This unique and up-to-date book deals with the conceptual philosophy behind the use of instruments, and then systematically covers their practical use. It is divided into displacement dominated systems and stress recording systems. The limitations are discussed and the theoretical background for data assessment and presentation are covered in some detail, with some relevant background material in theoretical soil mechanics. Relevant advanced electronic techniques such as laser scanning in surveying and fibre-optics are also included and communication and data recovery systems are discussed.

This book is written for senior designers, consulting engineers, and major contractors who need a major introduction to the general purpose, availability, and analysis of field instruments before details of their own project can be progressed, and it serves as a textbook to any specialist geotechnical MSc or professional seminar course in which instrumentation forms a major part.