Inclinometer Monitoring for Landslide-Prone Slopes

Inclinometer monitoring points: a key technology for landslide-prone slopes

Landslides threaten roads, rail lines and dams. Inclinometer monitoring points provide reliable subsurface deformation data and enable early, traceable decision-making. ICP Ingenieure GmbH – part of SIERA  – combines geotechnics with waste management, contaminated sites and environmental planning in Karlsruhe — with 80 employees at 7 locations, around 500 clients and approximately 230 projects per year.

Why it matters

• Early detection of movement before visible damage occurs
• Quantified displacement rates with clear escalation steps
• Identification of active slip surfaces and sliding depths
• Verification of the effectiveness of stabilization measures

Building an inclinometer monitoring point

1. Borehole & casing – Drill ~70–100 mm into competent ground or through the suspected slip plane; install grooved PVC/ABS casing; grout the annulus (cement/bentonite) to ensure intimate ground contact.
2. Probe & baseline – Use a biaxial probe; establish a zero (baseline) survey and repeat as planned → trend analysis.
3. Profiles & thresholds – Integrate tilt to lateral displacement; link threshold values to actions (survey frequency, drainage activation, traffic management).

What ICP brings to monitoring projects

The geotechnics portfolio includes laboratory testing, earthworks quality assurance, accredited testing in landfill construction (mineral materials, geosynthetics) as well as geological and hydrogeological investigations — a robust basis for diagnosis, verification and design.

Typical applications

• Active/potential landslides and cut slopes
• Deep excavations and retaining systems
• Dams, dikes/levees and embankments
• Long-term monitoring of remediation measures

Integrated monitoring for the complete picture

Combining inclinometers with piezometers, extensometers and surface surveys increases diagnostic power and forecasting capability. ICP’s broad service range — from contaminated sites to environmental planning — streamlines permitting and reduces project risk.

Implementation: checklist for asset owners & planners

• Define risk scenarios, acceptance criteria and response thresholds
• Site boreholes to intersect suspected shear zones
• Match casing orientation, depth and grouting to the stratigraphy
• Establish reliable baselines; plan survey cadence (e.g., weekly → monthly)
• Correlate displacement with rainfall/groundwater
• QA/QC: calibration, repeat measurements, independent review

Reduce geotechnical risks with decision-grade monitoring. Speak with the geotechnics team at ICP Ingenieure GmbH – part of SIERA about a tailored inclinometer program — Engineering for a Better Tomorrow.