IS 11629:1986 provides a detailed code of practice for the installation and operation of single-point hydraulic over-flow settlement gauges, instruments used to measure settlements in earthfills, embankments, and dams. This standard guides engineers on proper setup, priming, and reading of these hydraulic gauges to ensure accurate settlement monitoring in geotechnical and foundation engineering projects.
Overview
IS 11629:1986 provides a detailed code of practice for the installation and operation of single-point hydraulic over-flow settlement gauges, instruments used to measure settlements in earthfills, embankments, and dams. This standard guides engineers on proper setup, priming, and reading of these hydraulic gauges to ensure accurate settlement monitoring in geotechnical and foundation engineering projects.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 11629 - Scope Summary & Key Specifications
Scope:
This code covers the installation and operation of the Single Point Hydraulic Over-flow Setting Gauge used for measuring settlement in foundations.
Key Precautions (Clause 5.4):
Installation Details (Fig. 1):
Units (SI Units):
Rounding Off (Clause 0.3):
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Air Line Tube | Transmits pressure, must be obstruction-free |
| Water Overflow Tube | Maintains water level balance |
| Settlement Cell | Measures foundation settlement |
| Pressure Chamber | Equalizes pressure with standpipe |
flowchart LR
WR[Water Reservoir] --> OT[Overflow Tube]
OT --> SP[Stand Pipe]
SP --> PC[Pressure Chamber]
PC --> SC[Settlement Cell]
PC --> AT[Air Line Tube]
AT -.-> Atmosphere[Open to Atmosphere]
This diagram shows the hydraulic connection ensuring pressure equilibrium for accurate settlement measurement.
For detailed formulas or calibration, refer to specific clauses within IS 11629 related to gauge readings and pressure calculations.
Hydraulic Over-flow Settlement Gauge (IS 11629) – Key Points
[ S = h_0 - h ]
Where:
flowchart LR
A[Settlement Capsule] -- Overflow tube --> B[Water Column in U-tube]
B -- Water level change --> C[Measuring Stand Pipe]
C -- Reading --> D[Scale]
style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style C fill:#bfb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style D fill:#ffb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
Summary:
The gauge measures settlement by detecting hydraulic water level changes in a U-tube system, with readings taken on a stand pipe scale aligned to the settlement capsule overflow tube.
IS 11629: Accuracy and Measurement Key Points
| Condition | Accuracy (± mm) |
|---|---|
| Stand pipe and cell at same level | 1 |
| Water column used | 2 |
flowchart LR
A[Water Reservoir] --> B[Overflow Tube]
B --> C[Settlement Cell]
C --> D[Pressure Chamber]
D --> E[Stand Pipe (Manometer)]
E --> F[Open to Atmosphere]
subgraph Air Line Tube
direction TB
G[Air Tube] --> H[Drain Tube]
end
This ensures precise settlement measurement by maintaining equal pressure heads and minimal measurement error.
IS 11629: Installation & Operation of Single Point Hydraulic Over-Flow Setting Gauge
Though the code lacks explicit formulas or tables, key points for installation and operation include:
| Parameter | Typical Value/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating Pressure | As per gauge rating (usually low) |
| Fluid Type | Clean, non-corrosive hydraulic fluid |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to gauge specified limits |
flowchart TD
A[Reference Point] --> B[Hydraulic Gauge]
B --> C[Overflow Outlet]
B --> D[Measurement Device]
style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
For detailed operational procedures, refer to the full IS 11629 document or manufacturer's guidelines.
IS 11629 - Precautions and Maintenance for Single Point Hydraulic Over-Flow Setting Gauge
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m | Base unit |
| Pressure, stress | pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
| Force | newton | N | 1 N = 1 kg·m/s² |
flowchart LR
WR[Water Reservoir] --> SP[Stand Pipe]
SP --> SC[Settlement Cell]
SC --> PC[Pressure Chamber]
PC --> AL[Air Line Tube]
AL --> ATM[Open to Atmosphere]
WR --> OT[Overflow Tube]
WR --> DT[Drain Tube]
style WR fill:#a2d5f2,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style SP fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style SC fill:#ff9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style PC fill:#9f9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style AL fill:#fcf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
Summary: Keep air tubes unobstructed for accurate hydraulic pressure measurement. Regular cleaning and inspection are essential for reliable gauge operation.
IS 11629: Units and Rounding Off Values
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m | |
| Mass | kilogram | kg | |
| Time | second | s | |
| Force | newton | N | 1 N = 1 kg·m/s² |
| Energy | joule | J | 1 J = 1 N·m |
| Power | watt | W | 1 W = 1 J/s |
| Pressure, Stress | pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
| Electric current | ampere | A | |
| Temperature | kelvin | K | |
| Plane angle | radian | rad |
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m | |
| Mass | kilogram | kg | |
| Time | second | s | |
| Force | newton | N | 1 N = 1 kg·m/s² |
| Energy | joule | J | 1 J = 1 N·m |
| Power | watt | W | 1 W = 1 J/s |
| Pressure, Stress | pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
| Electric current | ampere | A | |
| Thermodynamic temp. | kelvin | K | |
| Luminous intensity | candela | cd | |
| Amount of substance | mole | mol |
flowchart LR
WR[Water Reservoir] --> SP[Stand Pipe Level]
SP --> SC[Settlement Cell]
SC --> PC[Pressure Chamber]
PC --> AT[Air Line Tube]
AT --> ATM[Open to Atmosphere]
WR --> WOT[Water Overflow Tube]
WR --> DT[Drain Tube]
Frequently Asked
The hydraulic over-flow settlement gauge operates on the manometer principle, essentially functioning as a large U-tube:
Principle:
This method allows precise measurement of vertical settlement by comparing water levels, leveraging hydrostatic equilibrium.
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Key point: Settlement changes water level in the capsule → transmitted via water column → read at stand pipe scale.
To ensure accurate settlement measurements using the hydraulic over-flow settlement gauge as per IS 11629:
This setup maintains vertical alignment, leak-proof connections, and proper drainage, critical for reliable readings.
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Key dimensions:
Priming Steps for Hydraulic Gauge System (IS 11629, Clause 4.1):
This ensures the system is free of air, which is critical for accurate pressure transmission and gauge readings.
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Air Pressure Management in Settlement Cell and Gauge System (IS 11629):
When the stand pipe and settlement cell are at the same level (Clause 3.3), the air pressure on both is equal, allowing direct reading of the overflow level on the stand pipe scale.
If levels differ (Clause 3.4), air pressure in the stand pipe is adjusted by a water column, causing the water level in the stand pipe to rise or fall by the height of this column until stabilized.
During setup (Clauses 4.2 & 4.3):
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Summary: Air pressure is balanced by water column height differences and controlled air supply, ensuring accurate water level readings in the gauge system.
To prevent obstructions in the air tube as per IS 11629, follow these maintenance practices:
Summary:
| Maintenance Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Circulate de-aired water | Remove air and impurities |
| Flush before measurement | Prevent sediment build-up |
| Apply suction if needed | Facilitate drainage |
| Maintain continuous air pressure | Avoid water stagnation |
| Monitor water level & pressure | Ensure unobstructed flow |
These steps ensure the air tube remains clear and functional.
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