From manual settlement monitoring to automated geotechnical insights

Settlement rod monitoring is widely used in geotechnical and earthworks projects to track ground behavior during and after filling operations. However, traditional approaches are still largely manual, delayed, and dependent on expert interpretation.

In practice, this leads to:

• Time-consuming manual measurement rounds
• Data availability only after days
• Reliance on specialist interpretation
• Delayed geotechnical assessment for planning
• Uncertainty about stabilization status

Result: slower decision-making, reduced planning certainty, and reactive project execution.

Automated settlement rod monitoring with Locator One changes this model.

By combining GNSS and radar technology directly mounted on the settlement rod, Locator One enables continuous geotechnical monitoring of settlement, fill layers, and displacement, supporting real-time interpretation and project planning.

It provides insight into:

• Settlement of original ground level
• Thickness of applied fill layers
• XY displacement and tilt behavior
• Stabilization trends over time
• Abnormal behavior and disturbances

With up to 5 mm vertical accuracy under suitable conditions, Locator One delivers more than measurement, it provides accurate monitoring insights via Parvamoti or API integration.

5 Key Points to Maximize Settlement Rod Monitoring with Locator One

1. Define project phases and stabilization thresholds upfront

Set clear definitions before monitoring starts.

• Define construction phases in advance
• Define stabilization thresholds (e.g. allowable settlement limits)

This ensures settlement monitoring data directly supports phase validation and execution control.

Result: Measurement data becomes a confirmation mechanism for project progress, not just a reporting tool.

2. Use daily automated monitoring and alerts

Continuous monitoring replaces intermittent manual readings.

• Enable daily settlement data collection
• Configure alerts for abnormal behavior or threshold exceedance. For example: a maximum 1 cm settlement over 30 days triggers an alert

Result: Early detection of deviations enables faster operational response and reduces delayed reactions.

3. Plan fill layers based on trend data, not time intervals

Do not rely on calendar-based execution cycles.

• Use settlement trends to determine readiness for next fill layer
• Monitor stabilization development in real time

Result: Fill layer planning becomes data-driven, reducing unnecessary waiting time and improving project efficiency.

4. Configure rod setup and processing correctly from the start

Correct configuration ensures reliable measurement integrity.

• Extend settlement rods up to 4 meters for multi-layer fill projects
• Apply tilt correction logic in data processing
• Use extension and offset handling via Parvamoti configuration
• Utilize XY data to detect tilt, impact or displacement

Result: Higher data reliability and safer working conditions through the reduced need for manual site inspections.

5. Turn monitoring data into operational decision input

Settlement monitoring is only valuable when it drives decisions.

Locator One enables insight into:

• Daily settlement behavior
• Total settlement development
• Stabilization progression
• Fill layer thickness validation
• Detection of abnormal movement patterns

Use this data to:

• Plan next fill layers
• Assess remaining stabilization time
• Identify anomalies early
• Reduce unnecessary waiting time
• Document execution decisions with evidence

Result: Shift from reactive measurement to informed project steering.

Conclusion: From measurement to data driven decision making

Automated settlement rod monitoring with Locator One transforms how construction and geotechnical teams manage earthworks.

Instead of delayed manual readings, teams gain continuous insight into settlement behavior, fill layer development, and stabilization trends, enabling faster, evidence-based decisions.

This reduces uncertainty, improves execution control, and increases efficiency across project phases.

Would you like to learn more from our experts:

Join our upcoming webinar with our CEO, Martijn Arkesteijn and International Partner Manager, Koen van Dillen:

Automating Settlement Rod Monitoring with Basetime
📅 June 24, 19:00 CEST

Register your spot here: https://basetime.webinargeek.com/automating-settlement-rod-monitoring-with-basetime

Or explore more about settlement rod monitoring at Basetime, or contact us directly: sales@basetime.nl