Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Measurement of rock mass deformation with grouted coaxial antenna cables

  • Published:
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Techniques presented herein show how reflected voltage pulses from coaxial antenna cable grouted in rock masses can be employed to quantify the type and magnitude of rock mass deformation. This measurement is similar to that obtained from a combined full profile extensometer (to measure local extension) and inclinometer (to measure local shearing). Rock mass movements deform the grouted cable, which locally changes cable capacitance and thereby the reflected wave form of the voltage pulse. Thus, by monitoring changes in these reflection signatures, it is possible to monitor rock mass deformation.

This paper presents laboratory measurements necessary to quantitatively interpret the reflected voltage signatures. Cables were sheared and extended to correlate measured cable deformation with reflected voltage signals. Laboratory testing included development of grout mixtures with optimum properties for field installation and performance of a TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) monitoring system. Finally, the interpretive techniques developed through laboratory measurements were applied to previously collected field data to extract hitherto unrealized information.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Cablewave Systems (1985): Antenna and Transmission Line Systems. Catalog 600, North Haven, Connecticut.

  • Clarke, W. J. (1984): Performance Characteristics of Microfine Cement. Preprint 84-023, American Society of Civil Engineers, 14 p.

  • Cole, R. H. (1975): Evaluation of Dielectric Behavior by Time Domain Spectroscopy, 1, Dielectric Response by Real Time Analysis, 2, Complex Permeability, 3, Precision Difference Methods. J. Phys. Chem.79 (no. 149, 1459–1474).

    Google Scholar 

  • Conroy, P. (1983): Private Communication, Vice President for Engineering, Harza Engineering Co., Chicago, Illinois.

  • Dowding, C. H., Su, M. S., O'Connor, K. (1986): Choosing Coaxial Cable for TDR Monitoring. Proceedings of the 2nd Workshop on Surface Subsidence Due to Underground Mining, Morgantown, West Virginia, pp. 153–162.

  • Dowding, C. H., Su, M. B., O'Connor, K. (1989): Principle of Time Domain Reflectometry Applied to Measurement of Rock Mass Deformation, accepted for publication in the Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci.

  • Intrusion-Prepakt, Inc. (1980): Intrusion Aid. Cleveland, Ohio.

  • Mindess, S., Young, J. F. (1981): Concrete. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moffitt, L. R. (1964): Time Domain Reflectometry — Theory and Applications. Engineering Design News, November, pp. 38–44.

  • Mooijweer, H. (1971): Microwave Techniques. McMillan, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Connor, K. M., Dowding, C. H. (1984): Application of Time Domain Reflectometry to Mining. Proceedings of 25th Symposium on Rock Mechanics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, pp. 737–746.

  • Panek, L. A., Tesch, W. J. (1981): Monitoring Ground Movements Near Caving Slopes — Methods and Measurements, RI 8585, U. S. Bureau of Mines, Denver, Colorado, 108 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Powers, T. C. (1968): The Properties of Fresh Concrete. John Wiley & Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt, G. G., Dick, R. D. (1985): Use of CORRTEX (Continuous Reflectometry for Radius and Time Experiments) to Measure Explosive Performance and Stem Behavior in Oil Share Fragmentation Tests. Proceedings of the First Mini-Symposium on Explosives and Blasting Research, Society of Explosives Engineers, Montville, Ohio.

  • Su, M. B. (1987): Quantification of Cable Deformation with Time Domain Reflectometry Techniques, Ph. D. Dissertation, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tektronix (1983): TDR for Cable Testing, Tektronix Application Note, AX-3241-1, Beaverton, Oregon.

  • Topp, G. C., Davis, J. C., Annan, A. P. (1980): Electromagnetic Determination of Soil Water Content: Measurements in Coaxial Transmission Lines. Water Resources Research,16 (no. 3), 574–582.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wade, L. V., Conroy, P. J. (1980): Rock Mechanics Study of a Longwall Panel. Mining Engineering, December, pp. 1728–1734.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U S A

    C. H. Dowding

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, R O C

    M. B. Su

  3. Department of Mining and Geological Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM, U S A

    K. O'Connor

Authors
  1. C. H. Dowding
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. B. Su
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. K. O'Connor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Dowding, C.H., Su, M.B. & O'Connor, K. Measurement of rock mass deformation with grouted coaxial antenna cables. Rock Mech Rock Engng 22, 1–23 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01274117

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01274117

Keywords

Search

Navigation