<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Gao (2004)<br>SHRP 2 Phase I Technology Assessment (2008)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Upon arrival of site equipment, an inspection should be performed and recorded in order to verify the quality and adherence to design specifications of the equipment. Over the duration of the project, the pumps and vacuums should be continuously monitored in order to ensure a continuous acceptable performance and efficiency.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>Confirming then monitoring the quality of the pumps and vacuums is a straight forward and highly accurate/precise process.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>Pump/vacuum monitoring can be performed relatively easily with regular site visits. The pumps and vacuums can be monitored simultaneously.</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Confirming and monitoring the quality of the pumps and vacuums is a straightforward process requiring minimal training or experience.</p><p><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>Inspecting the pumps and vacuums before they are installed is a critical step of ensuring a successful implementation of vacuum preloading to a site. Once installed, they must be continuously monitored in order to ensure they are properly functioning. If their efficiency were to drop, this would impede the consolidation of the soil, lengthening the duration of the project and increasing project costs. With continuous monitoring, any faulty pumps can be promptly replaced in order to keep the project on track.</p></p>