IS 7317:1993 provides a detailed code of practice for conducting uniaxial jacking tests to determine the deformation modulus of rock masses in situ. It outlines procedures for applying controlled hydraulic pressure on rock faces within drifts, galleries, or tunnels and interpreting the resulting stress-deformation data to evaluate rock deformability, creep behavior, and elastic modulus. This standard is essential for geotechnical engineers, rock mechanics specialists, and designers involved in the planning and construction of underground structures, dams, tunnels, and foundations where accurate rock mass deformation properties are critical.
Overview
IS 7317:1993 provides a detailed code of practice for conducting uniaxial jacking tests to determine the deformation modulus of rock masses in situ. It outlines procedures for applying controlled hydraulic pressure on rock faces within drifts, galleries, or tunnels and interpreting the resulting stress-deformation data to evaluate rock deformability, creep behavior, and elastic modulus. This standard is essential for geotechnical engineers, rock mechanics specialists, and designers involved in the planning and construction of underground structures, dams, tunnels, and foundations where accurate rock mass deformation properties are critical.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 7317 - Scope & Key Formulas (Clause 6.6)
Displacement (\delta) at depth (Z) beneath the center of a circular loaded area:
[ \delta = \frac{2 p (1 - v^2)}{E} \sqrt{R^2 + Z^2} - \frac{p Z (1+v)}{E \sqrt{R^2 + Z^2}} - 1 ]
Where:
| Depth (m) | 0.102 | 0.203 | 0.305 | 0.406 | 0.508 | 0.61 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement (mm) | Values per test data (refer IS 7317) |
| Anchor No. | Depth (m) |
|---|---|
| Sensor Head | 0.0 |
| Anchor 1 | 0.5 |
| Anchor 2 | 1.1 |
| Anchor 3 | 1.8 |
| Anchor 4 | 2.4 |
| Anchor 5 | 3.2 |
| Anchor 6 | 4.3 |
| Anchor 7 | 6.0 |
flowchart LR
A[Load Applied] --> B[Circular Loaded Area (radius R)]
B --> C[Stress p at surface
IS 7317: General Requirements & Test Site Selection
Site Selection:
Information to Collect (Clause 2.5):
Test Report Requirements (Clause 7.1):
| Parameter | Rating Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RQD | 0 - 100% | % of intact core pieces >10cm |
| Joint Spacing | >2m to <0.06m | Wide to very close spacing |
| Joint Condition | Fresh to Weathered | Degree of joint surface alteration |
| Groundwater Condition | Dry to Flowing | Influence on rock strength |
| Uniaxial Compressive Strength | <1 MPa to >250 MPa | Rock strength classification |
flowchart TD
A[Select Test Site] --> B[Geologist & Engineer Survey]
B --> C[Collect Data: RQD, Joints, Water, RMR
IS 7317: Preparation of Test Site – Key Points & Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Formula/Definition |
|---|---|
| RQD (%) | Sum of lengths of core pieces >10 cm / total core length × 100 |
| Point Load Strength Index (Is) | ( I_s = \frac{P}{D_e^2} ) where P = failure load, (D_e) = equivalent diameter |
| Rock Mass Rating (RMR) | Sum of ratings for RQD, joint spacing, condition, groundwater, etc. (Refer IS 11384) |
| Modulus of Elasticity (E) | From lab/uniaxial tests or empirical correlations |
flowchart TD
A[Geological Data Compilation] --> B[3D Geological Mapping]
B --> C[Joint & Rock Parameters Recorded]
C --> D[Site Selection]
D --> E[Test Site Preparation (within 15 days)]
E --> F[Testing in Drifts/T
IS 7317: Test Setup and Equipment Key Points
| Equipment | Specification |
|---|---|
| Steel Plate | Ø ≥ 60 cm, thickness 2.5 cm |
| CI Plate | Thickness 75 cm, plane face |
| Hydraulic Jack | 200 tonnes, calibrated |
| Dial Gauges | 4 nos., 0.002 mm least count |
| Face Coating | 5 mm cement mortar |
| Support Frame | Angle iron with steel base |
flowchart LR
A[Test Environment] --> B{Test Setup Choice}
B -->|Preferred| C[Fig. 4 Setup]
B -->|Alternate| D[Fig. 2 or 3 Setup]
C & D --> E[Measurement & Equipment]
E --> F[Steel Plate Ø ≥ 60cm, 2.5cm thick]
E --> G[Hydraulic Jack 200t]
E --> H[Dial Gauges (4 nos., 0.002mm)]
E --> I[Face coated with 5mm cement mortar]
This ensures standardization and accuracy in uniaxial jacking tests per
IS 7317 - Test Procedure Key Points
flowchart LR
A[Test Setup Selection] --> B{Is Fig. 4 setup possible?}
B -- Yes --> C[Use Fig. 4 setup]
B -- No --> D{Is Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 possible?}
D -- Yes --> E[Use Fig. 2 or 3 setup]
D -- No --> F[Modify setup accordingly]
For detailed dimensions and hydraulic jack specs, refer to Fig. 2B and related clauses in IS 7317.
IS 7317: Interpretation of Test Data (Clauses 5.8, 5.9, 6.6, 7.1)
Displacement ( \delta ) beneath a circular loaded area:
[ \delta = \frac{2P (1 - v^2)}{E} \sqrt{R^2 + Z^2} - \frac{PZ(1+v)}{E} \sqrt{R^2 + Z^2} ]
Where:
| Depth (m) | Displacement (mm) |
|---|---|
| 0.102 | 0.102 |
| 0.203 | 0.203 |
| 0.305 | 0.305 |
| 0.406 | 0.406 |
| 0.508 | 0.508 |
| 0.610 | 0.610 |
Plot deformation vs stress, time, and depth to derive:
Test report must include:
flowchart TD
A[Test Setup & Execution] --> B[Data Collection]
B --> C[Plot Deformation vs Stress/Time/Depth]
C --> D[Calculate Modulus & Creep Factors]
D --> E[
IS 7317: Reporting of Test Results — Key Points
[ \delta = \frac{2P(1 - v^2)}{E} \left[ \frac{R}{\sqrt{R^2 + Z^2}} - 1 \right] + \frac{PZ(1+v)}{E \sqrt{R^2 + Z^2}} ]
[ \text{Creep Factor} (%) = \frac{\text{creep deformation during load increase}}{\text{total deformation}} \times 100 ]
| Anchor No. | Depth (m) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.5 |
| 2 | 1.1 |
| 3 | 1.8 |
| 4 | 2.4 |
| 5 | 3.2 |
| 6 | 4.3 |
IS 7317: Application of Modulus of Deformation
[ E_d = \frac{(1 - v) \times P \times m}{\delta \times A} ]
Where:
Elastic modulus (E_e) is calculated similarly using recoverable deformation instead of total deformation.
| Rock Type | Poisson's Ratio (v) |
|---|---|
| Granite | 0.20 |
| Gneiss, Quartzite | 0.25 |
| Mica Schist, Slate | 0.30 |
flowchart TD
A[Apply Load P] --> B[Measure Deformation δ]
B --> C[Calculate Ed using formula]
C --> D[Plot Ed vs Stress/Time/Depth]
D --> E[Determine Design Modulus]
This method helps estimate in-situ rock mass deformation modulus for tunnel/drift stability analysis.
IS 7317 Key References & Specifications Summary
(Exact formula substitutions not provided in context, refer to IS 7317 for detailed equations)
| Application | Modulus Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Static foundation analysis | Ed | Varies with stress level |
| Dynamic dam analysis | Ee (dynamic modulus) | Taken as elastic modulus at max stress |
| Concrete lining design | Ee | Accounts for internal water pressure |
| Saturated rock mass | Ed, Ee (corrected) | Apply saturation correction factors |
flowchart TD
A[Rock Mass] --> B[In-situ Conditions]
B --> C{Confining Pressure?}
C -- Yes --> D[Higher Modulus (Ed, Ee)]
C -- No --> E[Lab Test Modulus]
D --> F[Use in Design]
E --> F
F --> G{Saturation?}
G -- Yes --> H[Apply Correction Factors]
G -- No --> I[Use Direct Modulus]
For detailed formulas and amendments, consult the full IS 7317 document from BIS.
Frequently Asked
IS 7317 Recommendations for Uniaxial Jacking Tests Setup
Narrow Drifts (≈1.25 m wide, 2.2 m high)
Wider Tunnels
Key Point:
The setup varies to ensure minimal boundary restraint influence and accurate deformation measurement depending on tunnel size.
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This ensures reliable modulus measurement adapting to site geometry.
Modulus of Deformation (Ed) Calculation from Uniaxial Jacking Test (IS 7317)
Test Setup:
Key Formula:
[
E_d = \frac{P \cdot (K_1 - K_2)}{\delta_1 - \delta_2}
]
where:
Interpretation Notes:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| ( P ) | Applied pressure (load) |
| ( R_1, R_2 ) | Inner and outer radii of flat jack |
| ( \delta_1, \delta_2 ) | Displacements at depths ( Z_1, Z_2 ) |
| ( E_d ) | Modulus of deformation |
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Key geological considerations for selecting a test site per IS 7317 include:
Representative Geology: The test site must reflect the geology of the area influenced by the structure (Clause 2.3).
Data Compilation: Collect and analyze all surface and sub-surface geological data of the exploratory drift; prepare a 3D geological portrayal (Clause 2.1).
Detailed Geological Mapping: Prepare a 3D micro-geology map of the in-situ rock mass at the test location (Clause 2.5).
Essential Geological Parameters to Record:
Timely Testing: Conduct tests within 15 days of site preparation or 30 days if rock is weathering-prone (Clause 3.2).
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This ensures the test site accurately reflects the rock mass conditions affecting the structure.
IS 7317 addresses creep and plastic deformation in rock mass as follows:
Deformation Components (Clause 6.2): Rock mass deformation includes elastic (reversible), plastic (irreversible), joint closure, and sliding along fissures. This combined behavior reflects elastic, plastic, and time-dependent (creep) effects.
Creep Effects (Clauses 1.2 & 6.4):
Modulus of Deformation (Clause 1.1):
The standard treats rock mass deformation as a combination of elastic, plastic, and creep behaviors, requiring time-dependent displacement data to quantify creep and adjusting deformation modulus accordingly.
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This approach ensures realistic modeling of rock behavior under load over time.
Application of Deformation Modulus (Ed) in Design of Underground Structures and Dam Foundations (IS 7317):
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Summary: Ed is a stress-dependent, site-specific parameter critical for realistic design of underground and dam foundation structures, ensuring safety and serviceability.
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