth structures.

Earth Pressure Cells

Used to measure soil stress states, providing critical information for evaluating load transfer and soil‑structure interaction.

Water Level and Pore Pressure Monitoring

  • Piezometers

Simple, cost‑effective geotechnical sensors used to measure groundwater levels. They can be read manually or automated through dataloggers for continuous monitoring.

  • Interstitial Pressure Cells (IPCs)

Measure pore water pressure at specific depths, offering essential insight into soil behavior, consolidation, and stability.

Advanced Geotechnical Sensors from Sixense: Cyclops™ – Automated 3D Topographic Monitoring

Cyclops is a world‑leading automated measurement system that delivers:

  • Remote, automatic 3D movement monitoring
  • Sub‑millimetric accuracy
  • The ability to group theodolites in unstable areas for improved stability and repeatability

Find out more about Cyclops solution

4DBloc – GNSS‑Based Deformation Sensor

4DBloc provides real‑time monitoring of ground and structural movement using high‑precision GNSS technology.

  • Accurate, robust deformation tracking
  • Real‑time data with enhanced resolution through aggregated measurements

Find out more about 4DBloc sensor

4DSkin – Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

A non‑contact geotechnical sensor capable of monitoring large areas—up to several kilometers—with exceptional accuracy.

  • High‑frequency measurements (typically every 2 minutes)
  • Accuracy on the order of 0.2 mm
  • Ideal for slopes, embankments, and large infrastructure assets

Find out more about 4DSkin sensor

4DShape – 3D Continuous Linear Inclinometer

A flexible chain of 3D inclinometers that measures deformation along vertical, horizontal, or converging profiles.

  • Continuous 3D deformation monitoring
  • Suitable for soil and structural applications

Find our more about 4DShape solution

Why Choose Sixense for Geotechnical Sensors and Monitoring

Cutting‑Edge Expertise

Nearly three decades of continuous development and in‑house innovation in geotechnical sensors and monitoring technologies.

Dedicated Local Teams

A global network of experienced technicians, engineers, project managers, and data specialists ensures rapid deployment and expert support.

Turnkey Service

From early‑stage technical guidance to long‑term data management, we provide complete monitoring solutions throughout the construction and operational phases.

Culture of Innovation

A commitment to developing geotechnical sensors and monitoring systems that address real‑world engineering challenges.

Proactive Maintenance

Regular system checks and data quality control ensure accurate, reliable, and uninterrupted monitoring.

Examples of Applications for Geotechnical Sensors

Urban Works

Urban Works

Download Document Urban Works
Urban Excavation

Urban Excavation

Download Document Urban Excavation
Landslide

Landslide

Download Document Landslide
Mine

Mine

Download Document Mine
Buried Pipes

Buried Pipes

Download Document Buried Pipes