Deformation Monitoring & Scan-Based Movement Surveys

Deformation monitoring is the repeated, precise measurement of a structure or slope over time to detect and quantify movement. With scan-based monitoring, we capture full surface geometry on each visit and compare epochs — so the entire building, retaining wall, slope, or excavation face is compared, not just a handful of prism points. This is especially useful for adjacent-property monitoring, historic structures, slope stability, and litigation-sensitive sites.

Excavation, shoring, dewatering, and adjacent construction can move neighboring buildings, retaining walls, and slopes. Establishing a scan-based baseline before work begins and re-measuring at intervals provides early warning of movement and creates a defensible record for liability protection.

Frequency depends on the project and risk level. During active excavation and shoring, weekly or bi-weekly monitoring is common. Long-term post-construction monitoring may be monthly or quarterly, with action thresholds defined up front.

Conventional control points are measured to approximately 0.01 foot (3mm). Scan-based deformation comparison resolves surface change at a few millimeters across the full structure or slope, which is sufficient to detect subtle deformation patterns before they become visible failures.