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Chapter 6 — Systematic Approach to Planning Monitoring Programs

6.1 Introduction

Planning is the hub of a successful monitoring program. The FHWA manual organizes it as a disciplined sequence of steps, each of which is a link in the chain of 31 (21 planning + 10 execution). Skipping a step weakens the chain. The process begins with a definition of the objective and ends only when the data are implemented — that is, used to make a decision.

The planning steps below correspond to Table 1-1 of the manual.

6.2 The 21 planning steps (Phase I)

  1. Define the project conditions — geometry, stratigraphy, groundwater, loading, and construction sequence.
  2. Predict mechanisms that control behavior — what physical processes will govern the response (e.g., consolidation, shear, seepage)?
  3. Define the geotechnical questions that need to be answered — the questions drive everything that follows.
  4. Define the purpose of the instrumentation — what decision will the data inform?
  5. Select the parameters to be monitored — the quantities that answer the questions.
  6. Predict magnitudes of change — expected values set the required range, resolution, and accuracy.
  7. Devise remedial action — decide in advance what will be done if thresholds are exceeded.
  8. Assign tasks — for design, construction, and operation phases; use a task assignment chart.
  9. Select instruments — matched to parameter, range, and ground conditions.
  10. Select instrument locations — where the measurement best answers the question.
  11. Plan recording of factors that may influence measured data — weather, construction activity, load, temperature.
  12. Establish procedures for ensuring reading correctness — calibration, checks, and cross-checks.
  13. List the specific purpose of each instrument — the golden rule, written down.
  14. Prepare a budget.
  15. Prepare the instrumentation system design report.
  16. Write instrument procurement specifications.
  17. Plan installation.
  18. Plan regular calibration and maintenance.
  19. Plan data collection, processing, presentation, interpretation, reporting, and implementation.
  20. Write specifications for field instrumentation services.
  21. Update the budget.

6.3 The 10 execution steps (Phase II)

  1. Procure instruments.
  2. Perform pre-installation acceptance tests.
  3. Install instruments.
  4. Perform post-installation acceptance tests.
  5. Calibrate and maintain instruments.
  6. Collect data.
  7. Process and present data.
  8. Interpret data.
  9. Report conclusions.
  10. Implement — act on the conclusions.

Figure: fhwa-planning-workflow

Figure. The systematic planning workflow: define conditions → predict mechanisms → define questions → select parameters → select instruments and locations → budget and specify → install → collect, process, interpret, and implement (after FHWA-HI-98-034, Ch. 6).

6.4 Specifications and contracting

Procurement is part of planning, not an afterthought. The manual gives contents for:

  • Low-bid specifications for procurement of instrumentation materials.
  • Low-bid specifications for field instrumentation services.
  • Possible unit-price payment items.

Clear specifications — covering calibration, acceptance testing, installation tolerances, and documentation — are what make the difference between a system that works and one that quietly fails.

6.5 The golden rule, applied

At Step 13, every instrument must have a written, specific purpose. This is the golden rule of Chapter 1 turned into a planning deliverable: if you cannot write the question the instrument answers, delete the instrument.

6.6 Key takeaways

  • Planning is a sequence of 21 steps; execution adds 10 more.
  • Questions come first — parameters, instruments, and locations all follow.
  • Predict magnitudes to set the required range and resolution.
  • Decide the remedial action before you need it.
  • Specifications and budgets are part of planning.
  • Write down the purpose of every instrument — no question, no instrument.