Innovative groundwater table monitoring using TDR technology

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative and economically convenient measurement system that is based on a novelty method of installation, operation and remote control technology for ground watertable measurement. The technology is based on TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) that employ a unique hollow coaxial cable. Installation is performed by CPT/DP penetration testing equipment, which in its nature, is relatively light, versatile, operative, and is not demanding of manpower or machinery. This method brings benefit to currently unreachable sites ex. steep slopes, places with little or no road access, option for setting up additional probes on existing structures etc., as the method doesn't require conventionally truck-mounted drilling rigs. Electronic origin of measurement offer the possibility of probe networking, remote sensing, automatic data acquisition and evaluation through developed software. Proposed measurement system has been laboratory tested, calibrated and installed on various sites over past 6 years in Slovak republic.