Earthen material integrity sensing device

A sensing device for indicating movement of earthen material adjacent a structure, comprising:

• a tubular frame including a top end and a bottom end;
• an anchor configured to suspend the frame from the structure with the bottom end oriented toward the earthen material;
• an actuator releasably mounted on the bottom end of the tubular frame, spanning the bottom end and configured to rest against and be supported by the earthen material;
• wherein the actuator is movable in response to movement of the earthen material relative to the structure from an inoperative position engaging and spanning the bottom end of the tubular frame to an operative position spaced from the inoperative position;
• a signaling device mounted within the tubular frame and connected to the actuator;
• wherein the signaling device is responsive to movement of the actuator to the operative position to produce a signal indicating movement of the earthen material relative to the structure;
• and
• a retainer releasably securing the actuator to the tubular frame.

A process for indicating movement of earthen material relative to a structure supported by the earthen material, comprising the steps of:

• attaching an anchor to the structure;
• supporting an earthen material integrity sensing device from the anchor, the sensing device comprised of a frame with an actuator on the frame resting against the earthen material and wherein the actuator is movable between an inoperative position and an operative position in response to movement of the earthen material relative to the structure, and wherein the sensing device includes a signaling device connected to the actuator;
• releasing a retainer that normally holds the actuator to the frame in the inoperative position, thereby allowing the actuator to move to the operative position upon movement of the earthen material;
• and
• said signaling device responding to movement of the actuator to the operative position to produce a signal indicating movement of the earthen material relative to the structure.