rod settlement gauge

The terms overlap, but a rod settlement gauge usually implies a rigid access pipe that moves with the ground, while an extensometer might use a fixed reference rod. In practice, our probes work with either configuration as long as magnets can slide or stay put relative to the pipe. Tell us your reference point – bottom anchor, top reference plate, or borehole collar – and we can supply the correct accessories.

A few degrees off vertical is fine, but beyond 10–15° the probe may not fall freely under gravity. For inclined holes, we offer a wheeled probe carrier that glides inside the pipe pushed by rods. Contact our team with the inclination and depth so we can check friction and cable wear.

Repeat readings on the same magnet by an experienced operator often agree within 0.5 mm if the cable is kept taut and speed is consistent. Absolute accuracy is limited by cable stretch, thermal expansion, and anchor grout movement, but for monitoring relative settlement trends this is sufficient. We provide a calibration certificate with each reel.

Rinse the probe and cable with fresh water after each survey, especially in saline or grout-contaminated boreholes. Check the cable jacket for cuts and the connector O-rings for dirt. Every six months, verify the depth readings against a known reference to catch any reel axis slack. Kingmach repair kits are available for minor connector replacements.

Our readout works with industry-standard reed switch or Hall effect probes using a two-wire circuit. Pinout and sensitivity thresholds can be adjusted via the menu. If you have an older probe from another brand, let us know the make and we can advise or supply an adapter cable.