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IS 12955-1 (1990): Code of practice for in-situ

determination of rock mass deformability using a flexible
dilatometer, Part 1: volume change [CED 48: Rock Mechanics]

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 ..

IS 12955( Part 1 ) : 1990

( Reaffirmed 2001 )

CODEOFPRACTICEFOR
IWSZ~'UDETERMTNATION OF ROCK MASS
DEFORMABILITYUSINGA FLEXIBLE
DILATOMETER d
PART 1 WITH VOLUME CHANGE

UDC 624.12 1.54

@ BIS 1990

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI I10002

September 1990 Price Group 3

Rock Mechanics Sectional Committee, CED 48

FOREWORD

This Indian Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards on 24 April 1990, after the draft
finalized by the Rock Mechanics Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division
Council.

Deformability of rock mass near exposed surface can be determined by many methods such as uniaxial
jacking test, radial jacking test, flat jack test, etc. On the other hand borehole instruments like dilatometer
can be used to produce a log of deformability variations with depth. In this they are superior to other
methods which are designed only for near-surface application. Dilatorneters are particularly valuable for
the rapid index logging of drillholes in fragile, clayey or closely jointed rocks that yield poor core recovery
and inadequate specimens for laboratory testing. The deformability values obtained by dilatometer logging
give a very useful record of variations in rock quality and a useful comparison of relative deformabilities in
adjacent rock strata,

The volume of rock stressed by a dilatometer is quite small, usually less than one third of a cubic metre
and often too small for direct application of the results to design problems. Correlation of the dilatometer
modulus with that obtained, for example, by plate jacking, radial jacking or flat jack methods allows an
extrapolation of the dilatometer test results to the large scale. Adjustments are also needed to take into
account the fact that a dilatometer test carried out in a vertical hole gives information on horizontal
deformability, whereas it is vertical deformability that is often more relevant, for example to foundations.

Both the types of dilatometers referred to in this standard are flexible in that they apply a uniformly
distributed pressure to the drillhole wall through a flexible membrane, and in this, they differ from ‘rigid’
dilatometers such as the goodman jack which has semi-cylindrical loading platens of steel and therefore,
directional pressure application.

The two methods given here relate to two type of ‘flexible’ dilatometers. The first covered in Part 1
measures the drillhole volume change from which radial displacements must be calculated, whereas the
second covered in Part 2 measures the radial displacements directly using displacement transducers. Only
the direct measuring type can be used to determine anisotropy of deformability as a function of radial
direction within the drillhole: volume change types give an average value for the deformability modulus.

The present standard is limited to describing the measurement of rock mass deformability, which is the
principal use of the dilatometer.
 IS 12955( Part 1 ) I 1990

Indian Standard
CODEOFPRACTICEFOR
LWUTTU DETERMINATIONOF ROCKMASS
DEFORMABILITYUSING A FLEXIBLE
DILATOMETER
PART 1 WITH VOLUME CHANGE

1 SCOPE 4.3 Drill cores shall be fully logged to record

recovery and the characteristics of the rock ‘and
1.1 This standard covers the method for determi- jointing. Rock cores shall be available on site for
nation of deformation modulus of rock in-situ inspection by the testing crew, if required.
using an expanding probe ( dilatometer ) to exert
pressure on the walls of a drillhole. The resulting 5 TEST EQUIPMENT
diametral hole expansion (dilation ) is determined
from measurements of the volumetric expansion 5.1 Equipment for Drilling and Preparing
of the probe. Deformability characteristics of the the Test Hole
rock mass at the dilatometer location may be
calculated from the relation between pressure and 5.1.1 A drill or boring machine to produce a test
dilation. hole of the required diameter, to the required
depth of investigation. A rotary diamond coring
2 REFERENCE to give a smooth-walled drillhole at the section
machine shall be used.
2.1 The Indian Standards listed in Annex A are
necessary adjust to this standard. 5.1.2 Casing as necessary to support the wall of
the hole outside its test sections.
3. LOCATION OF TEST SITE
5.1.3 Equipment and materials for grouting and
3.1 Drill hole locations and depth shall be selected
redrilling the test sections within ,the hole ( when
taking into account the anticipated rock quality
required, see 3.2 ).
variations and depths of weathering, and the
requirements of the designs of structures for which 5.1.4 A dummy probe ( a cylinder of the same size
the test data are to be used. as the probe ) to check that the hole is clear for
3.2 Within each drillhole the tests may be spaced insertion of dilatometer.
either at equal intervals or at specified locations in’
5.2 Calibration Equipment
preselected geological formations or beds. Gene-
rally a log of deformability should be taken at One or more calibration cylinders of known elastic
regular interval along the length of the test hole properties with internal diameter equal to that of
pertinent to design. For example a 1, 2 or 5 m the test hole, and with length similar to the active
test interval may be specified depending on test length of the probe.
hole lengths and required resolution.

4 PREPARATION OF TEST SITE 5.3 The Dilatometer Probe

4.1 The test holes shall be drilled with the utmost 5.3.1 A dilatometer probe or cell ( see Fig. 1 and
care to preserve their stability, bearing in mind 2 ) which includes a high pressure flexible mem-
that rock fragments inadvertently wedged between brane mounted on a core, such that the membrane
the probe and the drillhole wall can trap the may be inflated to press against the drillhole wall.
dilatometer permanently. The hole diameter shall The membrane must be strong enough not to be
be 0.5 - 3.0 mm larger than the deflated diameter damaged when inserted into and withdrawn from
of the probe. the drillhole, yet flexible enough to transmit not
less than 90 percent of the designed hydraulic
4.2 For checking of the drillhole, use of a TV
pressure, when applied.
camera may be considered to avoid damage to
the flexible membrane that might be caused by 5.3.2 A means of inserting, raising and lowering
open fissures or voids. When the drillhole require the probe in the hole and of measuring its position
support, this may be achieved by casing down to to within &5 cm such as drill rods, special instal-
the uppermost test section and/or by cementing. ling rods and cables.

1
-IS 12955 ( Part 1 ) : 1990

PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER PRESSURE
1 /- READOUT

ll
PISTON PUMP DILATOMETER PROBE

ACTUATOR

FIG. 1 COMPONENTS AND TYPICAL FLEXIBLE DILATOMETER SYSTEM

CENTRAL SHAFTJ / ti’“c”o~“E$S;E

RETAINING NUT 19 mm PIPE THREAD

FOR INSERTING
REMOVABLE END
CAP

Fra. 2 CROSS-SECTIONOF TYPICAL FLEXIBLE DILATOMETER SYSTEM

5.4 -Hydraulic System to Pressurize the NOTE - For measurements in hard rocks a pressure
Probe range of at least 20 MPa is recommended. Pressurizing,
fluids that have been used include glycerine, ethylene
5.4.1 A pump and tubing system capable of filling, glycol, water, or hydraulic oil.
inflating and deflating the probe and of applying
5.5.2 A pressure measuring system such as a
and maintaining the required range of pressures.
Bourdon gauge or electrical transducer, with
5.4.2 A hand-operated screw pump ( or ‘pressure range as required -and with reading sensitivity
generator’ ) is usually employed because it serves better than &2 percent of the range employed in
the two-fold purpose of applying pressure and the test.
measuring volume displacements of the fluid.
Piston movement is actuated by turning the wheel 6 TEST PROCEDURE
of the pump.
6.1 Calibration
5.4.3 If volume measurements are made outside
the drillhole, the hydraulic system must be of rigid 6.1.1 The purpose of calibration is to determine
construction to minimize errors in determining the system stiffness M, the value of which is
dilation and to facilitate cyclic loading and stress required to allow calculation of the volume change
relaxation testing. Alternatively, the expansion of of the test section from the measured volume
hydraulic lines is immaterial and can be ignored change of the probe and the hydraulic system
if volumetric expansion is monitored directly combined.
within the probe.
6.1.2 The complete dilatometer equipment shall
5.4.4 Testing in large drillholes using a large dia- be thoroughly checked and calibrated before each
meter probe may call for the use of two pumps, a test series, also at least weekly during a test pro-
high displacement one for filling the system and gramme and after major repairs such as
applying initial pressure, in addition to the screw membrane replacement. The temperature at the
pump for pressurization. time of calibration shall be recorded and the
calibration repeated if this changes by more than
5.5 Measuring Systems 5°C from that of the borehole.
5.5.1 A volume measuring system, accurate
to f 1 percent of the cell volume, to determine the 6.1.3 The probe, pump and hydraulic system to
amount of hydraulic fluid injected into or extrac- be used in the field shall be connected and filled
ted from the cell. Volume is usually measured as with hydraulic fluid and checked for leaks. Any
the number of turns or part turns of the screw entrapped air shall be removed by thorough blee-
pump. ding.

2
 IS 12955 ( Part 1 ) : 1990

6.1.4 With the probe in the calibration cylinder, 6.2.7 A pressure-volume curve is to be plotted and
pressure shall be increased incrementally through its slope MT ( MPa per turn ), the overall stiffness
the range to be used in testing, taking at least five of system plus rock, determined ( see Fig. 3 ).
readings of pressure ( MPa ) and corresponding
volume ( pump turns ). [ A pressure-volume curve 6.2.8 Pressure is then to be released and the probe
shall be plotted and its slope M, (MPa per turn), relocated for the next test.
the overall stiffness of the system plus calibration
cylinder measured therefrom. ] Ms is to be calcu-
lated from M, as described in 6.1.3. 50 -

,6.1.5 The probe shall be inflated in air ( without

confinement ) to determine the membrane rigidity ;; co -
correction factor m ( MPa per turn ), obtained as a
the slope of the unconfined pressure dilation z
.
curve.
z 20 -
6.2 Testing z
2
cn
6.2.1 Having checked clearance of the hole using
g 30 -
the dummy probe, the probe shall be inserted and a
lowered or raised to the required test location. 0
The location shall be measured with an accuracy W
3
of f5 cm and recorded. ii 10 -

a
6.2.2 The probe shall be expanded under a
pressure just enough to ensure permanent contact
0
with no sliding. At no stage of testing, the pressure
0 10 20 30 Lc)
on the borehole walls shall be allowed to go below
the seating pressure. DILATION (NUMBER OF PUMP TURNS. n I

6.2.3 Pressure shall be increased in not less than FIG. 3 PRESSURE-DILATION

GRAPHS FROM
five approximately equal increments to the maxi- A CSM DILATOMETERTEST
mum value, which shall be as high as required
from design consideration ( i. e. upto l-5 times the 7 ANALYSIS OF THE TEST DATA
design pressure ) but not greater than the safe
operating pressure of the test equipment, taking 7.1 Calculation~f Calibration Constant
into consideration the smoothness and diameter of
drillhole at the test depth. The rate of loading 7.1.1 The shear modulus G, of a calibration
shall be maintained constant as far as possible. cylinder material having Young’s modulus E, and
Poisson’s Ratio r, is given by:
6.2.4 At each increment the pressure is to be EC
maintained constant while taking readings of pre-
G
c= Z(lfY,) (MPa)
ssure ( MPa ) and corresponding volume ( pump
turns ). Dilation ( if any ) is to be recorded versus 7.X.2 The stiffness M, of the calibration cylinder
time to give an indication whether the rock be- is calculated as:
haviour is time dependent. Alternatively, the same
may be achieved by maintaining the volume of M, = 4
the probe constant ( without pumping ) and 1+&(1--2r,)
7rLas
recording the drop in pressure with time. 1 - B, 3
( MPa per turn )
6.2.5 At the maximum test pressure, the applied
where
pressure is to be maintained constant during at
least 10 minutes or longer if specified. Readings Cc= pump constant ( fluid volume dis-
of dilation versus time at constant pressure are placed per turn of pump wheel ),
again to be tabulated to determine creep rates.
L a length of cell membrane (m),
6.2.6 Dilation and pressure readings may then be a= the inside radius and b the outside
taken during unloading, if specified. Three cycles radius of the calibration cylinder (in
of loading and unloading are required in most metres), and
applications. B 0= ( a/b )s.

3
 IS 12955 ( Part 1 ) t 1990

7.1.3 The stiffness MB of the hydraulic system is where YE the Poisson’s Ratio for the rock is either
calculated as: known or estimated.

Me = M”LM& (MPa per turn) 7.4 Calculations for Non-Linear Behaviour

c m
where M, is the stiffness of the system plus 7.4.1 If the drillhole is located in closely jointed
calibration cylinder, measured as described rock, the measured pressure-volume relation may
in 6.1.4. become non-linear when the applied pressure
7.2 Corrections for Pressure and Volume exceeds about twice the average ground stress. In
that case and assuming zero tensile strength for
Losses
the rock mass, Gd can be calculated from:
7.2.1 Pressure Losses
71 La=
Observed pressure ( those read on the pressure G = f’icorr ~ (l--2%) I,
a Ancorr C
gauge or transducer ) are only equal to those act-
ing on the rock if the membrane is very flexible or W Pa)
the dilations are very small. Usually the observed
where Picorr and Ancorr are the corrected values.
pressure will require correction for membrane
for applied pressure and number of turns ( 6.2 )
rigidity as follows:
and PO is the average ground stress around the
Pi eorr - Pi - nm (MPa) drillhole ( MPa ), to be estimated or measured
where Pi,,,, is the corrected pressure, n is the total independently.
number of turns needed to attain Pi and m
(MPa/turn) is the membrane rigidity correction 7.4.2 Alternatively one can obtain a pressure
factor ( see 6.1.5 ). versus dilation curve by plotting Pi,,,, on the,
ordinate and V, on the abscissa, where
7.2.2 Volume Losses
V, = a ( n - Pi/M, ) (ms)
These occur as a result of probe seating and infla-
tion of the loading system. Using measurements The curve can be used subsequently in the same.
defined in Fig. 3, the net corrected number .of manner as in a Monard pressuremeter test.
turns An,,,, is calculated from:
An corr = f2 - %eat - Pi/M, (turns) 8 REPORTING OF RESULTS
I
7.3 Calculation of Linear -Elastic Parameters
of Rock 8.1 The following are to be reported for the site
as a whole:
7.3.1 The stiffness MR for the test section in rock
is calculated as: 4 Details of drilling including drilling agency,
method and equipment used.
(MPa per turn)
b) A map of drillhole locations and tabulation
of hole lengths, diameters, inclinations and
7.3.2 The dilatometric shear modulus Gd for a
directions.
drillhole test section is calculated as:

Gd = MB F (MPa) Cl Geotechnical logs of the drill core showing

locations of cased and cemented sections if
any; groundwater levels, rock types and
where L and a are the length and diameter of characteristics, locations of test sections.
drillhole test section and CEis the pump constant
( see 7.1.2 ), 4 Characteristics of all discontinuities within
each test section and 0.5 m above and
7.3.3 The dilatometric shear modulus Gd for below [see IS 11315 ( Part 1 to 11 ) : 19851.
dilatometer test in a rock cylinder is calculated as:
Details of the method and equipment for

1
La2 1+B,(l-22%) 4
C
77
Gd = IWE - calibration and testing, stating departures
u 1 - B,
from the procedures given in this standard.
. (MPa)
with notation as before, but with B referring to f 1 Full results of calibration.
the tested rock cylinder.
8.2 The following are to be reported for each
7.3.4 The dilatometric modulus of elasticity Ed test:
for a test in either a drillhole or in a rock cylinder
may then be obtained from: a) Tabulated test readings including both raw
and corrected value with depths of measure-
Ed - 2 ( 1 + 2% ) Gd (MPa) ments and graphs.

4
 IS 12955 ( Part 1 ) t 1990

b) Derived values of deformability parameters c) Logs of deformability variation as a func-

together with details of methods and tion of depth ( or distance from the drill-
assumptions used in their derivation. hole collar in the case of a non-vertical
Deformability parameters tabulated and hole ).
shown graphically as a function of applied
pressure.

ANNEX A
( Clause 2.1 )

LIST OF REFERRED INDIAN STANDARDS

IS “MO. Title

11315 ( Part 1 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 1 Orientation

11315 ( Part 2 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 2 Spacing
I!315 ( Part 3 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 3 Persistence
11315 ( Part 4 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 4 Roughness
11315 ( Part 5 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 5 Wall strength

11315 ( Part 6 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 6 Aperture
11315 ( Part 7 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 7 Filling
11315 ( Part 8 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 8 Seepage
11315 ( Part 9 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 9 Number of sets
11315 ( Part 10 ) : 1987 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 10 Block size
11315 ( Part 11 ) : 1985 Method for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock mass:
Part 11 Core recovery and rock quality
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