ASTM D6230-21e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6230-21e1 — Standard Practices for Monitoring Earth or Structural Movement Using Inclinometers. This practice describes the use of inclinometer casings and probes (including single-traverse probes and in-place inclinometer arrays) to measure internal ground movement or lateral movement of subsurface structures, and provides guidance on instrument types, installation, operation, maintenance, and data reduction procedures.

Abstract

This standard establishes recommended procedures for monitoring horizontal and internal deformation using inclinometer systems installed in grooved casings. It covers instrument selection, installation methods, survey procedures (single-probe traverses and in-place inclinometer arrays), data-reduction formulae, reporting conventions, and guidance on significant digits and rounding. The document is intended as a practice (collection of options) rather than a prescriptive method and includes editorial corrections published in July 2021 (e1). DOI: 10.1520/D6230-21E01.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: June 1, 2021 (with editorial changes July 13, 2021).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 13.080.99 (Other standards related to soil quality).
• Edition / version: D6230-21e1 (current edition approved June 1, 2021; “e1” indicates editorial corrections).
• Number of pages: 11 pages.

Scope

This practice covers the use of inclinometers to monitor internal ground movement or lateral movement of subsurface structures. Topics include suitable casing and probe types, methods for installing and aligning inclinometer casings, recommended survey and data-collection procedures (single traverse and in-place sensor arrays), data reduction and interpretation formulae, and recommendations for reporting results and significant-digit practices. The standard emphasizes professional judgment and does not replace project-specific design or safety requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for inclinometer systems and deformation measurement.
• Recommended types of inclinometer casings and probes (single-traverse probes and in-place inclinometer arrays).
• Casing installation and alignment procedures to ensure reproducible measurement geometry.
• Surveying procedures, measurement sequences, and best practices for repeatability and quality control.
• Data-reduction formulae for transforming probe readings into lateral displacement profiles (X-, Y-, and resultant Z-direction reporting).
• Guidance on significant digits, rounding, and reporting consistent with Practice D6026 and project requirements.
• Inspection, maintenance, and documentation recommendations for long-term monitoring programs.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and geologic engineers, instrumentation specialists, construction monitoring teams, infrastructure owners, and consultants involved in landslide monitoring, slope stability surveillance, deep excavation and retaining-wall monitoring, tunnel and shaft monitoring, and settlement/lateral movement studies of subsurface structures. Typical activities include instrument selection, installation oversight, periodic survey campaigns, data processing, and reporting for design verification or risk management.

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM documents and practices in conjunction with D6230 include Practice D6026 (significant digits and data recording), Practice D7299 (performance verification of vertical inclinometer probes), Practice D3740 (competence of testing agencies), and test methods or practices related to foundation and geotechnical instrumentation. Project specifications may also reference other regional or national monitoring standards.

Keywords

Inclinometer, inclinometer casing, slope inclinometer, inclinometer probe, in-place inclinometer, deformation monitoring, lateral movement, ground movement, landslide monitoring, geotechnical instrumentation, data reduction, D6230-21e1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ASTM D6230-21e1, a practice that provides recommended procedures for monitoring earth or structural movement using inclinometer systems (cased inclinometer pipes and probes).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument types, casing installation and alignment, survey and measurement procedures (single-traverse and in-place arrays), data reduction formulae, reporting conventions, and guidance on significant digits and data recording. It is a practice offering options and guidance rather than a prescriptive specification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, instrumentation contractors, monitoring technicians, consultants, and owners responsible for slope, excavation, and subsurface movement monitoring programs.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published, D6230-21e1 is the current (active) edition approved June 1, 2021, with editorial corrections (e1) issued in July 2021. Users should confirm there is no later revision before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D6230 is part of ASTM Committee D18 (Soil and Rock) instrumentation-related practices and is typically used alongside related ASTM practices and test methods for geotechnical instrumentation and data handling (for example D6026, D7299, D3740).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Inclinometer, inclinometer casing, in-place inclinometer, slope monitoring, lateral movement, geotechnical instrumentation, data reduction, D6230-21e1.