Settlement Monitoring

Services: Settlement Monitoring

What is Settlement Monitoring?

Settlement monitoring is the process of measuring and recording the vertical movement of a structure, foundation, or surrounding earth over time. It is typically used to determine if a building or site is experiencing ground subsidence, shifting, or differential settlement that could impact structural integrity or project performance.

Why Do You Need Settlement Monitoring?

Settlement monitoring is critical in both pre-construction and post-construction environments to detect and prevent structural issues caused by subsurface changes. Monitoring ensures early detection of unexpected movement, allowing project planners to respond proactively. This service is essential for large buildings, retaining walls, roadways, utility corridors, or any infrastructure located in areas with soft soils, substantial amounts of fill, or high water tables.

Key Components of Settlement Monitoring

From target installation to comprehensive trend analysis

  1. Target Installation:

    Survey targets or settlement poles are installed at key locations such as slabs, footers, or surrounding ground areas.

  2. Elevation Benchmarking:

    Surveyors measure the vertical elevation of each target relative to a consistent benchmark.

  3. Repeated Monitoring Events:

    Elevation readings are repeated over days, weeks, or months to identify any ongoing vertical displacement.

  4. Trend Analysis and Reporting:

    CAD team compiles elevation data into weekly reports that highlight changes over time and identify trends that may require engineering review or corrective action.

How to Request Settlement Monitoring from Atlas Surveying

To request settlement monitoring, please provide the following:

Project location and scope of monitoring area

Site plan and location of monitoring targets

Desired monitoring schedule or frequency of readings

Contact information for coordination and billing

Why Choose Atlas Surveying for Settlement Monitoring?

Atlas Surveying offers precise, reliable settlement monitoring services that combine expert field execution with clear, timely reporting. Our team uses instruments with ultra-fine accuracy, following consistent procedures to detect even minor vertical movement. Whether for compliance, peace of mind, or structural safety, Atlas provides the actionable data needed to protect your investment.

Contact Atlas Surveying today to get started with settlement monitoring services for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the answers you need to move forward with confidence

How do I know if I need settlement monitoring?

If you are planning to build in an area with soft soil, you may want to consult a surveyor to perform settlement monitoring on your site. If construction is already underway and you observe settlement occurring, Atlas can monitor the gradual settlement of that building as well.

How is the data reported?

Traditionally, we provide tabular data depicting the reading values for the duration of the monitoring. Trend lines can also be used to track the rate of change over time.

How often are settlement readings done?

Frequency depends on project needs but can vary anywhere from 2-3 times per week to once a month.