ISO 18674-4-2020 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 18674-4-2020 — Geotechnical investigation and testing — Geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation — Part 4: Measurement of pore water pressure: Piezometers. This International Standard specifies requirements and guidance for measurement of pore water pressures and piezometric levels in saturated ground using piezometers installed for geotechnical monitoring, including instrument types, installation, measurement procedures, maintenance and reporting.

Abstract

This part of ISO 18674 gives rules for measuring pore water pressure and piezometric levels in saturated soils by means of piezometers installed for monitoring. It is intended for monitoring water pressures acting on geotechnical structures and fills, for consolidation monitoring, for stability and serviceability evaluations and for checking geotechnical designs under an Observational Design procedure. When used with ISO 18674-5 it enables determination of effective stresses in the ground. The document distinguishes measurements made with installed piezometers from pore pressure measurements obtained during cone penetration testing (see ISO 22476-1).

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: June 2020.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 93.020 (Geotechnical engineering) / 13.080.20.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 58 pages.

Scope

Applies to the measurement of pore water pressures and piezometric levels in saturated ground by piezometers installed for geotechnical monitoring. Typical applications covered include monitoring of quay walls, dikes, excavation walls, foundations, dams, tunnels, slopes and embankments; consolidation monitoring of soil and fills; evaluation of stability and serviceability; and checking design assumptions by Observational Design procedures. The standard also clarifies that pore pressure measurements obtained during CPT are covered by ISO 22476-1.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification and description of piezometer systems (open/standpipe and closed/diaphragm systems).
• Types of measuring devices covered (manual water-level meters, vibrating-wire, strain gauge, capacitive, pneumatic and other sensor types).
• Design of intake zones, filter tips, and use of filter packs (including high/low air-entry considerations).
• Installation requirements (borehole sealing, intake zone definition, checks during and after installation, grouting and fully-grouted options).
• Measurement procedures and quality control (range, accuracy, atmospheric compensation, response time and intake factor concepts).
• Maintenance, protection at ground level and field checks to ensure representative long-term readings.
• Data handling, processing and minimum reporting content for monitoring records and installation reports; informative and normative annexes on special topics (negative pore pressures, response time, CPT comparisons, etc.).

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and civil engineers, instrumentation specialists and contractors, monitoring teams, consultant firms, researchers and asset managers involved in site investigation and long‑term monitoring of geotechnical structures (dams, slopes, embankments, foundations, retaining structures, tunnels, quay walls, etc.). Also used to prepare monitoring programmes, specify piezometer installations and validate design assumptions via observational methods.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 18674 series on geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation (see ISO 18674-1 for general rules and ISO 18674-5 for determination of effective stresses). Pore pressure measurements during cone penetration tests are addressed in ISO 22476-1. Other adjacent standards deal with field and laboratory testing methods referenced in geotechnical investigation practice.

Keywords

pore water pressure, piezometer, piezometric level, geotechnical monitoring, saturated ground, intake zone, filter tip, vibrating‑wire, strain‑gauge, installation, data reporting, consolidation monitoring, Observational Design.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18674-4:2020 is an international standard that specifies how to measure pore water pressures and piezometric levels in saturated ground using installed piezometers for geotechnical monitoring.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers types of piezometer systems and sensors, installation and intake-zone practices, measurement procedures, calibration and quality checks, maintenance, data processing and recommended reporting contents for monitoring projects. It also includes guidance on special topics such as fully‑grouted installations and negative pore pressures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, site investigation teams, instrumentation suppliers and installers, monitoring contractors, consultants, researchers and asset managers involved in long‑term geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 18674-4:2020 was published in June 2020 and is the current published edition (1st edition). ISO standards are normally reviewed on a five‑year cycle; users should check with their national standards body or ISO for any amendments or revisions since 2020.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 4 of the ISO 18674 series on geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation. Related parts include ISO 18674-1 (general rules) and ISO 18674-5 (effective stress determination); complementary standards such as ISO 22476-1 cover CPT pore pressure measurements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Piezometer, pore water pressure, piezometric level, geotechnical monitoring, intake zone, filter tip, vibrating‑wire, consolidation monitoring, Observational Design.