What is a Monitoring Survey and Why you should use it?

Monitoring surveys are important for monitoring changes in the structure of your property. They give you a better idea about what is happening to your property and help prevent future damage.

It is also called deformation survey.

When you think about infrastructure, what comes to mind? Buildings, bridges, and roads, most likely. But there’s another type of infrastructure that is just as important, if not more so: monitoring deformation surveys. You may not be familiar with the term, but these surveys are essential for the safety of both people and structures. In this blog post, we will explore what monitoring deformation survey is and why it’s so important.

Monitoring Survey

They are used as early warning system to identify slippage and movement in the ground and structures.

Monitoring deformation survey is the process of surveying and measuring changes in the shape or size of an object over time. This type of survey is often used to monitor the progress of construction projects, as well as to track the movement of landmasses.

Land surveyors will use different equipment to collect data during a monitoring survey. Data is collected and analyzed to find out what kind of changes have occurred on the property. This information can be used by decision-makers who want help protecting their land from problems like erosion or flooding, or making it more useful for farming purposes.

Land surveyors will often use the following equipment during a monitoring survey:

  • Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and antennas
  • Inertial measurement unit (IMU) and sensors
  • Laser range finders
  • Total Stations
Aerial photo of mix color of stream in to river
Aerial photograph

Why Monitoring Survey Important?

Monitoring surveys are important because they help to determine if there are any structural changes in your home, and they can also help you to avoid damages. Monitoring surveys will notify you of any changes on your property or land, so that you can make repairs if necessary. In addition, monitoring surveys can determine whether or not your home is safe and structurally sound throughout the years. The results from a monitoring survey will give peace of mind knowing that all is well with your property.

History of monitoring deformation survey

Monitoring deformation survey is the process of measuring and recording changes in the shape or size of an object over time. The purpose of this type of survey is to track movement, usually of man-made structures, in order to assess safety and stability. Deformation surveys are typically conducted using specialized equipment, such as laser scanners, that can accurately measure small changes in an object’s shape.

Historically, monitoring deformation surveys were first used in the mining industry to track the movement of tunnels and shafts. This type of surveying was later adopted by the engineering and construction industries to track the settlement of buildings and other structures. In recent years, monitoring deformation survey has become an important tool for disaster response and risk management. For example, post-earthquake surveys have been used to assess damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Methodology of Monitoring Survey

A monitoring survey is a way to assess the effectiveness of your project. It’s not actually a survey; it’s more like an analysis of data over a period of time and from a baseline with the aim to inform decision-making to warn/flag movements.

The results of a monitoring survey help you understand how well your project has been implemented and what might need improvement or change. A monitoring survey report summarizes the findings and may include recommendations for improvement based on those findings.

Monitoring surveys are often used as part of a larger evaluation, but they can also stand alone as an independent evaluation tool when conducted by experienced evaluators who have experience working in developing countries, especially those with low levels of data availability and reliable sources for collecting primary data (such as quantitative or qualitative research).

There are many different types of monitoring surveys that all have their own benefits, disadvantages and applications depending on what information you’re trying to collect about your program.

Equipment Used in Monitoring Survey

  • GPS (global positioning system)
  • Total station
  • Geodimeter
  • Laser scanner
  • Bathymetric survey equipment, such as echo sounder, depth sounder and side scan sonar.
  • Surveyor’s chains and levels are used to measure the height of an object.
  • Tape measures, protractors and compasses are also used in monitoring surveys.

Monitoring Survey is used to provide information on the deformation of structures and can be used to predict future problems.

Monitoring surveys are used to collect information on the deformation of structures and can be used to predict future problems. The monitoring survey is a technique that uses geodetic instruments and techniques for monitoring ground movements, displacements in buildings, foundation walls or slopes.

What Information to Collect on a Monitoring Survey?

  • Type of structure (house, school, church).
  • Date of construction and last maintenance inspection.
  • position of the targets on the structure
  • the control station used for the survey
  • the weather on the day and any notes on obstructions or damage to targets.
  • the person surveying and gathering the data

What is deformation monitoring surveys?

Monitoring surveys are used to measure the deformation of structures. A monitoring survey is a non-destructive geotechnical investigation that provides information on the current state of stress in a structure, helping to predict future problems and determine if a structure is safe. Monitoring surveys can also be used to detect changes in the structure over time, such as settlement or movement caused by erosion or earthquakes.

Deformation monitoring surveys are typically used when there is no access to the interior of buildings and structures for other types of investigations or inspections (e.g., boreholes).

How is monitoring the deformation survey done?

There are a few ways to monitor deformation:

1. Ground-based LiDAR (also called terrestrial laser scanning or TLS) can be used to track changes in the shape of objects over time. This method is often used to monitor buildings, bridges, and other structures for any deformations that may occur.

total station



2. GPS can also be used to track ground movement over time. This method is often used in areas where there is a lot of tectonic activity, such as near fault lines or volcanoes.

3. In some cases, satellites can also be used to monitor deformation from space. This method is useful for large areas or for monitoring remote locations where it would be difficult to set up ground-based equipment.

The Different Types of Monitoring Surveys

A static monitoring survey is a type of monitoring survey that measures the effects of construction on existing structures. A static monitoring survey identifies existing building movements and structural changes before, during and after construction. Deformation surveys utilize specialized instruments to measure changes in the shape of a structure over time. Geodetic surveys use Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to record baseline positions before and after construction. Construction monitoring surveys monitor site activities such as grading, excavation work and material placement during construction projects. Geotechnical monitoring surveys are used to evaluate subsurface conditions prior to excavation and determine whether additional soil investigation is needed for deeper foundations or walls with increased lateral pressures.

The different types of monitoring surveys include:

  • Static Monitoring Survey–Static monitoring surveys identify existing building movements and structural changes before, during and after construction.
  • Deformation Monitoring Survey–Deformation surveys utilize specialized instruments to measure changes in the shape of a structure over time.
  • Geodetic Monitoring Survey–Geodetic surveying refers to any type of surveying system that uses GNSS signals from satellites or ground antennas (base stations).
  • Construction Monitoring Survey–Construction monitors generally focus on measuring time-dependent phenomena like settlement levels at critical points within an excavation site.
  • Geotechnical Monitoring Survey–This type of survey analyzes subsurface conditions prior to excavating into them by measuring undisturbed soil properties such as moisture content or density levels.

How to Conduct a Monitoring Survey?

The first step to conducting a monitoring survey is understanding the purpose of monitoring surveys. Monitoring surveys are used by organizations to gather information about their programs and services. Monitoring surveys can be used to determine whether or not a program is having an impact, what kinds of improvements need to be made, and how those improvements can be implemented.

A good way for you as an organization leader or staff member to get started with your own monitoring survey is by conducting research about similar programs in other countries, states or provinces. This will help you understand methods that have been successful elsewhere and what types of questions might be useful when developing your own survey toolkit. If there are no preexisting models available for use within your organization’s budget constraints (which may be the case if it’s new) then it will probably make sense for all involved parties (including yourself) who are able enter into long-term contracts between themselves before beginning any kind whatsoever.

crack monitoring

Who conducts monitoring surveys?

The surveyor is responsible for measuring the site and making a record of its position. A structural engineer documents how well the building stands up to stress, while geotechnical engineers examine the soil at or near a building’s foundation. Civil engineers handle more general matters, like traffic studies and environmental impact reports.

Alternatives to Monitoring Surveys

As you can see, monitoring surveys are the best way to assess your project’s stability and safety. However, there are other technologies that can help you monitor your project as well.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method where an antenna transmits high-frequency radio waves into the ground; these signals reflect off subsurface objects and return to be detected by the receiving antenna. The time delay between transmission and reception of these signals indicates their depth in relation to the transmitting antenna. GPR is not as accurate as monitoring surveys because it does not directly measure deformation but rather uses indirect methods to infer it from changes in radar travel times between two points.

Geophysical surveys are used for detecting buried structures like pipes or cables that have been installed on previous projects or by archaeological studies before construction begins so that they don’t get damaged during construction activities if they happen to be located within the excavation area later on down stream towards completion stages.”

Geo-fencing involves placing geomarkers around an underground structure such as pipes or sewers so they can alert excavators when they’re being damaged while digging nearby areas.”Microseismic monitoring” uses seismic sensors placed throughout an excavation site which detect any vibrations caused by drilling equipment operating near them; this helps determine how much energy was transferred onto surrounding soil layers during drilling operations so workers know how hard they should hit those sensitive areas (i.e., bedrock vs softer soils).

Laser scanning uses lasers mounted on drones flying overhead which measure contours of a given surface allowing engineers see where they should build structures without having contact with any materials themselves—this allows them save costs from having fewer people doing manual labor jobs during construction processes.

Who needs monitoring Surveys?

  • Land surveyors: To survey and measure land for the purpose of acquiring, maintaining and disposing of property.
  • Property owners: To ascertain the boundaries of one’s own property.
  • Land developers: To determine if an area is suitable for development before purchasing it, or to confirm that the work carried out by a construction company has complied with specifications set down by a client.
  • Property managers: To ensure that development companies are complying with their contractual obligations regarding maintenance etc., so as not to adversely affect neighbouring properties’ value or enjoyment of their land respectively.
  • Architects and engineers: For similar reasons as above (i.e., ensuring compliance with plans). In addition they may need monitoring surveys in order to establish whether planning permission has been granted correctly by local authorities; if so then they will be able to proceed accordingly but otherwise this may require further work before moving forward on any project involving these kinds of buildings/structures being built upon land owned by other parties (who do not wish any disruptions during construction work).

see this post to identify construction stakeholders

When is monitoring surveys needed?

Monitoring surveys can be used at any time. They are most frequently used before construction starts, but they can also be performed after construction is complete or during the life of a structure. Monitoring surveys may also be required when there is a change in land use or ownership of property.

what type of construction projects needs monitoring surveys?

  • Buildings – for example, if you are planning to make changes to the structure of your home or office building, you should get a monitoring survey done.
  • Bridges – this includes both new bridges and existing bridges that have been repaired or altered in any way.
  • Tunnels – whether they are new or old, monitoring surveys may be required if there’s going to be structural work performed on them.
  • Roads – similar to tunnels and bridges, if there is any kind of structural work being done on roads (new construction or repairs), then it’s best practice to have a monitoring survey conducted before beginning the project so that safety measures can be taken into account while completing it.
  • Airports – airports often fall under this category because they are sometimes built on top of older runways as part of an expansion process; therefore, monitoring surveys will need to occur during these processes as well as at other times when work needs doing on the runway itself (such as resurfacing). This is also true for seaports (ports used by ships) which could potentially require similar types of construction projects within their areas throughout time depending on how much business activity occurs there each year; thus making monitoring surveys necessary again during such projects so people don’t accidentally get hurt due too much traffic congestion around trucks carrying heavy materials such as steel beams that would normally weigh over 100 pounds per square foot!

What is construction asset monitoring survey?

Construction asset monitoring survey is a process that is used to evaluate and report on the condition of a construction asset (see the section above covering bridges, etc…). Depending on your needs, this process may be conducted by an engineer or land surveyor.

The goal of this process is to assess the current condition of your construction assets and determine what measures should be taken in order to preserve their value for as long as possible.

Why do you need a monitoring survey?

Monitoring surveys are used to detect any changes in the land and can be used to predict future problems, such as landslides, erosion, or sinkholes. They can also help prevent damages from occurring. For example, if you are doing a monitoring survey on your property and see that your neighbors’ trees are falling onto your property due to heavy winds, then you may want to consider taking action before they cause any damage.

A monitoring survey contains critical information about the structure of your property. It can help prevent damages from occurring and notify you if there are any changes to the land.

A monitoring survey is a thorough inspection of your property. It will help you understand what is happening on your property, including whether any damage or erosion has occurred. Monitoring surveys are different from regular surveys in that they include additional information about the structure of your land and where it might be prone to damage.

This information can be critical for preventing damages from occurring or notifying you if there are any changes to the land. For example, if there was a fire and then later a heavy rainstorm came through, water could flow down into an area that was once dry because of erosion caused by fire damage. Your monitoring survey could tell you how much soil has eroded away, allowing you to predict potential problems before they occur so that they can be fixed before anything happens!

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand what a monitoring survey is and how it can benefit your property. If you have any questions about our services, please feel free to contact us today!

Published by

Bhavesh Ramburn

Commercial Manager - Quantity Surveyor with 10+ years in the construction industry.

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