S & R Geotechniques Pvt. Ltd.

Conducting Pressuremeter Tests for Design & Construction of

Underground structures (Tunnels and Stations) of length 3.655 km
(approx.) from south ramp (including) to Vellara junction station
(excluding) (Ch. 7521.162 m to 11176.615m) including allied works
and 3 Nos of UG Metro Stations viz; Dairy Circle, MICO Industries
and Langford Town in Reach-6 line of Bangalore Metro Rail
Project –RT01, Phase -2.

Document Title: Work Procedure for Dilatometer/Pressuremeter test

Document No.: SRGeo/BVIPL/01

Name of Agency: M/s. S & R Geotechniques Pvt. Ltd.

Client: M/s Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Principal Client: M/s Afcons Infrastructure Limited

Revision No.
Revision No.:
R0
Date of Issue: 04/01/2020
(MM/YYYY)
Total No. of Pages: 14
(i/c cover page)

Action Name Designation Date Signature

Prepared By Pooja More Geologist 04/01/2020

Geotechnical
Reviewed By Kumar Salunkhe
Engineer
04/01/2020

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WORK PROCEDURE FOR DILATOMETER/PRESSUREMETER TEST

WORK PROCEDURE

FOR

DILATOMETER/PRESSUREMETER TEST

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES

(TUNNELS AND STATIONS) OF LENGTH 3.655 KM (APPROX.)

FROM SOUTH RAMP (INCLUDING) TO VELLARA JUNCTION

STATION (EXCLUDING) (CH. 7521.162 M TO 11176.615M)

INCLUDING ALLIED WORKS AND 3 NOS OF UG METRO STATIONS

VIZ; DAIRY CIRCLE, MICO INDUSTRIES AND LANGFORD TOWN IN

REACH-6 LINE OF BANGALORE METRO RAIL PROJECT –RT01,

PHASE -2.

DOCUMENT NO.: SRGeo/ BVIPL/01

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WORK PROCEDURE FOR DILATOMETER/PRESSUREMETER TEST

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…4
2. Scope ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...4
3. Purpose …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
4. References ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
4.1 Indian standard code ………………………………………………………………………………4
4.2 Drawings …………………………………………………………………………………………………4
5. Equipment required …………………………………………………………………………………………4
6. Calibration …………………………………………………………………………….…………………………5
6.1 Calibrating the displacement output ……………………………….………………………5
6.2 Calibrating the pressure output …………………………………….……………………….6
6.3 Measuring the variation of the thickness of rubber tube resulting from the
various pressure loading on the rubber tube……………………..……………………….7
7. Test Procedure…………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
8. Interpretation of results ……………………………………………………………………………………8
9. Acceptance criteria ………………………………………………………………………………………….13

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WORK PROCEDURE FOR DILATOMETER/PRESSUREMETER TEST

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to describe the work procedure to be adopted for conducting the
dilatometer/pressuremeter test for geological and geotechnical sub-surface work.
Dilatometer/Pressuremeter test will be carried out to determine the deformation modulus, shear
modulus and limiting pressure of in-situ rock.

2.0 SCOPE
 Drilling of boreholes.
 Mobilization of dilatometer/pressuremeter test equipment.
 Conducting dilatometer/pressuremeter test at different depths below the founding level.
 Preparation of test report.

3.0 PURPOSE
The aim of the High Pressure Dilatometer (HPD) tests is to determine
 In-situ deformation modulus of rock
 In-situ shear modulus of rock
 Limiting pressure of In-situ rock
The in-situ deformation modulus of rock using an expanding probe (dilatometer) to exert pressure on
the wall of a drill hole. The resulting diametrical expansion (dilation) will be determined from
measurements of the volumetric expansion of the probe. Deformability characteristics of the rock
mass at the dilatometer location will be calculated from the relation between pressure and dilation.

4.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

4.1 Indian Standard Code
 IS 12955 (Part II):1990 In situ determination of rock mass deformability using a flexible
dilatometer (with radial displacement)
 IS 11315 (Part 1 to 11):1985 for characteristics of all discontinuities

5.0 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

 Data logger for recording of pressure in Mpa & displacement in mm
 HQ sonde is the main assembly contains rubber membrane, pressure transducer and displacement
transducers

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WORK PROCEDURE FOR DILATOMETER/PRESSUREMETER TEST

 Water pump – 20 lit capacity and able to produce maximum pressure of 20 Mpa
 High pressure water feeding hose – 100 m length
 Electrical cable – 100 m length
 Drilling rods of AW size for lowering the HQ sonde at required depth
 Measuring tape – 3m
* The equipment will be of Oyo Corporation, Japan
6.0 CALIBRATION
6.1 Calibrating the displacement output
For calibration, following steps will be carried out
6.1.1 Detach the rubber tube from the sonde.
6.1.2 Connect the sonde to the indicator by cable, and the POWER switch put in “ON” position.
6.1.3 As indicated in Fig. 6.1, cover the sonde with calibration ring.

Fig. 6.1 Covering the sonde with the calibration ring

6.1.4 Arrangement of contact of section of the calibration ring with its inner diameter getting smaller.

Fig. 6.2 calibration using calibration ring (position 1)

6.1.5 At this time, adjust R.B. (shown on data logger) trimmer by turning it through the use of
trimmer adjusting rod so that the display value of the radius on the Indicator may indicate
“0.00” mm.

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6.1.6 Then, arrange the arm to contact the section of the calibration ring with it’s inner diameter
getting larger.

Fig. 6.3 Calibration using the calibration ring (position 2)

6.1.7 At this time, adjust R.G. (shown on data logger) trimmer by turning it through the use of trimmer
adjusting rod so that the display value will show “10.00” mm.
6.2 Calibration the pressure output
Connect each of the system constituting the unit as illustrated in the Figure below.

Fig.6.4 Calibrating the pressure output

6.2.1 Adjust P.B. (shown on data logger) trimmer by turning it through the use of trimmer adjusting rod
(one of the typical accessories) so that the display value of the pressure on the indicator under
the standby where no pressure has been loaded, may read “0.00” Mpa.
6.2.2 Then, load the pressure approximately 15 MPa by using the high-pressure hand pump and adjust
P.G. (shown on data logger) trimmer by turning it through the use of trimmer adjusting rod so

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WORK PROCEDURE FOR DILATOMETER/PRESSUREMETER TEST

that the display value on the indicator may be rendered identical to the reference value on the
pressure gauge.
6.3 Measuring the variation with the thickness of the rubber tube resulting from the various pressure
loading on the rubber tube:
The function of elastmeter is to exert the pressure on borehole wall via rubber tube. Rubber will
indicate the variation with its thickness influenced by the pressure varying the Rubber tube thickness.
The outer diameter of elastmeter is 70 mm.
As the thickness variation is caused for loading pressure exceeding 1 MPa, the required correction will
be for the data for pressure exceeding 1 MPa. For carrying out the correction, take steps described
below to measure the variation volume with the thickness of rubber.

6.3.1 As indicated in Fig. 6.4, insert the elastmeter into the calibration pipe. As for the calibration pipe,
use the Nx size calibration pipe.
6.3.2 To get the rubber tube fitted for it use, repeat the pressurization and the depressurization more
than three times in advance.
6.3.3 Carrying the depressurization once, then raise the pressure to 1 MPa, read the display value
(Rp1) with the displacement for that pressure, and record it on the data sheet.
6.3.4 Raise the pressure in steps of 0.5 MPa, and record the display value (Rp) with the displacement
for each case.
6.3.5 Repeat the above step till the pressurization reaches the pressure of 20 Mpa.

7.0 TEST PROCEDURE

7.1 Arrange beforehand to let the cable and the high-pressure water feeding tube linked to the rod
reducer, and the fix the cable and high-pressure water feeding tube to the sonde.
7.2 Connect the cable to the probe of this instrument.
7.3 Set POWER switch in “ON” position,
7.4 Set POWER switch in “ON” position, stand-by for 2 minutes as warm-up time.
7.5 Connect the high-pressure water feeding tube to the high-pressure hand pump.
7.6 Carrying calibration with the Sonde. For details, refer to “6.0 CALIBRATION”.
7.7 Insert the sonde into the borehole.
7.8 The tests may be spaced either at equal intervals or at specified locations in pre-selected
geological formations or beds. Generally, a log of deformability should be taken at regular

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interval along the length of the test hole pertinent to design. For example, a 1, 2 or 5 m test
interval may be specified depending on test hole lengths and required resolution.
7.9 Upon setting the Sonde at the measuring point, load the pressure on the sonde using the high
pressure hand pump according to the pressure loading pattern set planned in advance, so as to
load the pressure on the rubber tube for getting it inflated. Record the relationship, between
the pressure (“P in MPa”) and the displacement (“Rn in mm”).
7.10 At the time of shifting the sonde to next position after finish with the measurement, observe
displacement volume being displayed on the indicator, confirm the shrinking of rubber tube,
and only then proceed to shift to next location.
7.11 At each successive in the same borehole, start the measurement with the deepest location
followed by the shallower location. Such a procedure will serve to prevent jamming of the
probe.
7.12 At time of lifting up the sonde, pull the cable a little and high-pressure water feeding pump such
as they may not slacken, and then proceed to lift it up.
7.13 Upon completing the lifting of the sonde, wash it with water.

8.0 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

8.1 Calculating the cross section with the rubber tube
For calculating the outer diameter of the rubber tube (used for the elastmeter) from its inner
diameter, it is required to determine beforehand the cross section of the rubber tube.
The procedures for such determination are given below.
1. In the measurement with the thickness variation concerned with the rubber tube as referred to in
“6.3”, determine the value by adding “23.5 mm” to the indicated value of the displacement (RP1)
under the pressure at 1 MPa. The value thus determined corresponds to the inner diameter of the
rubber tube under the status where no thickness variation volume will arise influenced by the
pressure on the rubber tube.
2. The outer diameter of the rubber tube is rendered equivalent to the inner diameter of the
calibration pipe, and assuming it is expressed by “R”, the cross section of the rubber tube can be
expressed by the following formula:
S = {R2 – (RP1 + 23.5)2}

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3. At time of the actual measurement, since “S/” (“” denotes the ratio of circle circumference to its
radius) is used in the correction formula, determine the following and record the eventual value
determined.
S/ = {R2 – (RP1 + 23.5)2}
Table 1: List of the correction procedures.

Value Symbol Calculation formula

1. Display value on the digital panel Rn Measured value (readout)

meter
2. Indicated value related to the inner Ri Ri = Rn + 23.5 mm
radius
3. Correction with thickness of rubber PG Decrease volume with thickness of
tube (pressure) Rubber tube influenced by pressure
4. Reference inner radius Rs Rs = Ri – PG
5. Borehole radius (outer radius of R R = ((Rs)2 + S/))1/2
rubber tube)

8.2 Determining the inner radius (Ri):

The measured value (Rn) indicates the variation of the volume with the inner radius of rubber tube.
Actual inner radius (Ri) of rubber tube is determined by adding the reference radius which is already
calibrated to Rn.
Ri = Rn + 23.5 mm

8.3 Determining the thickness correction with rubber tube (PG, Rs, R):

With pressure the rubber tube gets inflated and the variation with respect to its thickness arises from
the following two causes:
1) Pressure
2) The rubber tube getting inflated

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Accordingly, corrections are required with the variation in volumes due to the above two causes
above. For the thickness variation caused by pressure, as mentioned in the above relevant correction
relates to the thickness variation volume already determined as mentioned in section “6.3”.
Thickness correction volume (PG) against pressure (P) can be expressed by the following formula:
PG = (P-1) / k = P’ / k

Fig. 2 PG corrected straight line

Thus, the reference inner radius (Rs) of rubber tube is expressed as follows:
Rs = Ri – PG
For the thickness variation caused by rubber tube inflated, as mentioned in the cross section of rubber
tube is always constant, the thickness variation can be converted into the outer diameter. Assuming
the cross section is represented by “S”,
R = ((Rs)2 + S/))1/2
( Remarks: For “S/”, the value determined in the calculation of cross section of rubber tube as
described in “8.1” is the one to be used.)
Based on the measurement results arranged as above, delineate the P-R curve.
Table 2 indicates an example of the measurement results.

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Table 2 Measurement results

Pressure Displacement Inner radius Thickness Reference Borehole radius

P (MPa) display value display value correction inner radius R = (( Rs)2 + S/))1/2
Rn Ri = Rn + 23.5 volume Rs = Ri - PG
PG = P’/K
0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

6.5

7.0

7.5

1) Ri = Rn + 23.5
2) PG = (P-1) / K = P’/ K
3) Rs = Ri – PG
4) R = ((Rs)2 + S/))1/2

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8.4 Calculating the Ground coefficient value (K):

K value can be defined as the slope of the deformation curve (the linear section) on the stress-
deformation plot as indicated in Fig 3.

R

Fig 3 Model diagram of measurement results

K = P / R (MPa)

In other words, K value is the load strength against the unit displacement volume.

8.5 Calculating the Elasticity modulus value (E):

E value is the elasticity modulus of the strata to determine this value is from the measurement results
through application of the elastmeter system.
The stress distribution is a two-dimensional and the stress is within the elasticity limit. The horizontal
strain in the plane in the direction of the radius is met, from this the elasticity coefficient (E) can be
expressed using the following formula.
E = (1 + µ)*r*K
Where, “µ” represents Poisson’s ratio, “K” represents the K value determined before, and “r”
represents the intermediate radius for the section used to calculate K value. For case of the soft
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ground, the Poisson’s ratio can be considered in approximate ranges of 0.3 to 0.5 while in case of the
rock, it can be considered to be in the range of 0.3 to 0.4.

8.6 Calculating the Shear modulus value (G):

The Shear modulus can be computed using the relation

G = E/ 2(1+)

Where,
G = Shear modulus
 = Poisson’s ratio
E = Elasticity modulus

9.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Submission of observations along with the report with deviations if any.

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