NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KARNATAKA,

SURATHKAL

  DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENGINEERING

     
 

COURSE TITLE:   ROCK MECHANICS

   TOPIC: PRESENTATION ON FIELD TESTS IN ROCK

SUBMITTED TO:

                                                                                                        SUBMITTED BY:

             
INTRODUCTION

•ROCK MECHANICS is a study, on the mechanical properties and behaviors of rock under loading.

•Rock is defined as mixtures formed of aggregates of one or more minerals.
•Rock  is a naturally occurring material  and thus, it is nonhomogeneous  and anisotropic.
•For artificial material like concrete, its strength can be readily estimated  from its designed mix and behaves relatively more homogeneous compared to rock.
•Rock names and classifications as defined in geology do not give the numerical values on strength or material properties of the rock, However, these are the essential parameters
for the design of structures in rock .
• Henceforth, Rock testing is an important topic in Rock Mechanics.

 
FIELD TESTS IN ROCK:
• Mechanical behavior of rock mass cannot be determined purely from laboratory tests. Large scale in-situ tests are necessary for design
consideration of major projects as laboratory tests invariably lead to an overestimate of the properties of rock mass. The prediction of
engineering properties of the rock mass always insists in-situ tests and is usually considered to be the best means for determining the
engineering properties of subsurface materials.
• In-situ rock tests are performed to determine various field parameters e.g. in-situ stresses and deformation properties of the rock/rock
mass, shear strength of jointed rock mass or critically weak seams within the rock mass, residual stresses within the rock mass, anchor
capacities, and rock mass permeability.
• In-situ tests in rock are usually expensive. Well-conducted tests may be useful in reducing overly conservative assumptions. Test site
location and loading direction is very important for the success of tests. Site investigation in rock include tests like in-situ stress
determination, in-situ test for deformability, in-situ direct shear tests ,determination of Hardness of rocks etc.
• Laboratory tests have the limitations like variability and sample disturbance. Also, testing is done on small specimens and extrapolation
of the measured properties for the entire site is often challenging.
• But insitu test provide the response of a larger mass under natural in-situ condition, Even though in-situ tests has the limitations like
poorly defined boundary condition, cost and time, approach and site condition, non-uniform and high strain rates imposed during testing
and inability to control drainage condition, in-situ tests are most acceptable and essential part of any geotechnical site investigation and
design.

• DR. V.B. MAJI, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IIT MADRAS – NPTEL COURSE MODULE 3 – LECUTRE – 7 FIELD
TESTS IN ROCK , Referred for Uniaxial Jack Testing and Pressuremeter Testing Method.
ISRM SUGGESTED METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE
SHORE HARDNESS VALUE FOR ROCK

• Shore hardness (SH) has been accepted as a convenient and nondestructive method in measuring the hardness of
rocks and widely used in rock mechanics since it can be correlated with other mechanical properties of weak rocks,
such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). However, a need has arisen to propose a standard method as a measure
of SH to minimize the errors when it is utilized as a predictor of the UCS as well as other mechanical properties of
rocks.
• Hardness is one of the physical properties of rocks and the Shore Hardness (SH) is a convenient and inexpensive
method widely used for estimating rock hardness. The SH can be used to estimate the uniaxial compressive strength
(UCS) of weak rocks and is helpful because determination of the UCS of weak rocks is time consuming and expensive.

REF - INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ROCK MECHANICS COMMISSION ON STANDARDIZATION OF LABORATORY AND
FIELD TESTS
• SCOPE OF THE EXPERIMENT:
• This laboratory method is suggested for the determination of hardness of rock minerals using the Shore scleroscope.
• APPARATUS:
• The instrument used for determining scleroscope hardness numbers is supplied in two models ,designated Model C and
Model D. Model C-2 is recommended for use with rock.
• (a) The Scleroscope Model C-2 consists of a vertically disposed barrel containing a precision bore glass tube. A scale
graduated from 0 to 140, is set behind the barrel and is visible through the glass tube. A pneumatic actuating head affixed to
the top of the barrel, is manually operated by a rubber bulb and tube. A hammer drops from a specified height and
rebounds within the glass tube. The hammer for Model C-2 shall have the following dimensions:
Diameter – 5.94 mm
Mass -2.300 +_0.500 g
Overall length – 20.7 to 21.3 mm
Distance hammer falls -251.2 + 0.13 - 0.38 mm
• (b) The diamond must be shaped to produce a correct reading on reference bars of known hardness. In profile, the diamond
is convex, having a radius terminated by a flat striking surface, The flat striking surface is approximately circular and from 0.1
to 0.4 mm in diameter, depending on the hardness and other physical characteristics of the diamond.

• REF - INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ROCK MECHANICS COMMISSION ON STANDARDIZATION OF LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTS
• PROCEDURE:
• (a) Before each days use, make at least five hardness readings on the standard test block furnished by the manufacturer at the hardness level at
which the machine is being used. If the values fall within the range of the standardized hardness test block the instrument may be regarded as
satisfactory; if not the machine should be verified using procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
• (b) Tests shall be made on flat surfaces ground smooth using a No. 1800 grade aluminium oxide abrasive powder. An excessively coarse surface will
yield low and erratic readings.
• (c) Specimens should have a minimum test surface of 10cm² and a minimum thickness of 1 cm. Small specimens should be clamped securely with
the flat test surface perpendicular to the scleroscope axis.
• (d) To perform a test, hold the instrument in a vertical position with the bottom of the barrel in firm contact with the test specimen and normal to
the surface of the specimen. Bring the hammer to the elevated position by squeezing the rubber bulb and then allow it to fall and strike the test
surface and measure the height of rebound. The height to which the hammer rebounds on the first bounce indicates the hardness of the material.
• (e) To prevent errors resulting from misalignment the instrument must be set or held in a vertical position, using the plumb bob or spirit level on the
instrument to determine verticality. The most accurate readings of the scleroscope are obtained with the instrument mounted in a clamping stand.
Lateral vibrations must be avoided since they tend to cause the free fall of the hammer to be impeded and, hence, cause the instrument to read low.
• (f) An error may result if the indentations are spaced too closely together. Space indentations at least 5 mm apart and make only one test at the
same spot. At least 20 hardness determinations should be taken.
• Then at last, the Shore Scleroscope Hardness shall be found by the average of atleast20 measurements made on the same specimen, using the
above method.

• REF - INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ROCK MECHANICS COMMISSION ON STANDARDIZATION OF LABORATORY AND
FIELD TESTS
 SOME OTHER FIELD TESTS IN ROCK:

INSITU TESTS FOR DEFORMABILITY

• Modulus of deformation is an essential parameter for the design of tunnels underground chambers and
related structures.
• 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 rock mass. – (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.

• REF - DR. V.B. MAJI, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IIT MADRAS – NPTEL COURSE MODULE 3 –
LECUTRE – 7 FIELD TESTS IN ROCK , Referred for Uniaxial Jack Testing and Pressuremeter Testing Method.
 1. PLATE LOAD TEST:
•Plate load test on rocks is for finding the deformation modulus as rock mass usually doesn’t behave elastically.
•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.
• 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 at least 0.01mm.
• TEST PROCEDURE:
• At the selected test site, the rock surface in the bottom and top of the drift is smoothened by chiseling to obtain parallel faces, about 5 cm more than the
diameter of the test plate. The test plate of 60 cm diameter is used. A 2cm thick and 60 cm diameter concrete pad is constructed in the bottom of test plate and
about 5 cm thick and 60 cm diameter pad is constructed at the top to take the reaction for loading. Both the pads are kept parallel to each other.
• The testing equipment is installed with 2.5 cm thick and 60 cm diameter plates in the bottom and then 45 cm and 30 cm diameter plates are placed. Then a
hydraulic jack of 200 tons capacity is placed centrally at the bottom. Aluminium alloy pipes with a mild steel plate of 2.5 cm thick and 30 cm diameter on the top
fills the gap between top pad and jack. The remaining gap is closed by applying seating load or by moving out the plunger of the Jack. The displacement
measuring unit is installed by using four extensometers with an accuracy of 0.01 mm.
•A minimum of 3 plate loading tests should be conducted to ascertain variation and to average the values inside a drift in one type of rock mass. All the
deformability tests are conducted in 5 cycles of loading and unloading. First cycle is normally not considered for interpretation of deformability of rock mass.
However, loading and unloading in first cycle may be repeated twice in a condition of low loading.
•REF - INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ROCK MECHANICS COMMISSION ON STANDARDIZATION OF LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTS
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 is 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.
• 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: This includes
Hydraulic clamping multiple point borehole extensometers and measuring equipment C) Loading Equipment: This
includes Hydraulic Jacks of applying load up to 150 tonnes and maintaining within 3% of desired pressure with calibrated load
gauge.

• REF - DR. V.B. MAJI, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IIT MADRAS – NPTEL COURSE MODULE 3
– LECUTRE – 7 FIELD TESTS IN ROCK , Referred for Uniaxial Jack Testing and Pressuremeter Testing Method.
Fig: : 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
Multiple Positions of Borehole Extensometers (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.

• REF - DR. V.B. MAJI, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IIT MADRAS – NPTEL COURSE
MODULE 3 – LECUTRE – 7 FIELD TESTS IN ROCK , Referred for Uniaxial Jack Testing and Pressuremeter
Testing Method.
2. PRESSUREMETER TEST

• A pressuremeter is a field test to measure the “at-rest horizontal earth pressure” and soil/soft rock modulus.
Louis Menard from France in 1955 was the first brought the pressuremeter to the forefront. This test is very
useful for many geotechnical applications namely, • Bearing capacity of shallow and deep
foundations • Settlement of all types of foundations • Deformation of laterally loaded piles and sheet
piles • Resistance of anchors
• This Pressuremeter test is performed by applying pressure to the sidewalls of the borehole. It consists of
two units, one readout unit that rests on the ground surface and a probe that is inserted into the borehole.
Once the probe is at the test depth, the guard cells are inflated to brace the probe in place. Then the
measuring cell is pressurized with water, inflating its flexible rubber bladder, which exerts a pressure on the
borehole wall. As the pressure in the measuring cell increases, the borehole walls deform. The pressure
within the measuring cell is held constant for approximately 60 seconds and the increase in volume required
to maintain the constant pressure is recorded.

• REF - DR. V.B. MAJI, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IIT MADRAS – NPTEL
COURSE MODULE 3 – LECUTRE – 7 FIELD TESTS IN ROCK , Referred for Uniaxial Jack
Testing and Pressuremeter Testing Method.
PRESSUREMETER SETUP AND PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM
REF - DR. V.B. MAJI, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IIT MADRAS – NPTEL COURSE MODULE 3 – LECUTRE – 7 FIELD TESTS IN ROCK , REFERRED FOR UNIAXIAL JACK TESTING AND PRESSUREMETER TESTING METHOD.
REFERENCES

• INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ROCK MECHANICS: COMMISSION ON STANDARDIZATION OF

LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTS. (Pgno96)
• RAJBAL SINGH: COMPARISON OF MODULUS OF DEFORMATION OF ROCK MASS BY DIFFERENT
METHODS Pgno 38(2009).
• DR. V.B. MAJI: DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING IIT MADRAS – NPTEL COURSE MODULE 3 –
LECUTRE – 7 FIELD TESTS IN ROCK.
THANK YOU!