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USERS’ MANUAL

TAPE EXTENSOMETER
MODEL EDS-80

Doc. # WI 6002.25 R04 | Oct 2020

ENCARDIO-RITE ELECTRONICS PVT. LTD.

A-7, Industrial Estate, Talkatora Road Lucknow, UP - 226011, India | P: +91 522 2661039-42 | Email: geotech@encardio.com | www.encardio.com
International: UAE | Qatar | Bahrain | Bhutan | Morocco | Europe | UK | USA
India: Lucknow | Delhi | Kolkata | Mumbai | Chennai | Bangalore | Hyderabad | J&K
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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

Contents
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Features 1
1.2 Applications 1
1.3 Conventions used in this manual 1
1.4 How to use this manual 2

2 T AP E E X T E N S O M E T E R 3
2.1 Operating principle 3
2.2 General description 3
2.3 Digital display 4
2.4 Ancillary equipment 4

3 O P E R AT I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S 5
3.1 Initial reading 5
3.2 Subsequent readings 6
3.3 Replacing battery 6
3.3.1 Error symptoms and remedies 6
3.4 Checking of correct alignment of axis of tape extensometer 8
3.5 Replacing tape measure 8

4 O B S E R V AT I O N S H E E T 10
4.1 Frequency of observation 11

5 WARRANTY 12

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

1 I NTRO DUCTI O N

The Encardio-rite tape extensometer is a precision instrument designed to help civil engineers and
geologists in measurement of deformation of rock mass and the adjacent or surrounding soil. It is used for
measurement of change in distance between two points on a structure or excavation. Together with anchor
bolt load cells and borehole extensometers, it is an essential piece of equipment for investigation and
monitoring of foundations, slopes & embankments and for studying the behavior of rock around under
ground cavities, tunnels and mines. These instrument form an important part in investigations during
tunneling, especially the New Austrian Method of Tunneling (NATM).

NOTE: The tape extensometer is designed to measure change in distance between two points. It is
not meant for measuring actual distance between two points.

1.1 Features

 Rugged, compact, and cost effective.

 Light weight, portable and reliable.

 Measures changes in the range of 1 m to 30 m (longer tape measure available on request).

 Heavy duty engineering steel tape.

 Large serrated knob for easy tension adjustment.

 Rapid and accurate measurement can be made with tape extended in any direction.

1.2 Applications

Measurement of displacement by tape extensometer is done for one of the following purposes:

 Monitoring closure between opposite walls or between roof and floor in excavations, tunnels or mine
openings.

 To determine how roof or wall of a mine, under ground cavity or tunnel behaves during excavation
operation.

 To study effectiveness of roof or wall support system of a mine, underground cavity or tunnel.

 To predict potential roof or wall falls before they actually occur. Roof or wall falls in underground
cavities are almost invariably preceded by measurable sags as strata opens up. The movement usually
occurs at an increasing rate as fall conditions are approached. Unsuspected roof and wall falls may
result in serious accidents and may require costly patch-up and repair operation.

 Monitoring deformation in structures and supports and for measuring movement of unstable slopes.

 Monitoring and control of construction by the ‘New Austrian Tunneling Method’ (NATM).

1.3 Conventions used in this manual

WARNING! Warning messages calls attention to a procedure or practice, that if not properly followed
could possibly cause personal injury.

CAUTION: Caution messages calls attention to a procedure or practice, that if not properly followed may
result in loss of data or damage to equipment.

NOTE: Note contains important information and is set off from regular text to draw the users’
attention.

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

1.4 How to use this manual

This users’ manual is intended to provide sufficient information for making optimum use of tape
extensometer in various applications.

To make this manual more useful we invite valuable comments and suggestions regarding any addition or
enhancement. We also request to please let us know of any errors that are found while going through the
manual.

NOTE: The installation personnel must have a background of good installation practices and
knowledge of the fundamentals of geotechnics. Novices may find it very difficult to carry on
installation work. Intricacies involved in installation are such that even if a single essential but
apparently minor requirement is ignored or overlooked, the most reliable of instruments will be
rendered useless.

A lot of effort has been made in preparing this instruction manual. However the best of
instruction manuals cannot provide for each and every condition in the field, which may affect
the performance of the instrument. Also, blindly following the instruction manual will not
guarantee success. Sometimes, depending upon field conditions, the installation personnel
will have to consciously depart from the written text and use their knowledge and common
sense to find solution to a particular problem.

This manual is divided into a number of sections. Each section containing a specific type of information.
The list given below tells you where to look for in this manual if you need some specific information. It is
however recommended that you read the manual from the beginning to the end to get a thorough grasp of
the subject. You will find lots of unexpected information in the sections you feel you may skip.

For features of tape extensometer manufactured by Encardio-rite: See § 1.1 ‘Features’.

For applications of tape extensometer manufactured by Encardio-rite: See § 1.2 ‘Applications’.

For operating principle of tape extensometer: See § 2.1 ‘Operating principle’.

For general description of tape extensometer: See § 2.2 ‘General description’.

For accessories required: See § 2.4 ‘Ancillary equipment’.

For operating instructions on tape extensometer: See § 3.0 ‘Operating instructions’.

For replacing battery: See § 3.3 ‘Replacing battery’.

For replacing tape measure: See § 3.4 ‘Replacing tape’.

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

2 TAP E E X TE NS O M E TE R

2.1 Operating principle

The tape extensometer measures displacement that takes place with time between reference anchors fixed
in an excavation or structure. It is designed to accurately measure small change in distance between two
points that may be from 1 m to 30 m (3 ft to 100 ft) apart. It is light in weight, portable and rugged
instrument of great reliability. It can be used in any orientation. (In case tape extensometer ordered is in
British units, refer to figures in bracket).

2.2 General description

Tape extensometer essentially consists of a steel tape, a tape tensioning arrangement with a tension spring
and a tension adjustment knob, a small digital readout and two attachment hooks or stainless steel
shackles, which allow the tape to be stretched between two anchor points (refer to figure 1). The built-in
tension spring and an indexing mark allow the tape to be tensioned at a constant value for each
measurement. This permits measurement to be made with a minimum of sag (which is repeatable) over a
variety of distances in the horizontal, inclined or vertical directions. The measuring tape (3) is precision
punched with holes at a progressive distance of around 12.5 mm (½”)

Encardio-rite tape extensometer has an epoxy coated aluminium body (1) for housing the digital display.
Display is a 5 digit LCD that works on a 1.5 V silver oxide (SR 44) button cell with a power on off switch.
Position of hole is taken from graduation on steel measuring tape. After tension adjustment, a reading is
observed on digital display that has a resolution of 0.01 mm (0.001”). Reading on tape is only a reference
reading and is not used in determining the change in distance between the two anchor points.

CAUTION: Please switch off display after reading has been taken. In case display is not switched off
before storage, it may result in the battery getting completely discharged. If this happens and
the battery leaks, the tape extensometer may get permanently damaged.

For taking readings of any displacement that may have taken place, the stainless steel shackle (4) at the
end of the steel tape, is hooked to an anchor point (5) grouted in the structure or the excavation (refer to
figure 1). The tape is then allowed to unreel allowing the shackle on the other end to be hooked to the
second anchorage point. The slack is taken out of the tape and coarse tension adjustment is accomplished
by engaging a pin of the extensometer in one of the spaced punched holes in the steel tape. The holes are
spaced at regular intervals along the entire length of the tape. Fine tension adjustment is achieved by
rotating a serrated aluminum adjustment knob that shortens the overall length of the device until two index
marks provided on the extensometer coincide. At this point the tape is held at a standard tension by means
of a spring inside the extensometer housing. A precision digital readout measures this fine adjustment
reading, with the tape held under a constant repeatable force. The difference from the original recorded
reading on the digital display gives the change in distance between the two anchorage points.

NOTE: The reading on the tape where the pin engages the punched hole in the steel tape is only
used as a reference for taking future readings. For determining change in distance at any
given time, only the reading on the digital readout is compared with the initial reading, for the
same punched hole being engaged on the pin.

The tape extensometer is not a distance measuring instrument. It only measures change in distance
between two points. Never add the reading on the tape to the digital reading to get the correct
distance between the two points. This will give you wrong results.

Please also read ‘NOTE” after § 3.2.1.

Measurements if properly taken and by an experienced person, are repeatable to within ± 0.125 mm
(0.005”). For maximum accuracy, it is recommended that the same instrument be used for each project. To

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

check the zero stability and accuracy of the tape extensometer, a calibration frame must be used. The
Encardio-rite calibration frame for the tape extensometer has an anchor distance of around one meter. The
calibration should always be done at the same temperature in a temperature controlled room. Before taking
a calibration reading, sufficient time should be allowed for the temperature of the instrument and the
calibration frame to stabilize. In case a temperature controlled room is not available, temperature
correlation of the tape extensometer with the calibration frame must be determined and a record of this
maintained for future reference. It is always advisable to maintain a record of the temperature and correct
the zero stability readings accordingly.

As a recommended practice, it is always advisable to measure and log the temperature at the time of
taking the actual readings between the anchor points on the structure or the excavation.

2.3 Digital display

The specifications of the digital display are as follows:

Resolution 0.01 mm/0.0005”

Accuracy 0.02 mm/0.0001”

Repeatability 0.01 mm/0.0005”

Power SR44 (silver oxide cell) 1 piece

Battery life 3 years under normal operation

Operating temperature 0oC to 40oC

Storage temperature -10oC to 60oC

NOTE: Please note that the above specifications are for the digital display only and not for the
complete equipment.

CAUTION: If the tape extensometer is not be used for more than three months, remove the battery from
the LCD compartment and store it properly. Otherwise, liquid may leak from the battery and
damage the tape extensometer.

NOTE: The digital display reads in metric units. Sometimes, it may be necessary to change the
display from metric units to British units in the field. In such a case, remove the LCD
compartment lid by unscrewing the eight M2 x 12 screws. Change the display units by
operating the display change pin.

2.4 Ancillary equipment

The following ancillary equipment if separately ordered, is available for use with the tape extensometer:

 Reference frame

 Replacement tape measure

 Groutable anchors

 Flashlight

 Thermometer

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

3 O P E RATI NG I NS TRUCTI O NS

3.1 Initial reading

3.1.1 Record the reference location, temperature and date at the time of taking initial reading in the
‘Observation Chart’ (§ 4). Let the temperature of the extensometer stabilize with the location for
about half an hour before taking the reading.

3.1.2 Press the pin on the digital readout of the LCD to display a reading.

3.1.3 Unscrew the extensometer serrated knob (2) to adjust the reading to approximately 000.00
(00.000).

3.1.4 Hook the shackle (4) at the end of measuring tape to the eyebolt on the anchor (5) at one side of
the rock face, cavity or tunnel wall (refer to figure 1).

3.1.5 Carefully transport the extensometer to the other anchorage point, allowing the punched tape to
unreel, until the shackle on the extensometer body can be hooked on to the opposite eyebolt. Take
care that the holes in the tape measure (3) do not get entangled in the pin (9).

CAUTION: Take care that the holes in the tape measure (3) do not get entangled in the pin (9) during
winding or unwinding of the tape reel. This may damage the tape extensometer.

3.1.6 Take the slack out of the tape (3) by winding it on the tape reel. Loosen it slightly until the nearest
punched hole just engages with the pin (9) at the end of the extensometer.

3.1.7 Lock the lock slide (10). This will prevent tape from unreeling.

3.1.8 Tension the tape by turning the serrated adjustment knob (2) on the extensometer until the black
reference mark on the brass cylinder is accurately aligned with the white reference mark on the
body. The precision in alignment determines the accuracy of measurement. The extensometer
should be supported all the time by hand to avoid any force on the measuring tape due to its
weight.

NOTE: The extensometer must be supported by the operator to prevent the tape from sagging due to
the weight of the extensometer body.

NOTE: The axis of the extensometer body should be in line with the eyebolts on the anchors in the
walls. This can be done with a little practice by swaying the extensometer from side to side
and up and down and at the same time observing the alignment of the reference marks on the
extensometer. From the correctly aligned position, the black centre mark will only move
towards the digital readout and never away from it. If the black centre mark moves away from
the digital readout, more tension must be applied by tightening the adjustment screw. (Refer to
figures 3-2, 3-3 and 3-4 on page 3-4).

3.1.9 Take a reading of the tape at the point where the extensometer pin (9) engages the punched hole.
Also take the digital readout reading. Record these in row 6 from the top of the Observation Chart
(§ 4).

3.1.10 Take a temperature reading at the site after the extensometer readings have been completed at
the location.

3.1.11 Unlock the lock slide (10) and carefully wind the tape after the work is completed.

3.1.12 Clean the tape extensometer after completion of work.

3.1.13 Pack it in the case provided. To do this, it may be necessary to adjust the extensometer serrated
knob (2).

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

3.2 Subsequent readings

3.2.1 For taking subsequent readings follow instructions given in § 3.1.1 to § 3.1.13 above.

NOTE: In case the two points across which change in distance is measured converge with time, digital
display will show an increased numerical reading and vice versa. Take for example that pin 9
engages punched hole at 13.225 m and digital readout displays 14.65 at time of initial reading. If
in a subsequent reading pin 9 engages punched hole 13.225 m and digital readout displays
10.45, the distance between the two points has increased by 4.20 mm.

NOTE: Spacing of holes on tape is around 12.5 mm. In case reading on digital display reaches
around 30 mm, extensometer reading must be taken with pin (9) in present hole on tape and
then repeated with pin in adjacent hole. This is essential to allow continuity in data.

Change Observation Chart (§ 4) for this reference location with a new one. The new initial reading will then
be with reference to the adjacent punched hole. Make a noting at the bottom of the observation sheet to
this affect and specifically note the “B – A” reading with reference of the previous punched hole. This
previous reading “B – A” reading will always have to be added to subsequent readings to determine the
correct displacement between the two points. Following example illustrates this point:

Initial tape hole reading ‘TH’ (20/03/2003) = 14,725 mm

Initial digital reading ‘A’ (20/03/2003) = 20.25 mm

Subsequent digital reading ‘B’ (25/06/2003) = 30.55 mm

Convergence (B-A) = 10.30 mm

At this stage, as digital reading has gone beyond 30 mm, it is essential that another reading be taken on
25/06/03 with pin (9) in the adjacent hole of the tape. As convergence has taken place, the pin (9) will now
align with the tape hole at around 14,712.5 mm. The readings will be something like as follows:

New initial tape hole reading ‘TH’ (25/06/2003) = 14,712/3 mm

New initial digital reading ‘A’ (25/06/2003) = 18.52 mm

Subsequent digital reading ‘B’ (10/08/2003) = 20.55 mm

Convergence from 25/06/03 = 2.03 mm

Actual convergence from beginning (10.30 + 2.03 = 12.33) = 12.33 mm

3.3 Replacing battery

If “B” appears on the indicator, the battery voltage is low. Immediately replace battery. Remove LCD
compartment lid by unscrewing the eight M2 x 12 screws. Replace the SR 44 battery with its positive side
facing up. Refasten the compartment lid.

NOTE: Always use an SR44 battery (silver oxide cell). Do not attempt to charge or disassemble the
battery. It may be short circuited.

WARNING! If battery is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.

3.3.1 Error symptoms and remedies

ErrC and display flickering appear when the scale surface inside the LCD compartment is stained. Remove
the lid of the LCD compartment and clean the scale. Apply a small amount of low viscosity oil to repel
water.

If “E” is displayed, the tape extensometer is in the same state as that of ErrC. Use the ErrC remedy.

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

5 No. Description Material Qty

1 Body Aluminium 1
4
2 Serrated knob Aluminium 1
3 Tape measure Steel 1
4 Shackle AISI-304 1
5 Anchor Mild steel 2

6 Arm Aluminium 1
7 Meter hook AISI-304 1
9 8 Tape guide Aluminium 1
8 9 Engaging pin AISI-304 1

Black 10 Lock slide AISI-304 1

White mark
mark

3
2

1
000.00

10

Figure 3-1

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

3.4 Checking of correct alignment of axis of tape extensometer

Step 1: Align marks

000.00
mm/in

Figure 3-2 Marks aligned

Step 2: Sway extensometer slightly

000.00
mm/in

Figure 3-3 In case the center mark moves away from the digital readout when the extensometer is
swayed side to side or up and down, the tension needs further adjustment. Apply more tension through
the serrated adjustment knob.

000.00
mm/in

Figure 3-4 In case the center mark moves towards the digital readout when the extensometer is
swayed side to side or up and down, the tension is correctly set and a reading may be taken.

3.5 Replacing tape measure

To change a damaged tape measure, following procedure is recommended:

3.4.1 Unscrew four M2 screws (marked A in figure 3-5) to remove the engaging pin plate. This will
release the tape from its slot.

3.4.2 Reel off the damaged tape from the reel. Knockout the tape anchor cylindrical pin from the reel
using a suitable drift-punch.

3.4.3 Place the extensometer with the handle side down. Unscrew five M3 screws (marked B in figure 3-
5) and lift side plate from the reel bracket assembly.

3.4.4 Take out new tape and place over reel, with the tape end facing the way shown in figure 3-6.

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

3.4.5 Engage the cylindrical tape anchor pin in the hole in the reel and gently knock the pin in, until the
tape sides are flush with the reel sides.

3.4.6 Assemble the side plate and tighten with the five M3 screws.

3.4.7 Tighten the engaging pin plate back after passing the tape through the slot.

3.4.8 Cut the cable tier holding the tape rolled only after this procedure is complete.

3.4.9 Rotate the handle clockwise to compact the tape reel, and lock the reel by pushing the lock slide.
The extensometer is now ready to be checked on the calibration frame.

Engaging A Tape
pin plate anchor pin
B

Lock slide

Side plate

Figure 3-5

New Tape Roll

Figure 3-6

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

4 O BS E RV ATI O N S HE E T

TAPE EXTENSOMETER SERIAL #

REFERENCE LOCATION #
INITIAL READING
Date Temp. Tape hole Digital reading Tape hole Digital Tape hole Digital
reading ‘A’ reading reading reading reading
‘TH’ ‘TH’ ‘A’ ‘TH’ ‘A’
oC mm mm mm mm mm mm

SUBSEQUENT READINGS
Date Temp Digital Convergence Digital Convergence Digital Convergence
reading ‘B-A’ reading ‘B-A’ reading ‘B-A’
‘B’ ‘B’ ‘B’
oC mm mm mm mm mm mm
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

NOTE 1: Spacing of holes on tape is around 12.5 mm. In case reading on digital indicator reaches
around 30 mm, it is required that extensometer reading be taken with pin (9) in present hole
on tape and then repeated with pin in adjacent hole. This will allow continuity in data.

Change Observation Chart (§ 4) for this reference location with a new one. The new initial
reading will then be with reference to the adjacent punched hole. Make a noting at the bottom of
the observation sheet to this affect and specifically note the “B – A” reading with reference of the
previous punched hole. This previous reading “B – A” reading will always have to be added to
subsequent readings to determine the correct displacement between the two points.

NOTE 2: If required, observation sheet may be extended for more than three reference locations. Any
standard worksheet like the Microsoft Excel may be used to store the data in a computer.

NOTE 3: Sign convention:

Positive (B-A) denotes convergence

Negative (B-A) denotes divergence

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

4.1 Frequency of observation

The initial reading should be taken with the anchors grouted in position and noted in the fifth row from the
top. The date and temperature should also be noted.

Project authorities should specify the frequency of taking subsequent displacement readings. In case
nothing is specified, it is suggested that readings should be taken every day for the first three days, on
alternate days for the next three weeks and at appropriate intervals thereafter.

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Users’ Manual EDS-80 Tape Extensometer

5 WARRANTY

The Company warrants its products against defective workmanship or material for a period of 12 months
from date of receipt or 13 months from date of dispatch from the factory, whichever is earlier. The warranty
is however void in case the product shows evidence of being tampered with or shows evidence of damage
due to excessive heat, moisture, corrosion, vibration or improper use, application, specifications or other
operating conditions not in control of Encardio-Rite. The warranty is limited to free repair/replacement of the
product/parts with manufacturing defects only and does not cover products/parts worn out due to normal
wear and tear or damaged due to mishandling or improper installation. This includes fuses and batteries

If any of the products does not function or functions improperly, it should be returned freight prepaid to the
factory for our evaluation. In case it is found defective, it will be replaced/repaired free of cost.

A range of technical/scientific instruments are manufactured by Encardio-rite, the improper use of which is
potentially dangerous. Only qualified personnel should install or use the instruments. Installation personnel
must have a background of good installation practices as intricacies involved in installation are such that
even if a single essential but apparently minor requirement is ignored or overlooked, the most reliable of
instruments will be rendered useless.

The warranty is limited to as stated herein. Encardio-rite is not responsible for any consequential damages
experienced by the user. There are no other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to
the implied warranties of merchantability and of fitness for a particular purpose. Encardio-rite is not
responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damage or loss caused to other
equipment or people that the purchaser may experience as a result of installation or use of the product.
The buyer’s sole remedy for any breach of this agreement or any warranty by Encardio-rite shall not exceed
the purchase price paid by the purchaser to Encardio-rite. Under no circumstances will Encardio-rite
reimburse the claimant for loss incurred in removing and/or reinstalling equipment.

A lot of effort has been made and precaution for accuracy taken in preparing instruction manuals and
software. However best of instruction manuals and software cannot provide for each and every condition in
field that may affect performance of the product. Encardio-rite neither assumes responsibility for any
omissions or errors that may appear nor assumes liability for any damage or loss that results from use of
Encardio-rite products in accordance with the information contained in the manuals or software.

Products described in Encardio-rite’s catalogs are subject to modification and improvement as dictated by
subsequent developments. Encardio-rite reserves the right to modify, change or improve products, to
discontinue them or to add new ones without

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