A diametral deformation method forin situ stress and rock property measurement

SummaryFailure deformation of a borehole boundary in response to hydraulic loading via a plastic cylinder is directly related to both the initial stress state and the material properties of the ground. These relationships are utilized for determination ofin situ stress states and material properties of complex geological formations, including fractured hard rock and soft ductile media, by directly measuring diametral deformation of the borehole in relation to the applied pressure. This new method was first developed by means of finite element simulation models, and later confirmed by laboratory model studies. This method was then field tested in an outcropping of homogeneous sandstone and later applied to three underground geological formations: highly stratified shale, rock salt, and fractured green schist. Some of the results of these field applications are presented here to illustrate the validity and usefulness of this method, especially for complex ground where the conventional methods of overcoring and hydrofracturing may be ineffective. The instrumentation of this method involves a borehole probe which utilizes electrically powered hydraulic pumping and computerized data acquisition for rapid measurement and on-site analysis. The significance of the new method is its ability to obtain input data ofin situ stress states and material properties for finite element analysis of earth structures in complex ground.