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Indian Standard: Method For Determination of Water Level in A Borehole

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48 views12 pages

Indian Standard: Method For Determination of Water Level in A Borehole

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manas das
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Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to MANAS DAS - Tarakeswar,

champadanga([email protected]) 203.163.246.171 [for non-commercial use only].

IS : 6935 • 1973
( Reaffirmed 2012 )
Indian Standard (Reaffirmed 2019)

METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF


WATER LEVEL IN A BOREHOLE
( Third Reprint APRIL 1990)

UDC 628.112.24:681.128

© Copyright 1973
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

Gr 3 Stptember 1973
Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to MANAS DAS - Tarakeswar,
champadanga([email protected]) 203.163.246.171 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1 69j5 • 197:J

Indian Standard
METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF
WATER LEVEL IN A BOREHOLE
Subsurface Exploration Sectional Committee, BDC 49
CAainnait RIP,11mlit1t
S1uu V. S. KamlMAIWAUY Geological Survey of India, Lucknow
MlfflHrs
National Projects Construction Corporation Ltd,
New Delhi
SHJU S. K. Aoouw.u. ( Altmrat.)
CHIU EiioDUSJt ( laRIOATIOll) Irrigation & Power Department, Government of
Raju than · ,
SKRI K, N. D"DINA In per1011al capacity ( P-S20, Block P, N,w Alipore,
Cakt,tta)
SHal K. R. DATY.I!. In penonal capacity ( No. 2, Rt/le,,, Mansion, First
Floin, Cola6a Cauuway, BomlNr, 100001)
SHRI R. c. DUAi Rodio Foundation Engineering Ltd; and Hazarat &
Co, Bombay
SHRI V. R. DEUSKAR Irrigation & Power Department, Goveromcnt of
Maharuhtra ·
SK1l1 s. M .. 13H.11L!.iuo ( Altmrau l
D1ucroR ( CSMRS) Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
SuPERINTBNDlNG ENGINEER, .
CH B NA B INVa,,rlGATION
CIRCLE ( Alttmate ) .
SHRI H, Donu . Christcnsen-Longyear (India) Ltd; Bombay
SHRI V. L. GORlANl ( Alternate )
SKRI S . N. K. IYENGAR Cementation Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRt G. S. Ji.m Central Building Research Institute ( CSIR ),
Roorkee
SHRI DEVENDRA SHARMA ( Allmlail)
SHRI V. K. KtRPALANI Voltu Limited, Bombay
Smu A. N. lNoURXAII. (Altmrate)
SKR1J. F. MISTRY Public Works Department, Government of Gujarat
SH1u H. C. PARMAR ( Alumate)
SHRI K. S. S. MURTHY Ministry of Irri1ation & Powel", New Delhi
SHIU B. K. PANTHAXY Hindustan Construction Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRI M. s. DIWAN ( Alternat,)
SHRI c. GOPALAIWAMY RAO Public Works & Electrical Department, Government
ofMysore ·
REPRESENTATIVE Engineering Research Laboratories, Hyderabad
( Continllld on j,,IIe 2 )

(i) Copyright 1973


BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act ( XIV of 1957) and
reproduction in whole or in part by aoy means ex.cept with written permission of the
pqblisher shall be deemed to be .an infringement of copyriaht undtir tho said Act.
Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to MANAS DAS - Tarakeswar,
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IS r 6935 -1973

( Conti,ruedfr= page 1 )
Mmrbers Representing
REPRESENTATIVE Government of Himachal Pradeah
Smu R. K. SABHARWAL Lanen and Toubro Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI s. s. SAHi Pi.blic Workl Drpartnient, Government of Punjab
SHRI M. M. ANAND ( Alternate)
SHRI S. SATAPATHI Irrigation & Power Department, Government of
Orisaa
SECRETARY Central Board of Irrigation & Power, New Delhi
SHRI H. D. SHARMA Irrigation Reaearch Institute, Roorkce
SHRrP.S. Yoo Irrigation Department, Government ofUttar Pradeah
SHRI D. AJITHA SrMHA, Dirtctor General, TSI ( Ex-111/ido Mtmblr)
Direcror ( Civ Engg )
S,cretarj
SHRI G. RAMAN
Deputy Director ( Civ Engg ), ]SI

Ground Water and Field Permeability Test Panel, BDC 49: P3


Co1111entr
SHRI v. s. KRISHNASWAMY Geological Survey of Indi.1, Lucknow
Members
DIRECTOR Irrigation Research Institute, Poondi ( Tamil Nadu)
ASSISTANT RESEARCH OP~CER { Alternale )
SHRI M. S.JAIN Geological Survey of India, Lucknow
SHRI B, N, HuKKu ( Alieraate)
SHRI S. K. SHOME ( Alternate )
REPREllENTATlVE
.
Enginrcring Research Laboratories, Hyderabad
RES.KARCH OPPICl!R Irrigation Research lnstirute, Roorkcc

2
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IS : 6935 • 1973

Indian Standard
METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF
WATER LEVEL IN A BOREHOLE

0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution
on 2 April 1973, after the draft finalized by the Subsurface Exploration
Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division
Council. ·
0.2 The location of ground water level ·is an important parameter in the
design of foundations of structures. Hence its correct determination is an
important part of subsurface exploration.
0.3 In the formulation of this standard due weightage has been given to
international co-ordination among the standards and practices prevailing
in different countries in addition to relating it to the practices in the field
in this country.
0.4 In reporting the result of- a tes~ or analysis made in accordance with
this standard, if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded
off, it shall be done in accordance with IS : 2-1960*.

1. SCOPE
I.I This standard lays down the procedure for the determination of the
water level in a borehole, cased or uncased, either during the boring operation
or within a short time of the completion of the boring operation. This
standard is also applicable to determining of ground water level in permanent
observation holes.
1.2 This standard is not applicable for the determination of piezometric
pressure changes due to a change in stress conditions of the soil or rock.
1.3 Borehole water level readings obtained by this procedure shall be
supported with additional data if the water level readings are to be used
to infer the elevation of the free ground water level in the vicinity of the
borehole. The pro"cedure for the determination of the ground water level
by. the application of the borehole water level is given in Appendix A.
•Rule. for rounding off numerical valuu ( rt11i11d).

3
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IS : ,6935 - 1973
1.4 This standard is not applicable for the concurrent determination of
multiple water levels in a borehole.
NoTE - Multiple waler levels can only be determined sequentially as the borehole
progres1cs, with the uppu aquifers completely scaled off from the borehole. Concurrent
multiplt: water level readings can only be obtained by the insertion of an adequale
number of piezomcters at appropriate levels or by the installation of multiple packers
isolating the different ::iquifcrs in a drill hole under lhe guidance of a qualified engineer
or geologist.

2. DEFINITIONS
2.0 For the purpose of this standard the following definitions shall apply.
2.1 Borehole Wa'ter Level -The water level as measured at any time in
a borehole.
2.2 Free Ground Water Level -The upper boundary of the saturated soil
or rock at the time of measurement in an unconfined aquifer.
2.3 Piezometric Pressure -The hydraulic pressure head at a given
point in the soil or rock mass in a confined aquifer.
2.4 Aquifer - A soil or rock formation that is capable of storing and
yielding ground water.

3. MEASURING APPARATUS SUITABLE FOR READING WATER


LEVELS
3.1 Measuring Apparatus - Measuring apparatus conforming to one
of the items given in 3.1.1 to 3.1 .4 shall be used for reading borehole water
levels.
3.1.1 Tape With a Weight - A steel tape having graduation of 5 mm
shall be used. For ease of measurement the tape may be chalked for
a length of about ooe metre at the lower end. The weight shall have a
volume such that it displaces a volume of water in the borehole that will
not cause more than a 10-mm increase in the water level of the hole ( see
Note).
NoTE - Volume, of varioW1 sizes of holes for 10 mm depth of hole and the weight
oflead weights for this volume are given below:
Ho/, Siu, Dia Yo/um, of JO mm Ltad Wnght
Deptla of Hole
mm cm8 g
60 28 320
76 45 510
100 79 900
150 176 2000
4
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3.1.2 Electrical Measuring Deuice - Such a device as in Fig. l shall be
equipped with a tip or probe at the end of the cable or suspending cord and
the probe shall be streamlined and so designed that it shall not catch on
any edge and it shall complete the circuit only when it contacts the water.
The weight of the probe shall be enough to keep the cable straight, the c_ablc
shall not get stretched in length under its own weight and the -weight of the
probe, if the cable is directly used for measurement. The cable shall be
marked with graduations similar to those on an acceptable tape or the
cable/suspending cord shall be measured subsequent to withdrawal with
an acceptable tape to determine the elevation of the water level in the
borehole.
GALVANOMETER BATTERY
,., 6V
/

DRILL
HOLE
GL
-~ INSULATED
-:;- E

ELECTRIC WIRE

WEIGHT
(ELECTRICAU.Y INSUlATf.01

NOTE - In case of dry ground either connect the negative to casing or use two-wire
circuit. ·
Fm. l DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING UsE oP ELECTRICAL EQ.UIPMENT FOR
MEASURING GROUND WATER LEVEL

3.1.3 Automatic Water Level Recorder- The recorder shall be calibrated


to read depth variations to the desired accuracy.
Non - This is wed where a continuou1 record of the fluctuation• of water level over
a specified period of time has to be_ obtained.

3.1.4 A Bell Sounder - Consists of a solid brass rod about 78 mm long


and diameter to suit hole, ending in a inverted cup ( for typical illustration
see Fig. 2 ) . A steel measuring tape is attached to the upper end. The
length of the sounder below the zero of the tape shall be measured carefully
and added to each reading of the tape to get the true distance. The moment
the cup of the sounder hits the water surface within the pipe, a distinc:t
'plop' will be heard.
5
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IS: 6935 -1973

:r
I\

2mm SZI
HOLE
3

75

· SECT JON XX
All dimensions in millimetres.
FIG. 2 BELL SOUNDER

6
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IS i 6935- 197:J

4. PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING BOREHOLE WATER LEVELS


4.1 Hole Made by Wet Drllllng Method - When the hole has been made
by a wet drilling method ensure that the water level in the hole is the same
as ground water level by depressing the water level by evacuating with
compressed air or with a sand shell. After this operation is completed take 3
( more if required) water level readings at 10 to 15 min intervals if the
last two . consecutive readings do riot differ by more than 5 cm, the
corresponding lower water level should be taken as the ground water level
( see Appendix A ) .
4.2' Hole Made Using Drilling Mud - When drilling mud has been used
thoroughly flush and wash the hole with clean water. Then determine the
ground water level as in 4.1 ( see Appendix A ) .
4.3 Hole Made by Dry Drllllng Method - When the hole is bored by
dry drilling method, determine the ground water level as soon as it is inferred
that the ground water level has been reached, without advancing the hole
further. Take a series of 3 ( or more if required) readings at approximately
equal intervals with a minimum of 5 min elapsed time between readings.
In an exceptionally previous strata the interval may be reduced to as low as
one minute ( see ApJ>endix A ) .
4.4 Other Requirement• for All Water Level Determination• .
4.4.1 Ensure that all surface seepage water has been sealed off from flowing
into the borehole.
4..4.2 In case the subsoil strata in the vicinity of the water table in a bore•
hole consists of loose cohesionless material or other material which may lead
to caving of hole due to fluctuation of water level or due to flushing and
washing with clean water, case the hole beforehand in order to prevent the
water level in the hole being vitiated by possible collapse of the hole. In
case of permanent water level observation wells the casing shall be blank up
to ground water table and of perforated pipe below. If casing is used to seal
off seepage water or to prevent the hole from caving, then the hole shall be
extended below the casing 1 to -2 casing diameters, and preferably not more
than 10 to 15 cm. ·
4.4.3 Record the date, the time and the elevation of all the water level
readings taken.
4.4.4 Cap hole between readings ifreadings are to be taken over an extend•
cd period of time.

5. DATA TO BE RECORDED
5.1 The following data shall be recorded for each series of borehole water
level reading taken:
a) Datum of reference point from which measurements were taken,
and
7
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18 i"'.6935 . ,1973
b) Log of borehole ( see IS: 446~196i• ).
5.2 When required the following data may also be recorded:
a) 'I'ime that has elapsed since last change in the water level in the
borehole,
b) Depth of water colum~ above bottom of the borehole and the
length of casing in the borehole,
c) Atmospheric pressure at the time water level was taken,
d) Fluctuation in water levels of nearby bodies of water which may
affect water level readings in the borehole and recording time and
magnitude of this fluctuation, and
e) Distance to closest adjacent borehole if the adjacent hole might
have some effect on the borehole water level.

APPENDIX A
( Clauses 1.3, 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3)
DETERMINING THE .GROUND WATER LEVEL ·sy THE
APPLICATION OF BOREHOLE WATER LEVEJ,
A-1. APPLICABILITY OF BOREHOLE WATER LEVEL
A-1.1 Borehole water levels taken while water is being circulated to advance
the borehole will .bear no relation to the ground water level unless .sufficient
time is allowed for the borehole water level to stabilize near the ground
water level.
A-1.2 Borehbles drilled by dry methods may have advanced below the ground
water table before water is noticed in a borehole. A borehole water level
reading taken before the water level has had time to stabilize will not
correctly represent the ground water level.
A-1.3 In many areas more than one ground water level may be found due
to an impervious material lying between two aquifers and effectively separat-
ing them. A borehole penetrating the impervious layer then becomes
a channel for water to flow froin one aquifer to the other and the borehole
water level will stabilize at some elevation between the ground water eleva-
tions in the two aquifers.
A-1.4 Drilling mud used in a borehole can effectively seal offpcrvious forma-
tions preventing the fluid in the borehole to drop to the existing ground water
level or vitt versa. . ' ,,
•Code of pracu"c:e for preacntation of drilling information and core description in
foundation investigation,

8
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IS : 6935 - 1973
A-1.5 The time required for a borehole water level to stabilize at or near
the ground water level depends upon the permeability of the formation and
the initial head differential between the borehole water level and the ground
·w ater level. Typical times required for 90 percent of this initial gap between
the water levels to close when soil is flush with the bottom of the casing are
given below:
a) Medium and coarse sand l to 6 min
b) Fine sand About 1 h
c) Medium and coarse silt ( see Note l ) ½to 4 days
d) Fine silt ( see Note 1 ) Up to 42 days
e) Clay ( see Note I ) Not practical to deter-
mine free ground water
level from boreholes un-
less material is fissured.
Non I - The above limits are meant as a guide. While dealing with these formations
porous tube pil"Zometers will be found more. suitable for observation of ground water
level. For details of these piezometers reference may be made to the draft ' Indian
Standard code of practice for installation, maintenance and observation of instruments
in earth dams: Porous tube ( Casagrande type) piezometen-' ( und11 pr,pan,tion)
( see Note 2 ).
NOTE 2 - Until this standard is published, the matter shall be subject to agreement
between the concerned parties.

A-1.5.1 If the hole is extended about 3 diameters below the bottom of the
casing, the increased intake area will reduce the time required to about 25
percent of the values given in .A-1 .5.

A-2. INTERPRETATION OF BOREHOLE WATER LEVEL


A-2.1 If free communication has been established wi'th the formation, and
there is no seepage into the borehole from overlying formations the stabilized
borehole water level will be closely equivalent to the ground ·water levd in
the formation.
A-2.2 For artesian conditions . where the formation is overlain by an
impervious layer the stabilized borehole water level will be equivalent to
the pressure head in the formation.
A-2.3 If insufficient time is spent waiting for the borehole water level to
stabilize, the inferred position of the ground water level may be calculated
from the following equation if three borehole water level readings are taken
at suitable equal time intervals: ·
h~
1r,- 11;.-ha
9
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IS : 6935 - 1973
where
h. = the distance the borehole water level shall change in order
to be closely equivalent to the ground water level,
h1 = the distance the borehole water level changed during the
time interval between the first two borehole water level
readings, and
h2 = the distance the borehole water level changed during the
time interval uet 1Neen the second and the third borehole
water level readings.
l'\OTE - The formula in A-2.3 is based on the theory of hydrostatic time lag.

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