ABSTRACT
The paper discusses the use of embedment pressure cells to monitor the stresses in a concrete/shotcrete structure. The performance of the cells was firstly evaluated under controlled conditions in the laboratory and it is shown that under these ideal conditions the cells performed satisfactory. Secondly the cells’ performance was evaluated during an experiment simulating working conditions. A number of embedment cells were installed as part of the monitoring of a shotcrete tunnel lining. The results of the experiments, together with the results obtained from the cells installed as part of the monitoring of NATM tunnels are discussed in terms of the importance of installation details, factors affecting the measurements and the interpretation of the results. The investigation into the use of embedment cells shows that under the appropriate conditions, the monitoring of stresses can add valuable information to monitor the overall performance of a geotechnical structure.
