BS EN ISO 18674-4:2020

What is ISO 18674-4 about?

ISO 18674-4 is the fourth part of the multi-part series on geotechnical investigation and testing, that is applicable for geotechnical monitoring by field instrumentation.

ISO 18674-4 specifies the measurement of pore water pressures and piezometric levels in the saturated ground by means of piezometers installed for geotechnical monitoring.

ISO 18674-4 is applicable to:

• Monitoring of water pressures acting on and in geotechnical structures (e.g. quay walls, dikes, excavation walls, foundations, dams, tunnels, slopes, embankments, etc.)
• Monitoring of consolidation processes of soil and fill (e.g. beneath foundations and in embankments)
• Evaluating stability and serviceability of geotechnical structures
• Checking geotechnical designs in connection with the Observational Design procedure

Who is ISO 18674-4 for?

ISO 18674-4 on measurement of pore water pressures with piezometers is useful for:

• Geotechnical engineers
• Geotechnical consultants
• Soil testing companies
• Manufacturers of piezometers
• Contractors
• Civil engineers
• Regulatory bodies

Why should you use ISO 18674-4?

Piezometers is a field instrument system for measuring pore water pressure or piezometric level where the measuring point is confined within the ground or geotechnical fill so that the measurement responds to the fluid pressure around the measuring zone/point and not to fluid pressures at other elevations.

Through the accurate measurement of pore-water pressures and piezometric levels in compliance with ISO 18674-4, you can effectively distinguish between the soil’s total stress from its effective stress.

If you are a geotechnical engineer, this is particularly important for field calculations and assessment of soil, to prevent total failure of the load bearing capacity of the soil. Ultimately, the structural integrity for your specific engineering needs can be maintained.