Professional Certificate of Competency in Geotechnical Monitoring and Structural Instrumentation

Course Duration
Duration
  • 3 Months
Course Study
Study Mode
  • Online
Course Location
Location
  • Online
Course Code
Course Code
CGM
Course Intakes
Intakes
  • 19 August 2025
Course Type
Course Type
  • Professional Certificate
  • Civil Engineering
  • UK
Course Fees
Fees

Course Overview

The land on which structures are built exhibits variations in its load-bearing characteristics, necessitating testing for long-term performance. Therefore, the science of geotechnical studies has assumed great importance in evaluating actual versus designed performance.

This course introduces instruments and methods used in geotechnical analysis, discusses the processing, presentation, and interpretation of monitoring data, procedures for forensic geotechnical investigation, and techniques for ground improvement through case studies. It also explores the usage of these instruments in studying the behavior of structural elements.

Course Benefits

  • Explore the full range of instruments used to monitor various types of construction,
  • Learn the application of instruments for geotechnical and structural monitoring.
  • Enhance the student’s capability on the stability of the design vis-a-vis the ground conditions on which the construction is taking place.
  • You may be eligible to claim CPD points through your local engineering association.
  • Receive a Certificate of Completion from EIT.
  • Learn from well-known faculty and industry experts from around the globe.
  • Flexibility of attending anytime from anywhere, even when you are working full-time.
  • Interact with industry experts during the webinars and get the latest updates/announcements on the subject.
  • Experience global learning with students from various backgrounds and experience which is a great networking opportunity.

After completing this course, you will be able to

  • Recommend suitable instruments and methods used for different types of geotechnical investigations.
  • Recommend suitable instruments and methods used for varies structure health monitoring of load, strain, strain, etc.
  • Process, present and interpret of monitoring data.
  • Foresee the required parameters in geotechnical monitoring and required action for improvement of the ground.

Course Details

The course is composed of 12 modules.

Module 1: Introduction to Geotechnical Monitoring and Structural Instrumentiaon
· Need for geotechnical monitoring and Structural Instrumentiaon
· Different site conditions
· Grading of earthwork
· Vibrations and its effects on structures
· Common failures
· Implications and applications of geotechnical monitoring and structural instrumentation
Module 2: Geotechnical Investigation – Part I
· Introduction
· Planning of investigation programme
· Methods of site investigation
· Field identification of soils and rocks properties
· Sampling techniques, preservation and transportation of samples to laboratory
Module 3: Geotechnical Investigation – Part II
· Standard penetration test and interpretation
· Cone penetration test and interpretation
· Pressuremeter test
· Dilatometer and Goodman Jack
· Laboratory testing and analysis
Module 4: Geotechnical Instrumentation
· Introduction to transducers
· Sensor technology
· Types of geotechnical and structural instruments
· Calibration methods
· Data acquisition systems (Read out units and dataloggers)
· Data processing and software
Module 5: In situ Geotechnical Testing
· Purpose of in situ testing
· Plate load test
· Borehole shear test
· Emerging technologies
· Rock tests
· Field Vane Shear test
Module 6: Instruments for Monitoring Deformation
· Surveying methods
· Probe extensometers
· Fixed borehole extensometer
· Tiltmeters
· Inclinometers
· Global positioning system
Module 7: Instruments for Monitoring Groundwater Pressure
· Observation wells
· Open standpipe piezometers
· Vibrating wire piezometers
· Pneumatic piezometers
Module 8: Instruments for Monitoring Load and Strain in Structural Members
· Load cells
· Different types of load cells
· Surface-mounted strain gauges
· Embedment strain gauges
Module 9: Instruments for monitoring total stress
· Embedment earth pressure cells
· Need for earth pressure cells
· Types of earth pressure cells
Module 10: Processing, Presentation and Interpretation of Monitoring Data
· Case studies
Module 11: Forensic Geotechnical Engineering
· Introduction
· Procedure of forensic geotechnical investigation
· Case examples
Module 12: Ground Improvement Techniques
· Thermal stabilization
· Heating
· Ground freezing
· Bioengineering treatment
· Plantation and vegetation growth
· Phytoremediation
· Microbial geotechnology
· Geopolymerization

The instructor for this course is yet to be determined.

Learn about our instructors.

To obtain a certificate of completion for EIT’s Professional Certificate of Competency, students must achieve a 65% attendance rate at the live, online fortnightly webinars.  Detailed summaries/notes can be submitted in lieu of attendance.  In addition, students must obtain a mark of 60% in the set assignments which could take the form of written assignments and practical assignments. Students must also obtain a mark of 100% in quizzes.  If a student does not achieve the required score, they will be given an opportunity to resubmit the assignment to obtain the required score.

For full current fees in your country go to the drop down filter at the top of this page or visit the Fees page.

Payment Methods

Learn more about payment methods, including payment terms & conditions and additional non-tuition fees.

You are expected to spend approximately 5-8 hours per week learning the course content. This includes attending fortnightly webinars that run for about 90 minutes to facilitate class discussion and allow you to ask questions. This program has a 65% attendance requirement in the live webinars in order to graduate from the program.  If you are unable to attend the live webinars, you have the option of watching the recording of completed webinars and sending a summary of what you have learnt from the webinar to the Learning Support officer.  The summaries go towards your attendance requirement for the program.

This program is run online on an intensive part-time basis and has been designed to fit around full-time work. It will take three months to complete.

We understand that sometimes work commitments and personal circumstances can get in the way of your studies, so if at any point you feel that you are struggling with the pace of the course or finding a particular module challenging, you are encouraged to contact your designated Learning Support Officer for assistance.

Registrations are open for our upcoming intakes. Please ensure you book your place at least one week before the start date of the program.

Hear from our students

  The delivery methodology and the information available in the e-library can’t be beaten. The other important aspect of online education is recorded lectures. You can review the tutorial and lessons on repeat when you need to understand the concept.  
M Masemola, South Africa
  What I liked most about the course and EIT is the flexibility is offered regarding education. It gave me the opportunity to study and work full-time.  
C Groenewald, South Africa
  I enjoyed interacting with students all around the world, and seeing how the principles I have learned applies to them as well.  
S Zeelie, South Africa
  My line of work requires me travel quite often. I could not attend every class due to my remote locations, but still I could recap and stay on top of the study material thanks to the recordings. Also, all the Instructors were world class.  
P Pretorius, South Africa

Choose Your Next Step

Tick the box that applies to you:

Helpful Information

Why EIT?

We are one of the only institutes in the world specializing in engineering.

Industry Orientated Programs Icon Industry-Oriented Programs
Australian Accredited Icon World-Class Australian Accredited Education
Leaders in Industry Icon Industry Experienced Lecturers
Technology Careers Unique Delivery Model
Engineering Institute of Technology