Critical Review of Eurocode 7 regarding monitoring rock masses by field instrumentation: devices and data analysis

Monitoring in field performances of rock masses is required and widespread in the engineering practice for both handmade structures (tunnels, cuttings, etc.) and natural sites (i.e. landslides). The presence of disconti-nuities and their role in displacement localization and hydrogeological anisotropy of the rock mass are the key element in order to define an appropriate monitoring program. The application of new nanotechnologies in the geotechnical and rock mechanic fields have increased the amount of acquired information both from the spatial and temporal point of view. Along with the awaited introduction in the EC7 of specific consideration regarding the rock mechanics characterization and failure criteria definition, it is desirable to propose specifi-cations regarding the field instrumentation monitoring devices and data analysis. A review of the rock masses key physical properties that should/can be monitored in the field, according to specific projects or aims is pre-sented, along with the state of the art of suitable field monitoring equipment. Some basic consideration on ap-propriate data analysis techniques are also discussed, in order to point out the need for a sound plausibility check of the monitoring results.