IS 13946 Part 3:1994 provides a detailed code of practice for determining in situ rock stress using a CSIR or CSIRO-type strain cell equipped with 9 or 12 strain gauges. This method involves drilling a pilot hole, installing a multi-gauge strain cell, overcoring to relieve stress, and calculating the stress tensor from measured strains. It is intended for geotechnical engineers, rock mechanics specialists, and researchers working with relatively homogeneous, elastic rock masses where precise stress measurement is critical for underground construction, mining, and civil engineering projects.
Overview
IS 13946 Part 3:1994 provides a detailed code of practice for determining in situ rock stress using a CSIR or CSIRO-type strain cell equipped with 9 or 12 strain gauges. This method involves drilling a pilot hole, installing a multi-gauge strain cell, overcoring to relieve stress, and calculating the stress tensor from measured strains. It is intended for geotechnical engineers, rock mechanics specialists, and researchers working with relatively homogeneous, elastic rock masses where precise stress measurement is critical for underground construction, mining, and civil engineering projects.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Scope & Key Specifications from IS 13946 Part 3
Drilling Equipment (Clause 4.1):
Measurement Procedure (Clause 5.3.2):
Data Reporting (Clause 7.2):
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| σ_xx | Normal stress in x-axis |
| σ_yy | Normal stress in y-axis |
| σ_zz | Normal stress in z-axis |
| τ_xy | Shear stress xy-plane |
| τ_yz | Shear stress yz-plane |
| τ_zx | Shear stress zx-plane |
\frac{E}{(1+\nu)(1-2\nu)} \begin{bmatrix} 1-\nu & \nu & \nu & 0 & 0 & 0 \ \nu & 1-\nu & \nu & 0 & 0 & 0 \ \nu & \nu & 1-\nu
IS 13946 Part 3 (1994) – Key References & Formulas
For isotropic rock, relate measured strains to stress tensor components (σf, σp, σ2, τxy, τxz, τyz):
[ \begin{aligned} A_{xx} &= \frac{2E}{1-v^2} \left[ \cos^2 \theta - (1-v) \times (1-\cos^2 \theta) \cos^2 \theta \right] \ A_{yy} &= \frac{2E}{1-v^2} \left[ \cos^2 \theta - (1-v) \times (1-\cos^2 \theta) \cos^2 \theta \right] \ A_{zz} &= \frac{2E}{1+v} + \frac{2E}{1+v} \cos^2 \theta + \frac{2}{1+v} \sin(2\theta) \cos \theta \ A_{xz} &= \sin(2\theta) E \ A_{xy} &= (1 - \cos 2\theta) \sin 2\theta E \ \end{aligned} ]
IS 13946 Part 3: Key Definitions & Formulas for Strain-Stress Relation
Relates measured strains to stress tensor components assuming isotropic rock:
[ \begin{aligned} A_{xx} &= \frac{2E}{1-v^2} \left[ \cos^2\theta - (1-v) \times (1-\cos 2\theta) \cos^2\theta \right] \ A_{yy} &= \frac{2E}{1-v^2} \left[ \cos^2\theta - (1-v) \times (1-\cos 2\theta) \cos^2\theta \right] \ A_{zz} &= \frac{2E}{1+v} + \frac{2E}{1+v} \cos 2\theta + \frac{2E}{1+v} \sin(2\theta) \cos \theta \ A_{xz} &= \sin(2\theta) E \ A_{xy} &= (1 - \cos 2\theta) \sin 2\theta E \end{aligned} ]
(Note: The above are symbolic; refer to IS 13946 Fig.1 & 2 for exact angle definitions and full expressions.)
| Rosette | Orientation (degrees) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0°, 60°, 120° | Primary strain measures |
| 2 | 180°, 240°, 300° | Additional strain data |
| 3 | Similar arrangement | Cross-checking |
graph TD
A[Drill Hole (90 mm dia)] --> B[Pilot Hole (38 mm dia)]
B --> C[Installing Tool]
C --> D[Strain Cell with Rosettes]
C --> E[Electrical Cable &
IS 13946 Part 3: Installation and Measurement Procedures Key Points
[ \epsilon = \frac{\Delta R / R}{G_F} ]
flowchart LR
A[Pilot Hole] --> B[Installing Tool]
B --> C[Strain Cell Inserted]
C --> D[Strain Gauge Rosettes Pushed Out]
D --> E[Electrical Connection via Multi-conductor Cable]
E --> F[Measurement Equipment]
For detailed field data sheets, refer to Annex A of IS 13946 Part 3.
IS 13946 Part 3: Data Reduction & Stress Calculation Key Points
For isotropic rock, the stress components (\sigma_x, \sigma_y, \sigma_z, \tau_{xy}, \tau_{xz}, \tau_{yz}) relate to measured strains via:
[ \begin{aligned} A_{xx} &= \frac{2E}{1-v^2} \left[\cos^2 \theta - (1 - v^2)(1 - \cos^2 \theta) \cos^2 \theta \right] \ A_{yy} &= \frac{2E}{1-v^2} \left[\cos^2 \theta - (1 - v^2)(1 - \cos^2 \theta) \cos^2 \theta \right] \ A_{zz} &= \frac{2E}{1+v} + \frac{2E \cos^2 \theta}{2(1+v)} \sin(2\theta) \cos \theta \ A_{xz} &= \sin(2\theta) \sin \phi E \ A_{xy} &= (1 - \cos 2\phi) \sin 2\theta E \ \end{aligned} ]
| Parameter |
IS 13946 Part 3 — Reporting of Results: Key Points & Formulas
General Info:
Detailed Depth Info per Measurement Location:
The six independent components of the stress or strain tensor typically are:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| σ_xx | Normal stress in x |
| σ_yy | Normal stress in y |
| σ_zz | Normal stress in z |
| σ_xy | Shear stress xy |
| σ_yz | Shear stress yz |
| σ_zx | Shear stress zx |
| Parameter | Details/Units |
|---|---|
| Drillhole Location | Coordinates, length |
| Core Log | Depth, rock type |
| Gauge Readings | Orientation, strain relief |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | GPa |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | Dimensionless |
| Strain Relief Tensor |
Typical Field Data Sheet for Overcoring Results (IS 13946 Part 3)
Based on Clauses 5.3, 5.1.4, 6.1, and 7.1, key components and formulas include:
| Parameter | Description/Unit |
|---|---|
| Drillhole ID | Unique identifier |
| Location (coordinates) | X, Y, Z or GPS |
| Drillhole length | m |
| Pilot hole diameter | 90 mm |
| Depth of measurement | m |
| Core condition | Solid / fractured |
| Strain readings before overcoring | Microstrain (με) |
| Strain readings after overcoring | Microstrain (με) |
| Strain relief (Δε) | με (computed) |
| Geological observations | Rock type, fractures, etc. |
| Equipment used | E.g., CSIR triaxial strain cell |
[ \Delta \varepsilon = \bar{\varepsilon}{before} - \bar{\varepsilon}{after} ]
Where:
Key Points:
Chairman:
Member-Secretary:
Composition Highlights:
| Role | Representation |
|---|---|
| Chairman | University of Roorkee |
| Members | Govt. Irrigation Depts, CSIR, GSI, NTPC, IIT |
| Industry Experts | Construction & Instrument Manufacturing firms |
| BIS Officials | Director General, Deputy Directors |
Stress-Strain Relation for Isotropic Rock:
[ \begin{align*} A_{xx} &= \frac{2E}{1 - v^2} \left[ (1+v) \cos^2 \theta - (1 - v) \times (1 - \cos^2 2\theta) \cos^2 \theta \right] \ A_{yy} &= \frac{2E}{1 - v^2} \left[ (1+v) \cos^2 \theta - (1 - v) \times (1 - \cos^2 2\theta) \cos^2 \theta \right] \ A_{zz} &= \frac{2E}{1+v} + \frac{2E}{1+v} \cos^2 2\theta - \frac{2E}{1 - v^2} \sin (2\theta) \cos \theta \ A_{xy} &= (1 - \cos 2\theta) \sin 2\theta \frac{E}{1 - v^2} \end
Frequently Asked
Drilling Equipment for Installing CSIR/CSIRO Strain Cell (IS 13946 Part 3)
Drill and Core Barrels:
Installing Tool:
Cleaning and Sealing:
Safety Provisions (Underground):
| Equipment Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Drill & Core Barrels | NXC ≥ 86 mm dia for overcore; 38 mm pilot hole |
| Installing Tool | Holds strain cell, orients, pushes gauges (gas-operated) |
| Cleaning Materials | Alcohol spray for drying & priming |
| Sealing Plug | To seal pilot hole during overcoring |
| Safety Features (Underground) | Exhaust control, anti-spark provisions |
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This ensures precise installation and reliable strain measurement per IS 13946 Part 3.
IS 13946 Part 3 specifies the arrangement of 9 or 12 strain gauges in a CSIR/CSIRO-type strain cell as follows:
| Gauge No. | Orientation (°) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0 |
| 2 | 45 |
| 3 | 90 |
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This arrangement allows full determination of the strain tensor in the rock around the borehole.
Procedures for Taking and Averaging Strain Measurements During Overcoring (IS 13946 Part 3):
Pre-Overcoring Measurements:
Overcoring Process (Clause 5.3.3):
Post-Overcoring Measurements:
Averaging Strain Values (Clause 6.1):
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-overcoring | Take baseline strain readings | Establish initial strain state |
| 2. Overcoring | Drill and remove core | Relieve in-situ stresses |
| 3. Post-overcoring | Take repeated strain readings | Determine stable strain relief |
| 4. Averaging | Average before & after readings | Calculate strain relief values |
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Note: Ensure the pilot hole core is unbroken and free from weakness planes (Clause 5.1.4) for reliable measurements.
According to IS 13946 Part 3, Young's modulus (E) and Poisson's ratio (v) for stress calculations in rock are determined as follows:
These values are essential for relating measured strains to stress components using elasticity equations (Clause 6.4). The report must document the E and v values and their determination method (Clause 7.2b).
| Parameter | Determination Method |
|---|---|
| Young's Modulus (E) | Uniaxial/triaxial lab tests on cores |
| Poisson's Ratio (v) | Same as above or biaxial/triaxial tests |
This ensures accurate stress tensor computation from strain measurements.
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Limitations of IS 13946 Part 3 Method in Anisotropic or Water-Saturated Rocks
Applicability Restriction:
Clause 6.7 explicitly states that if the rock is significantly anisotropic, this method (which assumes isotropy) is not valid. Alternative data reduction methods must be used.
Assumption of Isotropy:
Clause 6.4 uses elastic constants (E, ν) assuming rock isotropy to relate measured strains to stress components. Anisotropy invalidates these relationships, causing inaccurate stress estimations.
Water Saturation Effects:
Water-saturated rocks can alter elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio, affecting strain measurements. The method does not account for pore pressure effects or fluid-rock interaction, leading to errors.
Core Integrity Requirement:
Clause 5.1.4 requires solid, unbroken core samples. Fractured or water-saturated cores may compromise strain cell installation and data reliability.
| Limitation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Anisotropy | Invalidates isotropic stress-strain relations |
| Water Saturation | Alters elastic constants, pore pressure effects |
| Core Condition | Fractured/wet cores reduce measurement accuracy |
For anisotropic or water-saturated conditions, use specialized methods such as anisotropic elasticity models or pore pressure-corrected analyses.
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