Module 3 : Field Tests in Rock

LECTURE 7
3.3

INSITU TESTS FOR DEFORMABILITY

Modulus of deformation is an essential parameter for the design of tunnels

underground chambers and related structures. In fact the deformability of the rock mass will
govern the strain conditions that develop around an excavation during its initial changes.
Therefore while designing a structure in or on rock mass, it is important to know the
deformability characteristic of the same: (a) to assess expected displacement during
excavation and subsequent monitoring to check stability and (b) to evaluate the correct design
of rock support measures that must be able to accommodate the expected deformation
without failure.

3.3.1

Plate Load Test

Deformability of rock mass is characterized by a modulus describing the relationship

between the applied load and the resulting deformation. Plate load test on rocks is for finding
the deformation modulus as rock mass usually doesnt behave elastically. A schematic
diagram for the test setup for the plate load test is shown in figure 3.11. Figure 3.12 shows
the reaction platform and dead weight for plate load arrangement where as Figure 3.13 shows
the hydraulic jack assembly with dial gages..

Figure 3.11: Schematic diagram of plate load test showing test set-up
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The following test equipment are needed for the test,

1. Dead loading platform made up of steel beams and loaded by concrete cube to
achieve reaction (shown in figure 7).
2. Hydraulic Jack assembly capable of applying and releasing the load increments and
capable of maintaining the desired pressure to within 2 percent of a selected value
throughout the duration of test
3. Pump with calibrated pressure gauge.
4. Circular bearing plates of sizes 600 mm, 450 mm and 300mm with thickness 30 mm.
5. Settlements need to be recorded with precise dial gauges having least count of atleast
0.01mm.

Figure 3.12: Reaction platform and dead weight for plate load arrangement
(Courtesy: AIMIL Ltd. New Delhi)

Deformation modulus (reloading) is estimated from loading response of last loading cycle.
Elastic modulus is estimated from last unloading cycle. Typical load-deformation response of
the rock is shown in figure 9. Modulus values are estimated based on Boussinesq solution for
a point load on infinite homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic material (IS7317:1993).
Equation is of the from,
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(1 m )
E=m
2

P
A

Where,
E = Elastic/deformation modulus in kg/cm2
m = 0.96 for circular plate and 0.95 for square plate
= Incremental displacement (deformation or settlement) of bearing plate in one
loading cycle in cm
P = Incremental applied load in kg
A = Area of test plate in cm2
= Poissons ratio of rock mass

Figure 3.13: Plate load test setup in a pit: Hydraulic Jack assembly with dial gages
(Courtesy: AIMIL Ltd. New Delhi)

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Module 3 : Field Tests in Rock

800
700
600

Load (KN)

500
400
300
200
100
0
0

0.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

Deformation (mm)

Figure 3.14: Load deformation curve from a plate load test for a regular rock

600

500

Load (KN)

400

300

200

100

0
0

10

12

Deformation (mm)

Figure 3.15: Load deformation curve from plate load test at shear zone

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3.3.2

Uniaxial Jacking Test

The test is conducted in drift in two directions (horizontal and vertical). Load is applied on
rigid plate in increments and displacement of plate and rock mass below the plate is measured
with multiple positions of borehole extensometers (MPBX) in reference to a base anchor.
Assuming rock mass homogeneous and semi-infinite, Boussinesq principle of stress
distribution under point load is applied. The observed displacements at various depths and
corresponding to the order of stress, values for modulus have been estimated. The test
methodology suggested by IS: 7317-1993 will be followed for determination of modulus of
deformation and elasticity. The salient aspects of these are given below.

Equipment & test set up:The following are main equipments used for Rigid Plate Loading Method
a. Test site preparation equipment: This will include excavation tools, such as drills and
chipping hammers.
b. Deformation Measuring Instrument: Hydraulic clamping multiple point borehole
extensometers and measuring equipment (Figure 3.18).
c. Loading Equipment: Hydraulic Jacks of applying load up to 150 tonnes and
maintaining within 3% of desired pressure with calibrated load gauge.

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Module 3 : Field Tests in Rock

Figure 3.16: Test setup for uniaxial jacking test in a drift

Figure 3.17: Horizontal Uniaxial jacking tests in a drift

(Courtesy: AIMIL Ltd. New Delhi)

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Module 3 : Field Tests in Rock

Figure 3.18: Vertical uniaxial jacking test and MPBX measurement

(Courtesy: AIMIL Ltd. New Delhi)

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Module 3 : Field Tests in Rock

Figure 3.19: Uniaxial jacking test setup showing MPBX location

Installation and testing:The test surface need to be prepared carefully such that causing minimal damage to
the finished rock surface and loose rock removed from test surface. Concrete pad of loading
plate size has to be prepared to get firm contact in between plate and rock. At center of test
surface drillhole of NX-76 mm required to be drilled and MPBX at different depths has to be
installed. The test need to be carried out after allowing sufficient time for setting of cement
mortar provided between the steel plates and prepared rock faces. The rigid plate has to be
loaded in minimum of six increment-decrement cycles and corresponding deformation is
recorded. Data observed during the test is entered in standard data sheet for estimation of
modulus.
Calculations
From observed load vs. deformations for various depths deformation modulus, reloading
modulus and elastic modulus of rock mass at various depths will be estimated assuming an
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appropriate value of poisons ratio based on the complimentary inputs from Lab based
examination.
For a uniformly distributed pressure on a circular area having a central hole, the displacement
at any point beneath the center of the area is expressed as follows,

Where,
= Displacement in the direction of the applied pressure at point of interest
Z= Distance of point of interest from the loaded surface
= Pressure or stress at loaded surface
R 1 , R 2 = Inner and outer radius of plate
m = Poissons ratio of the rock mass (assumed 0.25)
E d = Modulus of deformation
By using the above equation, the displacement at a given depth (1 and 2 say) may be
expressed as ,

So the deformation modulus of the rock mass in between point 1 and 2 is expressed as,

where,

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