California Test 112

STATE OF CALIFORNIABUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY August 2012

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
Transportation Laboratory
5900 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, California 95819-4612

METHOD FOR INSTALLATION AND USE OF EMBANKMENT

SETTLEMENT DEVICES

A. SCOPE

The installation, maintenance, and data collection procedures for the various embankment
settlement devices used to monitor subsurface settlement are described in this method.
Analysis of the settlement data is included as a separate part of this method.

Settlement devices are used to monitor the rate and magnitude of settlement occurring at a
point within or beneath an embankment during and subsequent to construction. The data
obtained from these devices are used to determine the allowable loading rate during
embankment construction and the appropriate time for removal of surcharge and/or
commencement of permanent structure construction.

This method is divided into the following parts:

1. Fluid Level Settlement Devices

2. Pipe Riser Settlement Device

3. Settlement Data Analysis

The fluid level vented standpipe unit may be used at most locations. A sealed standpipe unit
must be installed at locations where groundwater may interfere with the operation of the unit
or where excess pore water is expected from the use of dredged material or wet soil in
embankment construction. Where it is possible, the tube length between standpipe and
indicator unit should generally be limited to a maximum 300 linear ft. Installations over longer
distances can be made but are not advisable under normal circumstances since it may result
in inconsistent test data. Factors such as larger size tubes, change of platform location, or
changes in elevation of the water line may have to be considered (see NOTE).

NOTE: There may be job conditions with respect to terrain, long tube length between
standpipe and indicator unit, or anticipated large settlements that require special
installations.

The pipe riser settlement device is used for monitoring fill settlement over soft foundation soils
where the fluid level settlement devices are not feasible because of flat terrain, width of
embankment construction, or other features which would make installation of a fluid level
type of settlement platform undesirable. The pipe riser settlement device is a direct-reading
unit which is exposed for the full duration of fill construction and surcharge removal. Because
of the vulnerability of this unit to damage by the contractors operations, the pipe riser
settlement device should be used only on those projects where the fluid level type of settlement
device would be impractical.

B. REFERENCE

None.

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C. PROCEDURE

PART 1. FLUID LEVEL SETTLEMENT DEVICES

SECTION 1. VENTED STANDPIPE UNIT

A. APPARATUS

1. Vented standpipe unit (see Figure 1).

2. Indicator unit (see Figure 2).

3. Polyethylene tubing, in. inside diameter.

4. Hand tools shovel, bar, posthole auger, hammer, adjustable wenches,

etc.

5. Water container (approximately 1 gal capacity).

B. INSTALLATION

1. Select a location for the standpipe unit on the ground after

approximately one foot of fill has been placed above original ground and
generally within the area where the maximum height of embankment
will be placed (see Figure 4).

2. Select a point outside of the toe of the proposed embankment for the
indicator unit (see Figure 4). Select this location so that sufficient
vertical distance will be available for lowering the indicator unit as the
standpipe unit settles. A hand level may be used to estimate the desired
elevations for the indicator unit.

3. Because of terrain, excessive anticipated settlement, or other causes, it

may be necessary to place the standpipe unit in the embankment at
varying elevations above the original ground. In these cases, record the
vertical distance between the base of the standpipe unit and original
ground to allow proper consideration for embankment compression in
the settlement analysis.

4. After embankment has been placed 3 to 5 ft above the desired elevation

for the standpipe unit, prepare a pit and trench in the embankment for
the standpipe unit and tubing (see Figure 4). The bottom of the pit
should normally be about one foot above original ground. The trench
should be cut to the same depth at the pit and should have a slight
downward slope to the indicator unit location. Make sure that the
trench is clear of any future construction such as pile driving, ripping,
ditching, etc.

5. Upon completion of the excavation, remove all rocks and large clods
from the trench. Prepare a smooth, level area in the pit using fine
embankment material.

6. Assemble the standpipe unit as shown in Figure 1. Do not attach the

pipe cap. Firmly seat the standpipe unit on a prepared level area.

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7. Install the indicator unit post at the previously selected point for the
indicator unit. This post can be either a metal sign post or 4 in. x 4 in.
timber.

8. Using a hand level, attach the indicator unit to the post so that the 2 ft
graduation on the indicator unit scale is approximately level with the top
of the spill tube on the standpipe unit.

9. Push the in. water line through the metal tube conduit in the center
of the vented standpipe unit until the end is approximately in. above
the top. Push the in. air vent line through the other conduit until
approximately in. extends out the top (see Figure 1).

10. Unroll the water and air vent lines loosely in the trench from the
standpipe to the indicator unit. It might be desirable to encase both
lines in in. flexible metal conduit for additional protection under rocky
material.

11. Cut and attach the water and air lines to the indicator unit as shown in
Figure 2 and Figure 3. Then, fill the system by pouring water in the
sight tube of the indicator unit (see Figure 2) until water comes out of
the top of the spill tube of the standpipe unit with no air bubbles
showing in the line. Generally, one gallon of water is more than
adequate for 300 ft of tubing. When filling, attempt to keep the water
level in the sight tube near the 2.0 ft graduation. Do not allow the water
level to drop below the bottom of the sight tube since this would allow
air to enter the system.

NOTE: It is helpful if someone can watch the overflow at the standpipe

unit while the system is being filled to look for evidence of entrapped air
and to signal when the system is full.

If there is evidence of air bubbles entrapped in the water line, continue

charging the system with water until the air is purged through the
standpipe unit. After charging the system with water and purging the
water line of all air, attach the indicator unit on the post to provide an
initial reading of approximately 2.0 ft.

Adjacent to the bottom of the indicator unit, place a reference nail in the
post at the elevation of the 0.0 ft graduation. This provides a reference
point for surveys and relocation of the indicator unit. Complete the
assembly of the standpipe unit by attaching the pipe cap as shown in
Figure 1.

12. Cut the air line at approximately the 2.0 ft graduation of the indicator
unit. Then loop the air line inside of the indicator unit over the lock
hasp (see Figure 2). The end of the air line should be pointing downward
to prevent the entrance of water or debris. This air line must be free of
water at all times since it serves to equalize atmospheric pressure at the
standpipe unit and the indicator unit.

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During cold weather when the air line is too stiff to be looped, cut the air
line at the 1 ft graduation mark. Then insert the end of a one foot length
of in. plastic tubing in the end of the air line and loop the smaller
tubing inside the indicator unit.

13. Carefully backfill the trench and pit with material that is free from large
rocks or sharp objects and compact by hand for a depth of at least 12
in. Special care must be taken around the base of the standpipe unit to
prevent separating the base plate from the plywood platform and to
prevent breaking or distorting the plastic tubing.

14. After hand backfilling and compacting for a depth of 12 in. has been
completed, mechanical methods may be used to finish the backfilling
operation until the trench is level with the existing fill height. In those
cases when the standpipe unit extends above the existing fill height,
attach a marker post to the unit and mound fill material around it until
it is completely covered. In no case should compaction equipment be
allowed directly over an installation until a minimum of 1 ft of
compacted material has been placed over the standpipe unit.

SECTION 2. SEALED STANDPIPE UNIT

A. APPARATUS

1. Sealed standpipe unit (see Figure 5).

2. Plastic drain tubing, in. inside diameter.

3. Vented standpipe unit (as described in Part 1, Section 1(A)).

B. INSTALLATION

Installation is similar to that for the vented standpipe unit with the following
expectations:

1. Install the device as shown in Figure 6.

2. Follow the procedure in Part 1, Section 1(B)(1) through Section 1(B)(5).

3. Assemble the standpipe unit as shown in Figure 5. Do not attach the

outer galvanized pipe. Firmly seat the standpipe unit on the prepared
area in the pit.

4. Follow the procedure in Part 1, Section 1(B)(7) and Section 1(B)(8).

5. Attach the in. water tube to the base plate as shown in Figure 5.

6. Unroll the water, air vent, and drain tubes loosely in the trench from the
standpipe to the indicator unit.

7. Follow the procedure in Part 1, Section 1(B)(10) and Section 1(B)(11).

8. Complete the assembly of the sealed standpipe unit by attaching the

outer galvanized pipe, other fittings, air vent, and drain tubes.

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NOTE: It may be desirable in some cases to fill around the sealed units
with sand so that the tubes will be supported at their attachment
points.

9. Cut the drain tube near the base of the indicator unit post. Position the
drain tube so that water flows out freely and intrusion of soil or debris is
prevented.

10. Follow the procedures in Part 1, Section 1 (B)(13) and Section 1(B)(14).

SECTION 3. POST-INSTALLATION PROCEDURES

A. COLLECTION OF DATA

1. As soon as possible after the settlement device has been installed,

determine the elevation of the reference to 0.01 ft by survey. This
elevation should be checked periodically to correct settlement readings
for settlement of indicator unit.

2. Settlement readings.

a. Note the height of water in the sight tube.

b. Pour sufficient water in the sight tube to raise the water level
approximately 0.2 ft.

c. Take a reading at 1 hr. The water level after adding the water
should drop to the first reading or slightly above it.

d. If little or no change is observed in the water level, or if the water

level is below the 0.05 ft graduation, refer to Part 2(C).

3. Record the data as indicated in Figure 7. The form is normally used to

record chronological data from a single settlement unit installed to
monitor settlement. Instructions in filling out the form are as follows:

a. Settlement data report (see Figure 7).

Column 1 - Enter the date of the reading.

Column 2 - Record the water level reading from the graduated

scale on the indicator unit (after adding water as indicated
above).

Column 3 - Record the latest elevation of either the 0.0 ft

graduation on the indicator unit or the nail reference as
determined by the survey.

Columns 4 and 5 - These columns are not used.

Column 6 - Enter the changes in water level elevation and

reference elevation since the last reading. This is the sum of the
differences between the current and immediately previous entries
in Columns 2 and 3.

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Column 7 - Enter the total settlement as minus the elevation

change since installation. This is obtained by changing the sign
of the current data in Column 6 and adding this value to the
previous entry in Column 7.

Column 8 - Enter the height of the fill at the surface as

determined by survey (optional).

Column 9 - Enter the height of fill above original ground in total

feet.

Column 10 - Enter the number of calendar days elapsed since

the settlement device was installed.

Column 11- Enter any information that would be helpful in the

analysis of data as shown. If it is necessary to lower the indicator
unit on the post, enter the date and the vertical distance lowered;
be sure to include the corrected values in Columns 2, 3, and 6.

B. MAINTENANCE

1. Most important to the continued functioning of fluid level settlement

devices is the use of as little water as necessary when recharging the
system before reading. For this reason, use only enough water to raise
the level in the sight tube approximately 0.2 ft. Continuous additions of
greater quantities of water will probably cause flooding of the standpipe
unit.

2. If the water level in the sight tube does not drop after adding water,
check the unit over a period of several days. Do not, however, add an
excessive amount of water; just observe the system to see if the unit is
slow to respond.

a. If the unit is not operating properly, remove the indicator box

from the post and raise it up about one foot. Disconnect the
water line from the sight tube and attach the line upright on the
post. Inspect the bottom of the sight tube and connector for
debris. Remove any obstructions and reassemble the unit
without losing water from the water line. After assembly, lower
the indicator unit until water is observed in the sight tube, then
recharge the system with clean water as necessary.

b. If the device is still not operating satisfactorily and the sealed

standpipe unit is being used, plug the top of the sight tube and
attempt to force compressed air through the air line and out the
drain line. Do not use greater air pressure than necessary to
obtain a small flow through the lines. Do not allow the water in
the sight tube to overflow. Keep the top of the sight tube sealed
during this operation.

c. If all other attempts to correct the malfunction fail, disconnect

and drain the water line. Then apply compressed air at low
pressure to the air line in an attempt to remove debris from the

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water line. If the sealed standpipe unit is used, plug the drain
line during this operation. Occasionally, force air through the
water line to clear the lines if no return is observed when
pressurizing the air line. If successful in clearing obstructions
from the water line in this manner, considerable care is required
while recharging the system with water to not use too much
water and to not introduce large voids in the system. For this
reason, recharging the unit should be performed only by
personnel experienced in this type of activity.

3. If the water level in the sight tube is below the 0.05 ft graduation or if
there is no water in the sight tube, look for leaks around the connection
between the sight tube and the water line. If no leak is seen, measure
the vertical difference between the 0.0 ft graduation on the indicator
unit and the reference point. Remove the unit from the post and lower it
approximately 1.5 ft or until water is observed in the sight tube. If
possible, and without adding water, adjust the height of the indicator
unit on the post so that the water level in the sight tube is
approximately at the 2.0 ft graduation. Add a small quantity of water
and check the water level before attaching the indicator unit to the post.
After adjusting the height of the indicator unit, again measure the
vertical distance between the 0.0 ft graduation on the indicator unit and
the reference point and record the correction on the settlement data
form (Figure 7, Column 3).

4. Be sure to replace the cover on the indicator unit after each reading to
prevent excessive loss by evaporation and contamination by debris.

5. Occasionally, it may be necessary to protect the air and water lines from
rodents or pests. If such a problem exists, protect these lines in flexible
conduit extending from the bottom of the indicator unit to below the
ground surface. Although this should be done during installation, the
conduit can be added later if extreme care is taken not to lose water
continuity as described above.

PART 2. PIPE RISER SETTLEMENT DEVICE

A. APPARATUS

1. Pipe riser settlement device (see Figure 8).

2. Hand tools - shovel, bar, hammer, pipe wrenches, etc.

B. INSTALLATION

1. It will usually be necessary to determine the location for installing the

settlement device by survey. If settlement readings are to be continued
after completion of the fill and removal of surcharge, it is imperative that
the unit be located directly beneath the median of divided travel lanes or
the shoulder of other roadways.

2. After approximately 3 ft of embankment material has been placed,

excavate a pit to a depth of approximately 1 ft above original ground at

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the previously determined location for the settlement device. Prepare a

firm, level area free of large rocks or clods for the settlement device at
the bottom of the pit.

3. Assemble the settlement device as shown in Figure 8. Attach a in.

pipe floor flange to the center of the wood platform with bolts or lag
screws. Then screw a 6 ft length of in. pipe into the floor flange. Place
a pipe coupling on the top of the in. pipe and tighten all joints in the
assembly using a pipe wrench.

4. Measure and record the distance from the top of the pipe coupling to the
top of the wood platform. Then slip the 1 in. x 5 ft protective sleeve,
which may be either rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or iron pipe, over the
control pipe until it is about 2 in. above the floor flange. Place a duct
seal or other seal to hold the protective sleeve in place (see Figure 8). Do
not attach the protective sleeve to the wood platform or the control pipe.
This protective sleeve is used to absorb the friction between the fill
material and the settlement unit and, therefore, must be free to move
independently from the wood platform and control pipe.

5. Firmly seat the settlement device on the prepared area in the bottom of
the pit. Then fill and compact by hand using fine embankment material
free of large rocks and clods around the settlement device to a depth of
one foot.

6. Using a spirit level, check to make sure the control pipe is reasonably
plumb, then carefully fill the pit with embankment material and
compact in place.

7. Attach a post to the top of the protective sleeve to alert construction

equipment operators of the obstruction.

NOTE: It has been found that a 6 ft long, 2 in. x 4 in. post painted with
alternate 1 ft wide stripes of red and white is satisfactory for this use. It
is recommended that flagging be attached to the top of this post. The
post should be attached so that it can be easily removed and reattached
as additional pipe is added during embankment construction.

C. COLLECTION OF DATA

1. As soon as possible after the settlement device has been installed,

determine the elevation of the top of the in. pipe coupling attached to
the control pipe. Normally, the elevations required will be obtained by a
survey party.

2. During embankment construction, the elevation of the top of the control

pipe should be determined by survey approximately twice weekly. After
embankment construction is completed, the elevation should be
determined frequently enough to indicate significant changes in the rate
of settlement. Normally, the time between surveys will be weekly
immediately subsequent to completion of the embankment, and the
interval between surveys will increase with time.

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3. During fill placement, it will be necessary to extend the lengths of the

control pipe and protective sleeve. When extending the control pipe, use
the following procedure:

a. Determine the elevation to the top of the existing control pipe

coupling.

b. Remove the protective post, attach a coupling to the length of

control pipe to be added, and tighten the joint with pipe
wrenches.

c. Insert the added length in the coupling on top of the existing

control pipe and tighten the joint by using one pipe wrench on
the existing coupling and one pipe wrench on the added length of
control pipe. While tightening the joint, do not allow the coupling
between the control pipe and the added length to turn. Turn only
the added length of control pipe.

d. Measure the added length of control pipe, including the coupling.

If possible, check this distance by determining the elevation of
the control pipe.

e. Record the length of additional control pipe added under Column

5 on the form shown in Figure 9. Be sure to add this length to
the previous value shown in Column 4.

f. Add and secure a 5 ft length of protective sleeve to the existing

sleeve and secure to the top of the post.

4. Enter all data on the form provided (see Figure 11) using the example
shown in Figure 9 as follows:

Column 1 - Record the reading date.

Column 2 - This column is not used.

Column 3 - This column is not used.

Column 4 - Record the elevation to top of control pipe as determined by

survey.

Column 5 - Record the length of the control pipe.

Column 6 - Record the height of the riser above the original ground
(Column 4 minus Column 5).

Column 7 -Record the total settlement in feet. This figure is obtained by

subtracting the figure in Column 6 for the day being read from the figure
at the top of Column 6 (elevation at the time of installation).

Column 8 - Record the elevation of the surface of the fill as determined

by survey (that is optional).

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Column 9 - Record the height of the fill above original ground in total
feet.

Column 10 - Record the number of calendar days elapsed since the

settlement device was installed.

Column 11 - Record any information that would be helpful in the

analysis of data. Be sure to indicate in this column the date and length
added to the control pipe.

PART 3. SETTLEMENT DATA ANALYSIS

The procedure for plotting and analyzing settlement data obtained from all types of
settlement devices is described in this method. Comprehensive settlement analyses are
complex and require extensive knowledge of soil mechanics and soil structure of the area
under study. Considerable information, however, can be obtained by the simplified method
described in this part.

1. Plot the data on a semi-logarithmic chart as shown in Figure 10. Note that the
scale for days is on the logarithmic abscissa of the chart and both settlement
and fill height are scaled arithmetically on the ordinate.

2. Note that during construction, the rate of settlement increases in approximate

proportion to the fill load applied. This is generally true in all cases where the
rate of loading embankment is nearly constant. If embankment construction is
suspended for an appreciable length of time, the negative slope indicating rate
of settlement should become more positive or flatter until embankment
construction resumes. In no case, however, should the rate of settlement curve
assume a positive slope.

a. A sudden increase in the rate of settlement during construction is

an indication of impending failure and would dictate that fill
loading be stopped immediately.

b. If the rate of settlement remains excessive after suspending fill

operations, additional corrective measures must be taken to reduce the
rate of settlement.

NOTE: This may include removing a portion of the embankment or

constructing berms or struts. Such measures usually require a
comprehensive analysis and, for that reason, the problem must be
brought to the attention of the project engineer without delay.

3. After embankment construction has been completed, the rate of settlement will
decrease with time, especially for soft foundation soils. However, a marked
decrease in the rate of settlement may be noticed until an appreciable amount
of time has elapsed since completion of the embankment.

a. Any significant increase in the rate of settlement after completion of the

embankment is sufficient cause for immediate corrective action as
described above.

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b. When the plotted data indicate that the slope of the rate of settlement
curve is essentially horizontal, the embankment surcharge may be
removed and/or permanent structure construction may be started. For
example, from data shown in Figure 10, a practical minimal rate of
settlement was obtained at about 360 days; at this time the
embankment surcharge was removed as shown.

4. Data should be collected throughout the life of the contract. Longer data
collection periods are necessary if significant rates of settlement are measured.

a. The time interval between readings may be increased as the indicated

rate of movement decreases.

b. Collection of data may be required for several years on selected projects.

Long-term settlement data are frequently useful in the design of
embankments where similar conditions are encountered.

D. HEALTH AND SAFETY

It is the responsibility of the user of this test method to establish appropriate health and safety
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Prior to
handling, testing or disposing of any materials, testers must be knowledgeable about safe
laboratory practices, hazards and exposure, chemical procurement and storage, and personal
protective apparel and equipment.

Caltrans Laboratory Safety Manual is available at:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/ctms/pdf/lab_safety_manual.pdf

Users of this method do so at their own risk.

End of Text
(California Test 112 contains 22 pages)

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FIGURE 1. Vented Standpipe Unit

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FIGURE 2. Indicator Unit

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FIGURE 3. Detail of Indicator Unit

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Figure 4. Settlement Indicator Device (Vented Type)

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FIGURE 5. Sealed Standpipe

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FIGURE 6. Settlement Indicator Device (Sealed Fluid Level Type)

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FIGURE 7. Settlement Data Report

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FIGURE 8. Pipe Riser Settlement Device

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FIGURE 9. Settlement Data Report

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FIGURE 10. Settlement Data Analysis

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FIGURE 11. Settlement Data Report (blank)

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