Earth pressure cells (or total pressure cells) are used to monitor total pressure in earthfill dams and embankments or placed at the interface between the structure and the wall of excavation. Earth pressure cells are constructed from two stainless steel plates, welded together around their pheriphery. The anular space between these plates is filled under vacuum by deaired oil. Pressure pad is connected by means of a stainless steel tube to the transducer forming a closed hydraulic system. An electrical signal proportional to the applied pressure may be remotely read on a variety of portable readout units or dataloggers.