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Busan, 617-814, South Korea
Tel : +82-51-301-5069
Fax : +82-51-302-5069
geogage@geogage.com
http://www.geogage.com

Vibrating Wire NATM Pressure Cell

Model NC5000, NC5001

Copyright © 2013 by Geogage. All Rights Reserved

No part of this instruction manual may be reproduced, by any means, without the written consent of Geogage.

This equipment should be installed, maintained, and operated by technically qualified personnel. Any errors or omissions in data, or
the interpretation of data, are not the responsibility of Geogage. The information herein is subject to change without notification.
1. Introduction

The Vibrating Wire NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method) Pressure Cell, NC5000, is designed to
measure radial and tangential stress in shotcrete, concrete, and rock in tunnel linings.

1-1. Features

1-2. Get Ready

Test the Gage to check whether it is properly worked or not before installing it. The zero reading
should be checked and noted.

1-3. Specification
Type : Vibrating Wire
Range : 10, 20, 30, 50, 300kgf/cm2 (Others on demands)
Over range capacity : 150% F.S.
Resolution : 0.025% F.S.
Accuracy : ±0.1% F.S.
Linearity : <0.5% F.S.
Temperature range : -20°C ~ -80°C
Material : Stainless steel
Dimension : 250x150x6mm (NC5000)
200x100x6mm (NC5001)
2. Gage Installation

2-1. Preliminary Tests

Please test each sensor before installing it. This preliminary test is strongly recommended to check
the difference between before and after installing. After connecting a Readout, please check and note
the zero reading.

2-2. Install NATM Pressure Cell (Radial : NC5000)

Please place the NATM Pressure Cell on the position where it should be installed. Install nails, pins, or
rebar to the Cell location. With a quick setting mortar pad, place the Cell onto the surface of the
tunnel wall. Press onto the pad causing the mortar to extrude sideways thus eliminating any air
bubbles or spaces between the Cell and the ground. The cable is firmly fixed to other pieces of rebar
or to the reinforcing mesh, of one is used. Also, protect the end of pinch tube for the connection to
Hydraulic Pump if in case.

2-3. Install NATM Pressure Cell (Tangential : NC5001)

Please place the NATM Pressure Cell on the position where it should be installed. Tie to the rebars
with soft iron wire not to move the Cell. The cable is firmly fixed to other pieces of rebar or to the
reinforcing mesh, of one is used. Also, protect the end of pinch tube for the connection to Hydraulic
Pump if in case.

2-4. Re-Pressurization (Initial Readings)

Before shotcreting, take initial pressure and temperature reading.
During concrete curing, temperatures often rise and will cause the Cell to expand in the concrete.
Then, a space between the Cell and the concrete may exist. So, re-pressurization will be required.
When concrete had cured and cooled, the pressure is applied with the Hydraulic Pump.

2-4-1. Connect the cable of the Cell to the Readout.

2-4-2. Connect the end of pinch tube to the Hydraulic Pump.
2-4-3. Stop pinching as soon as the pressure starts to rise rapidly.
3. Taking Readings

1. Choose the Mode B of the Readout.

2. Connect sensor signal cables to the Readout.
3. Record the reading.

3-1. Connecting Cables

Reading Sensor Readout Description
V.W. Red Red Ground
V.W. Black Black
Temperature White White
Temperature Green Green

4. Data Reduction

4-1. Pressure Calculation

Use the following equation to calculate pressure.

P = (R1 – R0) x G + (T1 – T0) x T.F

P : Pressure
R0 : Initial Reading
R1 : Current Reading
G : Gage Factor (Provided on Calibration report)
T0 : Initial Temperature
T1 : Current Temperature
T.F : Thermal Factor (Provided on Calibration report)
5. Maintenance

5-1. Sensor Handling

Do NOT TWIST or pull hard the cable at the ends of the sensor. This may cause lose connection. If
losing connection, the Gage doesn’t work.

5-2. Direct Sunlight and Rapid Changes in Ambient Temperature

Shield Gages from direct sunlight. If sunlight is allowed to impinge directly onto the gage, then this
could elevate the temperature of the wire above the surrounding steel and cause large changes. Also,
avoid rapid changes in ambient temperature.

5-3. Cable and Connector

The cable should be protected from accidental damage by moving equipments or fly rock. This is
best done by putting the cable inside flex-conduit and by positioning the conduit in as safe a place
as possible.