ASTM D7299-20 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D7299-20 — Standard Practice for Verifying Performance of a Vertical Inclinometer Probe. This practice provides a set of field function tests used to verify that a vertically traversing inclinometer probe is performing correctly so that new surveys can be reliably compared to baseline surveys during long-term inclinometer monitoring programs.

Abstract

ASTM D7299-20 describes three function tests intended to detect gradual degradation or failure in vertical inclinometer probes used for geotechnical monitoring. The tests establish pass/fail criteria suitable for typical field equipment and users, and are intended to be used alongside manufacturer calibration and quality-control procedures to ensure continued comparability of inclinometer surveys over time. The practice emphasizes SI units, appropriate rounding/significant-digit rules, and the limits of the practice (it does not replace manufacturer calibration or repair).

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: 2020 (designation D7299-20; published January 11, 2020).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 17.040.30 (Measuring instruments / inclinometer instrumentation).
• Edition / version: D7299-20 (current 2020 edition; revises earlier D7299-12/D7299-06 versions).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

This practice describes three function tests that together can be used to verify that a vertical traversing inclinometer probe is working properly. It does not address calibration routines performed by manufacturers, electronic diagnostics, repair of probes, or inspection of mechanical parts; it is intended to supplement, not replace, manufacturers’ servicing and calibration recommendations or user quality programs. Units in SI are to be regarded as standard and all observed/calculated values should follow the significant-digit and rounding guidance referenced in Practice D6026.

Key topics and requirements

• Three field function tests for vertical inclinometer probes to verify reading quality and repeatability.
• Pass/fail criteria appropriate for typical field equipment (accounts for less-controlled environments vs. factory calibration).
• Guidance on test setup and documentation to allow comparison with baseline surveys over long monitoring periods.
• Requirement to use SI units and to follow significant-digit/rounding practice (reference to Practice D6026).
• Statement of intended use and limitations — not a substitute for manufacturer calibration, diagnostics, or repair procedures.

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and instrumentation engineers, field technicians, monitoring contractors, testing laboratories, and probe manufacturers. Typical applications include periodic verification within inclinometer monitoring programs for slope, foundation, tunnel, and excavation monitoring where long-term comparability of inclinometer surveys is required. Users incorporate the practice into QA/QC procedures to detect probe degradation before survey results become unreliable.

Related standards

References and related ASTM practices include Practice D6026 (significant digits and rounding for geotechnical data) and Practice D3740 (minimum requirements for agencies engaged in testing/inspection of soil and rock), both referenced within the D7299 text; users should consult manufacturer calibration procedures and any other instrument- or project-specific standards used in inclinometer monitoring programs.

Keywords

vertical inclinometer probe, inclinometer, probe verification, function tests, geotechnical monitoring, survey comparability, D7299-20, inclinometer maintenance, significant digits, quality control.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7299-20 is a practice that specifies field function tests to verify the performance of vertical traversing inclinometer probes used in geotechnical monitoring programs.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers three function tests and associated pass/fail guidance to detect probe degradation in the field, requirements to use SI units, and references to rounding/significant-digit practice; it explicitly does not cover manufacturer calibration, electronic diagnostics, or mechanical repair.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, instrumentation contractors, field technicians, testing laboratories, and manufacturers involved in inclinometer-based deformation or displacement monitoring.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D7299-20 edition (2020) is published and listed as active; it revises earlier versions (for example D7299-12). Users should confirm status before purchase for the most recent revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D7299 is part of ASTM Committee D18 (geosynthetics/soil and rock-related standards) publications (Book of Standards Vol. 04.09) and cross-references other geotechnical practices such as D6026 and D3740. It fits within the suite of standards used for geotechnical testing and monitoring.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Vertical inclinometer, inclinometer probe verification, function tests, geotechnical monitoring, probe performance, D7299-20.