Shri Haridev, Scientist ‘E’

The Rock Mechanics (Field) Group comprises of Rock Mechanics (Field) and the Engineering Geophysics divisions. Rock Mechanics Field Investigations involves in-situ rock mass characterisation. The main activities are:

Rock Mechanics Field Division carries out the following tests

o Shear Strength Properties of Discontinuous Rock Mass by Direct Shear Test on Rock-Rock and Concrete-Rock Interfaces

o Deformability Characteristics of Rock Mass by:

Uniaxial Jacking tests in Drift, Trench or in open
Goodman Jack Tests inside drill holes
Flat Jack Tests

o In-situ Stress Measurements using Hydraulic Fracturing Technique for:

Design and layout of underground structures like tunnels and caverns
Limiting the pressure for consolidation/curtain grouting in dam foundations
Design of support system and permanent lining in pressure tunnels

o Groutability Test in Rock

o Pull Out Strength Test on Rock Bolts and Anchor Bars

o Numerical analysis

Engineering Geophysics Division involves use of Geophysical Methods for deciphering the sub-surface ground conditions, delineation of bed rock, thickness of overburden, rippability, continuity of rock between drill holes, diagnostic health investigations, effect of vibrations on engineering structures. The broad activities of Engineering Geophysics are:

o Seismic Refraction Survey using Geophones and Hydrophones

o Electrical Resistivity Surveys

o Cross Hole Tomography

o Vibration Monitoring to assess the impact of blast on adjoining ground and other structures and to assist in design and optimisation of blasting operations

o Underwater Scanning of Submerged Structures using Remote operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV)