Settlement monitoring by precise levelling
Vertical movement measured to ±0.5mm by precise levelling, from wall-mounted points read with digital levels and reported against baseline after every visit.
Measuring vertical movement precisely
Where settlement is the main risk, precise levelling is the most accurate way to measure it. We fix levelling points to the structure and read them with digital levels and invar staves from benchmarks set well outside the zone of influence, giving vertical movement to about ±0.5mm.
Where it is used
- Buildings and structures above or beside running tunnels
- Properties next to deep excavations and basements
- Ground affected by dewatering or piling
- Structures on soft or shrinkable ground
Reporting
Every visit produces a report within 24 hours, with movement shown against the previous reading and the original baseline. If a trigger is breached, the named contacts are told the same day. Our guide on how to monitor building settlement explains the method in more detail.
How it works
Install
Levelling points are fixed to walls, columns or ground, with benchmarks set well outside the works.
Baseline
Two independent levelling runs establish the starting position.
Monitor and report
Points are re-levelled at the agreed frequency and movement reported within 24 hours.
Who we work with
Structural engineers
Precise vertical data where settlement is the main risk.
Contractors
Evidence through excavation, dewatering and piling.
Asset owners
Long-term settlement records over tunnels and on soft ground.
What clients say
Read our reviews on Google★★★★★
We have used THS Concepts for multiple surveys from topographic to drone photogrametry, they are professional and prompt and deliver exactly what is requested. Highly recommended.
★★★★★
We was looking for a local company to survey our setting out on our new build project and came across THS, We are VERY happy with the service they provided, Tom visited the site and was very helpful and professional. providing a detailed description and was very thorough. we will defiantly be using THS in the near future.
★★★★★
I contacted Tom to carry out a Topographic survey, and cannot recommend them enough. Nothing was to much, and I was kept up to date with everything as it happened! Great company to deal with and reasonably priced.
Settlement monitoring: common questions
When is precise levelling better than total station monitoring?
When vertical movement is the main concern, for example over running tunnels, near large excavations or on soft ground. Levelling gives about ±0.5mm vertically, tighter than optical 3D monitoring.
How often are readings taken?
It follows the works, weekly during heavy operations and less often as risk reduces. We agree the schedule with the engineer.
Can it be combined with other methods?
Yes. Settlement monitoring is often run alongside 3D prism monitoring and crack monitoring on the same site.
Related services
- 3D laser scanning
Point clouds and BIM models of buildings, plant and structures.
- Setting out
Gridlines, foundations, piles and roads set out on site.
Tell us about your site
Send a location, a rough brief and your deadline. We reply with a fixed quote within 24 hours.