In Situ Deformability of Rock 197

Suggested Methods for Determining In Situ

Deformability of Rock
PART 1. SUGGESTED METHOD
FOR DEFORMABILITY
DETERMINATION USING
A PLATE TEST
(SUPERFICIAL L O A D I N G )
SCOPE
1. (a) The plate test which uses surficial loading, often
referred to as the uniaxial jacking test or plate jacking
test, is performed in small tunnels or test adits to
measure the deformation characteristics of a rock mass.
(b) Two areas, each approximately 1 m in diameter,
are loaded simultaneously using jacks positioned across
the tunnel. Rock mass deformations are measured in
boreholes behind each loaded area and across the tun-
nel between each loaded area. A typical test facility
is shown in Fig. 1.
(c) Incremental and cyclic loading provide data for
the calculation of elastic, deformation, and unloading
moduli. The creep characteristics of the rock mass can
be determined from graphs of displacement versus time.
(d) The effects of anisotropy can be determined by
orienting the thrust of the jacks in any desired direc-
tion. However, it is advisable that the thrust of the
jacks remains in a plane perpendicular to the axis of
the test tunnel.
EQUIPMENT
2. (a) Equipment necessary for accomplishing the test
includes items for: preparing the test site, drilling and
logging the instrumentation hole, measuring the rock
deformation, applying and restraining test loads,
recording test data, and transporting various com-
ponents to the test site.
3. (a) Test site preparation equipment should include
an assortment of excavation tools, such as drills and
chipping hammers. Blasting should not be allowed dur-
ing final preparation of the test site.
4. (a) The drill for the instrumentation holes should,
if possible, have the capability of retrieving core from
depths of at least 10 m. Some type of borehole viewing
device is desirable for examination of the instrumen-
tation holes to compare and verify geologic features
observed in the core.

PARTICLE BOARD
:LAT JACK, APPROX.
TOP PL
I M DIAMETER
*CONCRETE /

4 RESTRAINT / "-'-MPBX MEASURING ANCHORS

TUNNEL ROCK
(5 OR MORE PER HOLE)
MPBX SENSOR HEAD

BASE PLATE--~ GAGE ~UBBER SLEEVE OVER

LEAD WIRES

NX, 76 MM DIAMETER,
CORE DRILL HOLE
APPROX. 6 FLATJACK / HYDRAULIC
DIAMETERS D E E P ~ LEAD WIRE
SCREWS FOR SET
UP AND REMOVAL

PREPARED DIAMETER
1.5 TO 2 TIMES MPa HYDRAULIC PUMP
FLATJACK DIAMETEI

DATA ACQUISITION STEM----~ 0 @ 0 ~ NOTE:TtMBERPLATFORM

FOR SUPPORT DURING
ERECTION NOT SHOWN
Fig. 1. Uniaxialjackingtest.
198 International Society for Rock Mechanics
(b) Instruments for measuring deformations should
include a reliable multiple position borehole exten-
someter (MPBX) for each instrumentation hole, and
a tunnel diameter gauge. All instruments should be of
sufficient accuracyand sensitivity to be compatible with
anticipated deformations. Experimental errors in excess
of 0.01 mm can invalidate test results when the modulus
of the rock mass exceeds 3.5 x 104 MPa. A discussion
of the ramifications of experimental error can be found
in [1].
5. (a) The loading apparatus should be capable of
applying simultaneous uniform pressures to two areas
on opposite sides of the tunnel, each approximately 1 m
in diameter. As shown in Fig. 1, the equipment used
to apply the desired loads to the prepared and instru-
mented rock may consist of calibrated flat jacks and
restraint columns having the capability of sustaining
the maximum desired uniform pressure with a suitable
factor of safety. The hydraulic pump system with
necessary fittings, valves, gages, and hoses should have
sufficient pressure capability and volume to apply and
maintain desired pressures to within 3?/0 of a selected
value throughout the duration of the test.
PROCEDURE
6. Site preparation
(a) The area selected for testing should be carefully
prepared. All loose rock material should be removed
by using chipping hammers and drills. In order to
reduce the restraining influence of adjoining rock, an
area with a diameter 1 to 2 times that of the test
pad should be prepared. The two test areas should be
concentric with and in planes oriented perpen-
dicular to the axis of the restraint column assembly.
.1 ROCK SURFACE
~ SENSORH E ~ ~'~
,=.,
F,
OPEN JOINTS" ~ ~
r~
iii.!
NO STRUCTURAL JOINTS
OR LITHOLOGIC
FEATURES
NOTE: NOT TO SCALE
Fig. 2. Typical anchor locations.
If blasting is required for initial test surface prep-
aration, care should be exercised to produce surfaces
which are relatively free from blast damage. Detailed
site preparation procedures can be found in [2].
(b) An instrumentation hole should be core drilled
into each prepared test surface. Care must be exercised
to insure that the two holes are coaxial with each other
and with the restraint column assembly.
(c) Examination of the core and the instrumentation
hole itself will assist in locating anchor points for the
MPBX's. The anchors should be located so that they
are not placed on joints, and so they bracket zones
of structural or lithologic change. The deepest anchor
should be located approximately 6 flat jack diameters
below the rock surface in order to provide a fixed point
to which the movements of all other anchors can be
referenced. In general, the remaining anchors should
be concentrated in the zone of maximum stress between
the rock surface and a point approximately 3 jack dia-
meters back from the surface. Figure 2 illustrates some
recommended locations. It is desirable for the sensor
head and all anchors to be attached to the side walls
of the instrumentation hole. This precludes the neces-
sity of monitoring the movement of the test setup com-
ponents, since all measurements will be referenced in
the rock.
7. Equipment installation
(a) The complete installation of a proposed type of
restraining and load applying setup together with
deformation measuring instrumentation is shown sche-
matically in Fig. 1. A properly located wooden platform
(not shown in Fig. I) allows for alignment of all test
components. The space between the flat jack assembly
and rock should be filled with small aggregate concrete.
~--~v~llllllr~7~
OD~
3D~
I
.....
I I
6D--
LITHOLOGY ;OUGE SCALE
CHANGE SEAM
D=Jack Diameter
 In Situ Deformability of Rock 199

The concrete should be allowed to cure sufficiently to
obtain adequate strength prior to commencement of
the test. The space between the fiat jack and the base
and top plates should have a special partical board
filler (wood chips and resin) or other suitable material
fabricated to accommodate the flat jack configuration
on one side and the base plate on the other side.
8. Testing
(a) After all components of the instrumentation are
installed in the drill holes, they should be checked (elec-
tronically or mechanically). After the loading and re-
straining components are installed, another check
should be made of the instrumentation. A final check
of all mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic components
should be made after the concrete pads are placed and
again before the first load increment is applied.
(b) Tests should be conducted continually on a 24-hr
a day basis utilizing load ranges and increments com-
patible with the particular design considerations under
investigation.
(c) While the test is in progress, rock deformations
monitored by the instrumentation should be recorded
continuously or at sufficient intervals to obtain desired
data. If a noncontinuous recording system is utilized,
a minimum of four readings during the first hour of
each load increment or decrement is recommended.
(d) The maximum test pressure, number of cycles to
the maximum pressure, and number of pressure incre-
ments in each cycle will be determined by test con-
ditions and desired information. A maximum pressure
of 1.2-1.5 times that imposed by the structure is usually
considered adequate. At least five pressure increments,
each followed by a period of zero pressure, should be
used for each cycle. A typical one-cycle loading
sequence is shown in Fig. 3.
(e) The duration of each pressure increment will be
determined by the creep characteristics of the rock
mass. Until the behavior of the rock mass is well under-
stood, at least 48 hr should be allowed for each pressure
increment followed by 24 hr at zero pressure. Obser-
vations during the first pressure increments can be used

8.3

6.9 r

//
n

5.5
a,,

05
t/)
tO

//
h-
a.

t.9
Z 4.1

ILl
m

2.11

1.4

0
0 O.IOZ o. 203 o.ao5 0.406
DEFORMATION, MM
Fig. 3. Rock Surface deformation as a function of bearing pressure.
200 International Society for R o c k M e c h a n i c s

,, 1 3 S , ,
o ,~ ~10
N~I~33V7dSIO 311SV73N]

=. Q
~D

0
#.
=E
C)

rm ._~

g.
r~

E
o3

o v
g~
'5
ill

g. 0

"" E

0
p

,q.
0
J
O

IO

k
g_
0

IE >-

.2"
\

to O
od
d d
ININ ~30V..-I~nS J.V NOII~'IAI~O.-13C] >I30U
 In Situ Deformability of Rock 201

to modify time requirements for successive increments. cycles are utilized to compute deformation moduli
Jack pressure should be maintained within 3% of the according to appropriate formulae. Because of their
target value for the duration of each increment. The simplicity, expressions based on the theory of elasticity
time frame for a typical test is shown in Fig. 4. I-3] are normally used to approximate actual field con-
ditions.
(c) For a uniformly distributed pressure on a circular
CALCULATIONS area, the displacement at any point beneath the center
9. (a) Data gathered during the test may be plotted to of the area may be expressed:
provide a display of Deformation vs Time, Pressure,
or Depth. These plots aid in the analysis of the creep, 2q(1 -/~2) 1-(a2 + z2) 1/2 _ z]
w=- E
rebound, and permanent set characteristics of the rock
mass. Example plots are shown in Figs 3, 4, and 5. qz(1 + #)[z(a 2 + z2)_1/2 _ 1] (1)
(b) Deformation measurements for the various load E

ROCK DISPLACEMENT (MM )

o 0.102 0.203 O. 305 0.406 O. 508 0.610

0.3 I

f
0.6

f
0.9

1.2

1.5

1.8

o3
rr
tU 2.1
I-"-
hi
=E
2.4
Z

LU 2.7
/
0
1"
5.0
/
.J
ANCHOR DEPTHS
3.4
SENSOR HEAD 0.0 M
ANCHOR ONE 0.5 M
o 3.7 ANCHOR TWO I. I M
I ANCHOR THREE 1.8 M
4.0 ANCHOR FOUR 2.4 M
123 ANCHOR FIVE 3.2 M
ANCHOR SIX 4.3 M
4.3
ANCHOR SEVEN 6. I M
O-DEPTHS WHERE
4.6 ROCK DEFORMATION
WAS MEASURED
WHEN LOADS WERE
4.9 APPLI ED AT SURFACE
(0- DEPTH )
5.2

5.5

561I/DEEPEST
I
EXTENSOMETER ANCHOR
6jdr I ~ I

Fig. 5. Uniaxial displacement vs depth referenced to deepest anchor at 6.9 M P a bearing pressure.
202 International Society for Rock Mechanics
where:
wz = displacement in the direction of the applied
pressure
z = distance from the loaded surface to the
point where displacement is calculated
q = pressure
a = radius of loaded area
/2 = Poisson's ratio
E = modulus of elasticity
At the surface z = 0 and the expression reduces to:
2(1 - / 2 2)
wz = o -- qa.
E REFERENCES
(d) When loads are applied with a circular flat jack
with a hole in the center, the effect of the unloaded
area in the center must be subtracted. Using the
notation:
a 2 : outer radius of flat jack
al = inner radius of flat jack or radius of hole
_ 2q(1 - 2)
Wz /2 [(a 2 + z2)l/E(a2 + z2) 1/2]
E
+ z2q( 1 + /2) [(a 2 + Z2)- 1/2 _ (a 2 + z2) - 1/2].
E
After substituting appropriate values for al, a2,/2, and
Z, equation (3) reduces to:
Wz = E ( K z ) .
If displacements Wzl and Wz2 are measured at points
z I and z 2, the indicated deformation modt~lus of the
material between zl and Zz may be calculated from:
Ea = q W~, W~2]"
REPORTING OF RESULTS
10. The report should include the following:
(a) A complete geologic description of the test site in-
cluding core logs, photos of core, photos of prepared
test areas, and a description of local blast damage.
(b) A description of the testing apparatus including
photos of installed equipment, a schematic diagram of
the equipment, specifications for accuracy and sensi-
tivity of all pressure and deformation instruments, and
calibration data for all instruments.
(c) Tabulations of unreduced data.
(d) Plots of deformation versus pressure such as in
Fig. 3. Information from this plot can be used to deter-
mine the shape of the stress strain curve, to obtain
values for calculation of various moduli, and to deter-
mine rebound and elasticity characteristics.
(e) Plots of deformation versus time as in Fig. 4. This
plot is useful for studying the creep characteristics of
the rock. It should be kept during testing to establish
time requirements for each load increment.
(f) Plots of deformation versus depth referenced to
the deepest anchor as in Fig. 5. This deformation pro-
file is used to identify anomalous areas with lower or
higher moduli than the average. Once such zones are
identified, they can be correlated with core from the
instrument holes. If MPBX anchors are located pro-
perly, the moduli of these zones can be calculated using
equation (5).
(g) Calculated moduli pertinent to design problems.
Care should be taken to identify the depth interval in
the rock mass and stress range for each modulus.
(2)
1. Benson R. P., Murphy D. K. & McCreath D. R. Modulus testing
of rock at the churchill falls underground powerhouse, Labrador,
from determination of the in situ modulus of deformation of rock,
American Society for Testing and Materials STP477, (1969).
2. Misterek D. L., Slebir E. J. & Montgomery J. S. Bureau of recla-
mation procedures for conducting uniaxial jacking tests, paper
presented at American Society for Testing and Materials Annual
Meeting, June 24-29, 1973, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
3. Timoshenko S. & Goodier J. N. Theory of Elasticity. McGraw-
Hill, New York (1951).
(3) PART 2. S U G G E S T E D
M E T H O D FOR FIELD
DEFORMABILITY
DETERMINATION USING
(4)
A PLATE TEST
D O W N A BOREHOLE
SCOPE
(5) 1. (a) This test is used to determine the in s i t u deform-
ability characteristics of a rock mass. Successively higher
bearing pressures, in loading and unloading cycles, are
applied to the flattened end of a borehole and the
resulting rock displacements are recorded.
(b) Elastic and deformation modulae may be derived
from graphs of bearing pressure versus displacement.
Time dependent (creep) properties may be determined
from graphs of displacement versus time.
(c) The method allows the testing of several horizons
at various depths, with a minimum of expense to gain
access to each test horizon. In the limit a semi-con-
tinous log of deformability as a function of depth can
be obtained.
(d) The direction of loading necessarily coincides
with the borehole axis, usually near-vertical, so that
no information can be obtained regarding rock aniso-
tropy. The size of the loaded area is limited by the
capabilities of available drilling equipment and is
usually smaller than in other plate tests (see PART 1).
(e) The method is usually employed to provide infor-
mation for the design of foundations, as an alternative
to the method of P A R T 1 where access to the proposed
foundation level cannot readily by obtained by an ex-
ploratory trench or addit.
 In Situ Deformability of Rock 203

APPARATUS (e.g. Figs 1 and 2) hole, such that:

(a) The system should have a range greater than the
2. Equipment for drilling, cleaning and preparing the
maximum plate displacement in the test, and an overall
test hole including:
accuracy better than + 0.05 mm.
(a) A drill or boring machine to produce a test hole
(b) The system reference beams, columns and clamps
of diameter at least 500 mm 1. to the maximum depth
should when assembled be sufficiently rigid to meet this
of investigation.
requirement.
(b) Casing as necessary to stabilize the walls of the
(c) The reference anchors for displacement measure-
hole.
ments should be rigidly installed at a distance greater
(c) Groundwater lowering or other equipment to
than 10 test hole diameters from the loading plate and
allow preparation of the bearing surface and instal-
reaction anchors.
lation of the bearing plate in dry conditions.
9. A timing device to measure test durations of up to
(d) A bottom auger, reaming bit or hand tools to
48 hr, reading to l see.
prepare the bearing surface flat (+ 5 mm) and perpen-
dicular to the hole axis (+3).
(e) Equipment to remove debris from the hole.
PROCEDURE
(f) Equipment for taking core samples to a depth
of at least 3 m below the bearing surface, the diameter 10. Test site selection
of the exploratory hole to be less than 109/o that of
(a) The test site is selected to allow testing at the
the bearing plate.
actual foundation level with loading in the direction
3. Equipment for installing and bedding-in the bearing
of foundation loading, alternatively testing of rock con-
plate including:
sidered typical of anticipated conditions.
(a) equipment for lowering the plate into the test hole
(b) Attention should be given not only to the test
(b) materials and ancilliary equipment for preparing
hole location, but also to suitable locations for reaction
a bedding layer beneath the plate, for example of
and reference anchors, to groundwater and other con-
cement mortar and plaster of paris.
ditions that may influence the conduct of the test.
4. A circular bearing plate of diameter at least 500 mm
(c) Selection of horizons for loading should be
and sufficiently rigid to distort by not more than 1 mm
checked before the test starts, by examining in detail
under the test conditions. 2
a core taken from beneath the proposed bearing sur-
5. A loading column to transmit the applied force from
face.
the reaction system to the test plate, such that:
(a) it resists buckling and carries the applied load 11. Drilling and preparation
without distortion sufficient to affect test results
(a) Test hole and anchor locations are accurately
(b) it is hollow to take the measuring column.
marked out and the holes drilled to the required elev-
(c) the resultant load acts centrally to the bearing
ations. The test hole is cased as necessary to ensure
plate ( + 3 mm) throughout the test.
stability throughout the test. Exploratory core is taken
6. A loading and reaction system including for example
to a depth of at least 3 m below the proposed test hor-
a. hydraulic jack, reaction piles or anchors and ancillary
izon, and the choice of horizon confirmed or modified.
equipment, such t h a t
Detailed geotechnical logs of all boreholes should be
(a) load is applied axial to the loading column.
prepared by examining core and/or the walls of the
(b) loads can be varied throughout the required range
hole.
and can be held constant to within 2~o of a selected
value for a period of at least 24 hr. (b) When groundwater is encountered in the test
(c) the travel of the loading jack should be greater hole, steps should be taken to lower the water table
(for example by pumping from well points surrounding
than the sum of anticipated displacements of the test
plate and reaction beam. the test area) for long enough to allow installation of
the bearing plate.
(d) the reaction system should be of appropriate
(c) The bearing surface is trimmed flat (___5 ram), and
materials, design and construction to satisfy these re-
its elevation recorded. All debris should be removed.*
quirements and to ensure safe operation of the test
equipment. One or more layers of mortar or plaster scree, total
thickness less than 30 mm, are placed to cover the bear-
(e) reaction anchors should if used be located further
ing surface and the bearing plate installed before the
than l0 test hole diameters from the bearing plate.
7. Load measuring equipment, for example a load last layer of scree has set. The delay between excavation
of the bearing surface and installation of the equipment
cell or proving ring, to measure the applied load with
should not exceed 12 hr. 5
an accuracy better than __+2 ~ of the maximum reached
in the test. (d) Reaction and reference anchors are installed and
8. Equipment to measure displacement of the centre the equipment assembled and checked. A small seating
of the bearing plate 3 in a direction axial to the test load (approximately 5 ~ of the maximum test value)
is applied and held until the start of testing.
(e) The water table should be allowing to return to
* N u m b e r s refer to N O T E S a t t h e e n d o f the text. its normal elevation before the start of testing.
 4~
7.Sin

100 TONNE
PROVINGRING
[I SUBSIOIARYLOADING
FRAME

HYDRAULIC
JACK
MAIN LOADINGFRAME ti SETTLEMENT
MEASUREMENT REFERENCE SEAM
~ LOCKINGKEYS
\
\ "a-~ A A A
0

,I
'I 0
REFERENCE ,-<
COLUMN --I
"2 -
]]__ '~
gi

1 E~----- . . . .

LOADING
COLUMN
CONCRETE BLOCKS o
'3

LINEOF5 t~
PILES

CEI

LOADINGPLATE

15ram OF PLASTER

Fig. i. Vertical section through the plate loading test equipment.

 In Situ Deformability of Rock 205

Jack

Dial -I To reference
beam

Measuring
column support

Measuring
Loading column

ht liner

~ P l a s t e r of Paris
......"
;ement mortar
Fig. 2. Details of plate-test equipment.

12. Testing
(a) With the seating load applied (paragraph lid),
load and displacement should be observed and
recorded over a period not less than 48 hours to estab-
lish datum values and to assess variations due to
ambient conditions. 6
(b) Loads and load increments to be applied during
the test should be selected to cover a range 0.3-1.5 qo,
where qo is the stress intensity produced by the pro-
posed structure, v
(c) Load is increased in not less than five approxi-
mately equal increments to a maximum of approxi-
mately 1/3 the maximum for the test. At each increment
the load is held constant (___3~) and displacement
recorded as a function of time until it stabilizes. 7 The
procedure is continued for decreasing load increments
until the seating load is again reached.
(d) The procedure 12(c) is repeated for maximum
cycle loads of approximately 2/3 and 3/3 the maximum
for the test.
13. The equipment is removed from the test hole and
further tests may be carried out on deeper horizons
by re-drilling in the same hole (paragraphs 11 and 12).
CALCULATIONS
14. (a) Graphs are plotted of incremental settlement
(or uplift in the case of unloading) against the logarithm
of time (Fig. 3).
(b) Bearing pressure versus settlement curves are
plotted for each test (Figs 4 and 5).
(c) Deformation modulae may be determined from
tangents to the pressure-settlement curve. In Fig. 6
three such moduli are defined where
Ei is the initial tangent modulus
E e is the elastic modulus obtained from a re-
loading cycle
and
Ey is a "yield" modulus.
206 International Society for Rock Mechanics

'" 451 k P a

~ 71~ k P a

Qli -~__1180 kPa

0
Illl,

i
e-

I I I
10 100 1000
Time (minutes)
Fig. 3. Typical relationships between incremental displacement and time for various load-intensities.

(d) The modulus is calculated from the formula in their derivation. Variations with depth in the ground
should also be shown graphically as 'deformability pro-
E = dq ~ D ( 1 - v 2) I~ files' superimposed on the geotechnical log of the test
hole.
where
q is the applied pressure
p is the settlement NOTES
D is the plate diameter 1. The test hole should preferably be of sufficient
v is Poissons's ratio (between 0.1 ar/d 0.3 for diameter to allow manual inspection, and preparation
most rocks) of the bearing surface. Where the hole is insufficiently
lc is a depth correction factor given in Fig. 7.
(e) A time-dependent parameter R (known as the
creep ratio) is determined for each load increment. The /
parameter R is defined as the incremental settlement
per cycle of log time divided by the total overall settle- ;
t
ment due to the applied pressure. The relationship tt
between R and applied pressure may be presented t
t

graphically (Fig. 8). /

REPORTING OF RESULTS
0.

I /
/
t! /
I it
15. The report should include the following I i
!
(a) Diagrams and detailed descriptions of the test t

equipment and methods used for drilling, preparation #

/ I
and testing. t /
/ i /
(b) Plans and sections showing the location of tests //
/
I

in relation to the generalized topography, geology and /! /

J /
groundwater regime. , / /"
(c) Detailed geotechnical logs and descriptions of /.

rock at least 3 m above and below each tested horizon.

(d) Tabulated test results, graphs o f displacement /
i 1/
,/
i

,, z
versus time for each load increment, and graphs of load /
/

versus displacement for the test as a whole (e.g. O

Fig. 4). 0.1 0 2 0"3 0 4 o!s

Displacement (ram)
(e) Derived values of deformability parameters,
together with details of methods and assumptions used Fig. 4. Typical plate-test results for Grade II chalk.
 In Situ Deformability of Rock 207

Load intensity (k Pa )
0 200 400 600 800 I000 1200
I ~o

.1

i~=0.49
g
~ ~ _ =, 0.25 case la)
s,--O.O
E
E
i
t_ I
v
..4
Q g o.71- I 1
E I
0 O
O 0
E 0
o-5 W %
o E

o. i~:0.5
._.R
C36 ~o.52 ~ '""I ""l ,,,,.4f._"1. . . . i-case (bl
5 tO 15 20
- Z/D
o _,.IDI.,- ~ I

Fig. 5. Fig. 7. (a) Uniform circular load at base of unlined shaft. (b) Uniform
circular load within semi-infinite solid (case treated by Fox, 1948).

large for manual inspection it must be core-drilled to

provide adequate samples for a detailed geotechnical
log of ground conditions.
2. The bearing plate, if of steel unreinforced by webs,
should be at least 2 0 m m thick for a diameter of
500 mm.
3. If required, the displacement of rock at any level
below the bearing plate may be monitored, using rods
passing through a hole in the centre of the plate and
rigidly anchored in the exploratory drillhole.
L00d intensity
_'_ . ..,
~Ey
4. When the test hole is large enough, rock trimming
and installation of the bearing plate should be carried
out by hand. When this is not possible, cleaning may
be carried out with an auger or similar device operating
at the end of a drill rod assembly, and the mortar scree
placed using a tremie or bottom opening bucket.
5. Particularly when testing weaker rocks there'will
be rebound, loosening and possibly swelling associated
with excavation of the bearing surface and changes in
groundwater conditions. This may be minimized by
reducing the delay between excavation and testing to
a minimum.
6. Small fluctuations in displacement are likely to
result from changes in the groundwater regime, tem-
perature and other environmental effects.
7. At higher applied loads the displacement may not
completely stabilize in a rcasonab!c ',imc: a criterion

I &

150(
I~l o T4.1
0 + ; iT4.2
n ~l x x T4.3
Q
+ T2.1
E ,- I 0 0 ( + X~ A A T2.3
0 t
_o .m
o. m
X ~0 A
=..
C3 5o + I

"10
g
I I I I !
.J 0 ~0 20 30 40 50 6b
R(per cent)

Fig.8. Relationship bctween load-intensity and creep ratio R fromplate

Fig. 6. Idealized pressure-displacement curve for plate-loading test. tests.
208 International Society for Rock Mechanics
that readings should continue until the rate of displace-
ment is less than 2~o of the incremental displacement
per hour may be used. This criterion may be modified
to suit the purpose of the test. The final increment in
any one cycle should be held for as long as practical
if the displacement is still increasing.
PART 3. S U G G E S T E D
M E T H O D FOR
M E A S U R I N G ROCK MASS
DEFORMABILITY U S I N G
A RADIAL JACKING TEST
SCOPE
1. (a) This test measures the deformability of a rock
mass by subjecting a test chamber of circular cross sec-
tion to uniformly distributed radial loading; the conse-
quent rock displacements are measured, from which
Elastic or Deformation modulae may be calculated. 1.
(b) The test loads a large volume of rock so that
the results may be taken to closely represent the true
properties of the rock mass, taking into account the
influence of joints and fissures. The anisotropic defor-
mability of the rock can also be measured.
(c) The results are usually employed in the design
of dam foundations and for the proportioning of pres-
sure shaft and tunnel linings.
APPARATUS
2. Equipment for excavating and lining the test
chamber including:
(a) Drilling and blasting materials or mechanical
excavation equipment, z
(b) Concreting materials and equipment for lining the
tunnel, together with strips of weak jointing material
for segmenting the lining. 3
3. A reaction frame usually comprising steel rings of
sufficient strength and rigidity to resist the force
applied by flat jacks or pressurising fluid. 4 The frame
must also act as a waterproof membrane when load
is applied by water pressure. When load is applied with
flat jacks the frame must be provided with smooth sur-
faces; hardwood planks are usually inserted between
the flat jacks and the steel rings.
4. Loading equipment to apply a uniformly distributed
radial pressure to the inner face of the concrete lining,
including:
(a) A hydraulic pump capable of applying the
required pressure and of holding this pressure constant
* Numbers refer to NOTES at the end of the text.
to within 5% over a period of at least 24 hr, together
with all necessary hoses, connectors and fluid.
(b) Flat jacks, when used for load application
(Fig. la), should be designed to load the maximum of
the full circumference of the lining, with sufficient sep-
aration to allow displacement measurements, and
should have a bursting pressure and travel consistent
with the anticipated loads and displacements.
(c) Water pressure, when used for load application
(Fig. l b) requires water seals to contain the pressurized
water between the concrete lining and the reaction
frame. Special water seals are also required to allow
the passage of extensometer rods through the lining
and reaction frame; pressurized water should not be
allowed to escape into the rock since this will greatly
affect the test results.
5. Load measuring equipment comprising one or more
hydraulic pressure gauges or transducers s, of suitable
range and capable of measuring the applied pressure
with an accuracy better than _+2~o.
6. (a) Displacement measuring equipment to monitor
rock movements radial to the tunnel with a precision
better than 0.01 ram. Single or multiple position exten-
someters conforming with the ISRM "Suggested
Methods for Monitoring Rock Displacements" should
be used. Directions of measurement should be chosen
with regard to the rock fabi'ic and any direction of
anisotropy.
(c) Measurements of movement should be related to
reference anchors rigidly secured in rock, well away
from the influence of the loaded zone. When using mul-
tiple position extensometers the deepest anchor may
be used as a reference provided it is situated at least
2 test chamber diameters from the chamber lining.
Alternatively the measurements may be related to a
rigid reference beam passing along the axis of the
chamber and anchored at a distance of not less than
1 chamber diameter from either end of the chamber
(Fig. 1).
PROCEDURE
7, Preparation
(a) The test chamber location is selected taking into
account the rock conditions, particularly the orien-
tation of the rock fabric elements such as joints, bed-
ding and foliation in relation to the orientation of the
proposed tunnel or opening for which results are
required.
(b) The test chamber is excavated to the required
dimensions. 2,6
(c) The geology of the chamber is recorded and speci-
mens taken for index testing as required.
(d) The chamber is lined with concrete) The reaction
frame and loading equipment are assembled.
(e) The extensometer holes are accurately marked out
and drilled, ensuring no interference between loading
and measuring systems. The extensometers are installed
and the equipment is checked.
 In Situ Deformability of Rock 209

B A

0)

(91
181 (tO)

(21 ' ", (1) ~ i (161

(151
J

~----@
Fig. la. Radial jacking test; flat jack loading alternative.
1. Measuring profile. 2. Distance equal to the length of active loading. 3. Control extensometer. 4. Pressure gauge.
5. Reference beam. 6. Handpump. 7. Flat jack. 8. Hardwood lagging. 9. Shotcrete. 10. Excavation diameter. 11. Measuring
diameter. 12. Extensometer drillholes. 13. Dial gauge extensometer. 14. Steel rod. 15. Expansion wedges. 16. Excavation
radius. 18. Inscribed circle. 19. Rockbolt anchor. 20. Steel ring.

8. Testing (c) On reaching the maximum pressure for the cycle

(a) The test is carried out in at least three loading
and unloading cycles, a higher maximum pressure
being applied at each cycle, v
(b) For each cycle the pressure is increased at an
average rate of 0.05 MPa/min to the maximum for the
cycle, taking not less than 3 intermediate sets of load-
displacement readings in order to adequately define a
set of pressure-displacement curves (e.g. Fig. 3).
the pressure is held constant (___2% of maximum test
presstlre) recording displacements as a function of time
until approximately 80% of the estimated long term
displacement has been recorded (Fig. 4). 8 Each cycle
is completed by reducing the pressure to near-zero at
the same average rate, taking a further three sets of
pressure-displacement readings.
(d) For the final cycle the maximum pressure is held
constant until no further displacements are observed. 8
 International Society for Rock Mechanics

Approx 4 m

:';. ~i
-:~:..-,,::~"'"a:.' .. T F,:
. .-... ~: ..~:,.::r..i!-:
*
" ' "" " " "i-'i' ' " " " ' "'

i
i

II
"':.."~
... ...r:""".. ::': :'~: " .~:::..~ ""~ ,.'. ,.. ,. .,..

LSj:-: ;'ff~..~l%"j "*'q

[i)

""7,

~;5i

14 "
,;j:

~,o

Fig. lb. Radial jacking test equipment; i alternative loading system using water pressure.

The cycle is completed by unloading in stages taking (b) If flat jacks are used, the applied load values are
readings of pressure and corresponding displacements. first corrected to give an equivalent distributed pressure
(e) The test equipment is then dismantled, or further Pl on the test chamber lining:
tests may be required having grouted the rock. 6
Pl = distributed pressure on the
lining at radius rl
CALCULATIONS
~b p., = manometric pressure in the
9. (a) A solution is given only for the case of a single Pl = 2 . r c . r 1 .P,.- fiat jacks
measuring circle with extensometer anchors immedi-
b = fiat jack width
ately behind the lining. This solution, which also
(see Fig. 5)
assumes linear-elastic behaviour for the rock, is usually
adequate in practice although it is possible to analyse
more complex and realistic test configurations using The equivalent pressure P2 at a "measuring radius" i"2
for example finite element analysis. just beneath the lining is calculated, this radius being
 In Situ Deformability of Rock 211
I
(c) Superposition of displacements for two "tic-
ticious" loaded lengths is used to give the equivalent
l? L - displacements A for an "infinitely long test chamber". 9
O Ill lll Illlllllll
A B I q ~ A -- AA1 + AA2 + AA3 = AA1 + 2. An1
(see Fig. 2 to give symbols)
(d) The result of the long duration test (Ad) under
A maximum pressure (max P2) is plotted on the displace-
L "i I ment graph (Fig. 3). Test data for each cycle are pro-
[-. . . . . . -l, ~ ,F---
--i portionally corrected to give the complete long term
pressure-displacement curve. The elastic component

///I- 1 (A,,) and the plastic component (Ap) of the total defor-
mation (A,) are obtained from the deformation at the
final unloading:
A
At=Ap+A,, (see Fig. 3)
~ i IIIIIIIIIIIIlUlIIIII ] (e) The elastic modulus E and the deformation
modulus V are obtained from the pressure-displace-
\ I Y A "/ I / ment graph (Fig. 3) using the following formulae based
on the theory of elasticity"
E-P2"r2 m+ 1
A Ae m
A = AAI A&2+~A3=AAI +2ABI v-P2"rz m+ 1
I_ L! At m
I where P2 is the maximum test pressure and m is an
i estimated value for Poissons Ratio.
i
I (f) Alternatively to (e) above, the moduli of undis-
Fig. 2. Method of superposition to give displacements for equivalent turbed rock may be obtained taking into account the
uniformally distributed loading (elimination of end effects). effect of a fissured and loosened region by using the
following formulae:
outside the zone of irregular stresses beneath the flat =p2.rz(m__++ l lnra~
jacks and the lining and loose rock. E Ae \ m r2/
rl Eb
P2 = - - " Pl = - - " Pm"
r2 2./t. r 2

L Ad I
AA'2AB I~ -I
9p

. ,/

6,0

3,0

. . . . .
-17 I ,
q - A

I00
50
mm

Fig. 3. Typical graph of applied pressure versus displacement.

I00

R.M.M.S. 16/3 D
212 International Society for Rock Mechanics

O/o A

I00

f
80
/
P

Prr~x
I/A
//
L btime

Fig. 4. Typical form of graph for displacement versus time at constant

applied pressure.

where i"3 is the radius to the limit of the assumed fis-

sured and loosened zone, and In is the Naperian
(natural) logarithm.
(g) The dimensions of pressure linings can be deter- /
mined directly by graph. 1 Use the load line of the
greatest displacement as shown in Figs 3, 6 and 7. Fig. 6. Typical graph showing total and plastic displacements as a
function of direction perpendicular to the test chamber axis.

/ \
P,
IO

T
\\ J
~6
o.
E5
\ 8
b~

Pi
o. A
=T-
P~ ~o

/
5
i0
~5 r

Pi = Pr + Ps
(o = gap between steel 1.0
and concrete

pro' ~ b = p1.2.~,7r
lq
i ' 5O

Pro" 7-b o~t

q : 2.T.~ I I i
I00 2O0 500
rI -; q ~!
p~: p,' -j-
Fig. 7. Design chart for direct estimation of pressure tunnel lining
Fig. 5. Scheme of loading showing symbols used in the calculations. thicknesses (from Lauffer & Seeber, see N O T E 1).
 In Situ Deformability of Rock 213

R E P O R T I N G O F RESULTS (e) The graphs showing displacements as a function

10. The report should include the following:
(a) A diagram giving all dimensions, photographs
and detailed description of the test equipment, full de-
scription of the methods used for test chamber prep-
aration, lining and testing.
(b) Geological plans and section of the test chamber
showing the relative orientations of bedding, jointing,
faulting and any other features that may affect the test
results, preferably with index test data to give further
information on the mechanical characteristics of the rock
tested.
(c) Tabulated test observations together with graphs
of displacement versus applied pressure Ps or P2, and
displacement versus time at constant pressure for each
of the displacement measuring locations. Tabulated
"corrected" values together with details of the correc-
tions applied. See Figs 3, 4 and Table 1 (graphs are
usually drawn only for the maximum and minimum
displacements).
(d) Transverse section of the test chamber showing
the total (At) and plastic (Ap) displacements resulting
from the maximum pressure (e.g. Fig. 6). The orien-
tations of significant geological fabrics should be shown
on this figure for comparison with any anisotropy of
test results.
of applied pressure (e.g. Fig. 3) should be annotated
to show the corresponding elastic and deformation
moduli and data from which these were derived.
NOTES
1. For the design of pressure tunnel linings, the lining
thicknesses in the full scale tunnel may be determined
directly from the results of the test on the "model"
tunnel. (Lauffer, H. and Seeber, G. "Design and control
of linings in pressure tunnels and shafts." 7th Int. Conf.
on Large Dams, Rome 1961, R91, Q25).
2. The recommended diameter is 2.5 m, with a loaded
length equal to this diameter. Blasting is only permitted
if the test results are applied directly as a "model" test
to the case of a blasted full scale tunnel (see NOTE
1). Otherwise the chamber should be excavated with
as little disturbance as possible.
3. When testing only the rock, the lining should be
segmented so that it has negligible resistance to radial
expansion; in this case the composition of the lining
is relatively unimportant, and it may be of either shot-
crete or concrete. Alternatively when it is required to
test the lining together with the rock, the lining should
not be segmented and its properties should be modelled
according to those of the prototype.

TABLE 1. SUGGESTED LAYOUT FOR TEST DATA SHEET

1 2 3 4 5 4+5 6 7 4+5+7 8 9
Ad
NR time P2 AA As AA+Aa Ad corr. At Ae Ap

1
2
3a
3b
3c
4
5
6a
6b
6c
7
8
9a
o0

E-P2"r2 m+ 1
Ae m

v-P2"r2 m+ 1
At fir/
214 International Society for Rock Mechanics
4. Either flat jacks or a pressurizing fluid may be
used to apply radial pressure to the test chamber; the
two alternatives are illustrated in Fig. la and b.
5. Measurements are usually by means of mechanical
guages. Particular care is required to guarantee the
reliability of electric transducers and recording equip-
ment when used.
6. To assess the effectiveness of grouting, two test
chambers are usually prepared adjacent to each other.
Grouting is carried out after completion of testing in
the ungrouted chamber, and the equipment is then
transferred to the grouted chamber.
7. Typically the maximum pressure applied in this
test is from 5-10 MPa.
8. In the case of "creeping" rock it may be necessary
to stop loading even though the displacements con-
tinue. Not less than 80Y/o of the anticipated long term
displacement should have been reached.
9. This superposition is made necessary by the com-
paratively short length of test chamber in relation to
its diameter. Superposition is only strictly valid for elas-
tic deformations but also gives a good approximation
if the rock is moderately plastic in its behaviour.