ISO 18674-1-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Geotechnical investigation and testing — Geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation — Part 1: General rules. ISO 18674-1:2015 sets out the general rules and principles for planning, implementing and reporting geotechnical monitoring carried out using field instrumentation to observe ground behaviour, structures interacting with the ground, geotechnical fills and geotechnical works.

Abstract

ISO 18674-1:2015 provides the overarching requirements and good practice for geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation. It applies to instrumentation and measurements used in site investigations, observational design procedures, performance monitoring before, during and after construction, evaluation of ground behaviour (e.g. slopes, consolidation), verification of equilibrium after disturbance (e.g. foundations, excavations, tunnelling), proof or follow-up of stability, serviceability and safety of structures influenced by geotechnical works, preservation of evidence and control of geotechnical works.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed on review in 2020)
• Publication date: 18 May 2015 (Edition 1)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 93.020; 13.080.20
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2015)
• Number of pages: 27

Scope

This part of ISO 18674 establishes general rules for the performance monitoring of ground, structures interacting with the ground, geotechnical fills and geotechnical works using field instrumentation. It is applicable to instrumentation and measurement activities linked to site investigations, Observational Design processes, pre‑/during/post‑construction performance monitoring, assessment of ground behaviour (for example unstable slopes or consolidation), verification of new equilibrium after construction disturbance, and for ensuring stability, serviceability and safety of structures affected by geotechnical works. It covers planning, choice and installation of instruments, measurement and data handling practices, interpretation and reporting principles (general rules rather than detailed device specifications).

Key topics and requirements

• Principles for designing a geotechnical monitoring programme (objectives, instrumentation strategy, locations and frequency of readings).
• Requirements for selection, installation and protection of field instrumentation appropriate to the monitoring objectives.
• Guidance on measurement procedures, calibration, accuracy, traceability and uncertainty considerations.
• Data acquisition, recording, verification, storage and quality control practices (including electronic data and manual readings).
• Procedures for data interpretation, comparison with design predictions and use within the Observational Design framework.
• Reporting requirements, documentation and retention of records to support decision making and evidence preservation.
• Health, safety and practical site considerations for instrument installation and monitoring operations.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical engineers, instrumentation specialists, site engineers, contractors, project owners and consultants involved in site investigations, construction monitoring, slope and excavation monitoring, tunnel and underground works, embankments and foundation projects. It is referenced when establishing monitoring programmes, specifying instrumentation in contracts or technical reports, and when interpreting measured behaviour against design assumptions.

Related standards

ISO 18674 is a multi‑part series. Part 1 provides the general rules; subsequent parts address individual measurement types (for example extensometers, inclinometers, piezometers, total pressure cells, settlement gauges, strain gauges, load cells, geodetic and vibration instruments). ISO 18674‑2 (extensometers) and other parts provide device‑specific requirements. ISO 18674 series is often used alongside geotechnical design and investigation standards such as EN/ISO standards for geotechnical investigation and testing and national codes that reference site investigation and observational design procedures.

Keywords

geotechnical monitoring, field instrumentation, site investigation, observational design, extensometer, inclinometer, piezometer, data acquisition, monitoring programme, instrumentation installation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18674-1:2015 is the first part of the ISO 18674 series and sets out general rules and best practice for geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers planning, selection and installation of instruments, measurement and data handling procedures, interpretation and reporting principles for monitoring ground and structures interacting with the ground. It gives general requirements rather than device-specific test methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, instrumentation specialists, site and project engineers, contractors and consultants use it to design monitoring programmes, specify instrumentation and interpret monitoring results during site investigations and construction.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This edition was published in May 2015 and was formally reviewed and confirmed in 2020. As of 28 February 2026 it remains the current Part 1 edition. Users should check national adoption or later revisions of other parts of the series for the latest device‑specific guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 18674 is a multi‑part series addressing geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation. Part 1 provides general rules; other parts cover specific measurement types (e.g. extensometers, inclinometers, piezometers, total pressure cells, settlement gauges, strain gauges, load cells, geodetic and vibration monitoring instruments).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: geotechnical monitoring; field instrumentation; site investigation; observational design; data acquisition; instrument installation; ground behaviour; monitoring programme.