Monitoring of strut force in excavation for bridge pier using vibrating wire strain gauge

This paper employs vibrating wire strain gauge in the investigation of lateral movement of water and soil supported by sheet pile wall with eight horizontal struts. The struts were installed at the corners of two different levels of excavation. The forces in all the eight struts were estimated from frequency reading taken in every five seconds over a period of six months. Different patterns of strut force variation and lateral soil movement were observed with time passed and the panel temperature. The variation in strut forces at a given level demonstrates the importance of continuous monitoring of excavation using such an advanced technology. The outcome of this study will encourage the practicing engineers to employ monitoring devices to ensure safety at the construction site.