CA1070517A - Method and device for determining the pore water pressure in a soil - Google Patents

Method and device for determining the pore water pressure in a soil

Info

Publication number
CA1070517A
CA1070517A CA253,590A CA253590A CA1070517A CA 1070517 A CA1070517 A CA 1070517A CA 253590 A CA253590 A CA 253590A CA 1070517 A CA1070517 A CA 1070517A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
pore
measuring device
pore pressure
pressure
probe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA253,590A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bengt-Arne Torstensson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1070517A publication Critical patent/CA1070517A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B47/00Survey of boreholes or wells
    • E21B47/06Measuring temperature or pressure
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02DFOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D1/00Investigation of foundation soil in situ
    • E02D1/02Investigation of foundation soil in situ before construction work
    • E02D1/027Investigation of foundation soil in situ before construction work by investigating properties relating to fluids in the soil, e.g. pore-water pressure, permeability

Abstract

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING
THE PORE WATER PRESSURE IN A SOIL

Abstract of the Disclosure A method and apparatus for determining the pore water pressure in a soil, especially clay, in which the pore pressure probe can be lowered into position separately of the pressure measuring device. A water-filled tube bearing the pore pressure probe at its lower end is installed at the required level, the probe having a filter through which pressure can be measured, and the measuring device is subsequently lowered into the tube and connected to the pore pressure probe. A reading is taken when the pressure has stabilized, and the measuring device is then disconnected from the pore water probe and the water pressure within the tube is noted, the pore pressure being then calculated from the two pressure readings. The separate pressure measuring device allows the operative parts of apparatus to be less expensive than known tips.

Description

This invention concerns a method and equipment for determining the pore water pressure in a soil, especially clay.
At present there are a large number of methods of determining pore water pressure. A distinction is made between "closed" and "open" measuring systems. In a closed measuring system only a relatively small change in volume is needed for ~he registration of the pressure, whereas in an open system a large change in volume is necessary. This invention is primarily intended for the measurement of the pore water pressure in clays, and consists of a closed measuring system.
The biggest disadvantage of the closed measuring systems available today is that the measuring unit is fitted to the pressure sounding tip. This means that the tips are expensive and that it is difficult to make a functional check of the pressure sensing element.
The purpose of the invention in question is to offer a method in which the above disadvantages can be avoided. This is done using the following procedure for determining the pore water pressure in a soil:
1. A water-filled tube bearing a pore pressure probe at its lower end is installed at the required level. The pore pressure probe bears a filter through which the pore pressure in the soil is conveyed.
2. A measuring device is lowered down the tube and fitted on to the pore pressure probe.
3. The pore pressure is then allowed to stabilize after which a reading is taken which represents the pore pressure in the soil.
4. The measuring device is disconnected from the pore pressure probe and a reading is taken which represents the water pressure in the tube.
5. The pore pressure is calculated by comparison of the reading for pore water pressure and the water pressure in the tube, using a calibration factor for the measuring device.
In accordance with another aspect, the invention relates to a device for determination of pore water pressures which comprises a water-filled tube, a pore pressure probe with a filter at the lower end of the tube, a measuring device with a pressure transducer, means for detachably connecting the measuring device to the pore pressure probe from within the water filled tube, and an electric cable which connects the measuring device to a read-out unit.
Below a description will be given of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention;
Fig. 2 shows at a larger scale a cross section through an embodiment of the pore pressure probe; and Fig. 3 shows at the same scale as Fig. 2 a section through an embodiment of the measuring device.
The device shown in Fig. 1 includes a water-filled tube 1 which has been installed in the ground. At the lower ; end of the tube 1 a pore pressure probe 2 has been attached.
An embodiment of a pore pressure probe will be shown in greater - detail in Fig. 2. The device shown ~n Fig. 1 also includes a measuring de~ice 3, which has been lowered down the tube 1, and 3Q fitted tightly on to a nipple on the pore pressure probe 2.
Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a measuring device at a ~0705~7 larger scale. As shown in Fig. 1, the measuring device 3 is connected to an electronic read-out unit 4 via an electric cable 5.
Fig. 2 shows a pore pressure probe 2 at a larger scale. This is screwed onto the threaded tube 1 at its lower end. The pore pressure probe shown here is very narrow and has a conical form. At the lower end of the probe 2 a filter
6 has been a~tached. This filter is connected via a duct 7 to a nipple 8. The measuring device 3 shown in Fig. 3 is lowered onto this nipple. At its lower end, this measuring device has a sleeve 9 which fits onto the nipple 8 when the measuring device 3 is lowered. Above the sleeve 9 in the measuring device 3 there is a pressure transducer 10, which is connected to the read-out unit 4 via an electric cable 5.
Pore pressure measurements with the device described above are taken by installing a water-filled tube 1 with a pore pressure probe 2 to the required level. After the disturbance in the soil caused by the penetration of the probe 2 has dissipated, the measuring device 3 is lowered onto the nipple 8 on the pore pressure probe 2. After a short pause while the pore pressure stabilizes, a reading is taken by the read-out unit 4. This reading applies to the pore pressure at the level of the filter 6. After this, the measuring device 2 is disconnected from the nipple 8. A reading which represents the water pressure in the tube 1 is then taken. As this water pressure is known, due to the fact that the length of the tube 1 is known, the pore pressure can be calculated with the help of the following formula:
u = pO + k ~ml m2) where u = pore water pressure O = water pressure in tube .~-~, '~,~1' k = calibration coefficient for the measurement system ml = reading for pore water pressure m2 = reading for water pressure in tube Qh = distance between pressure transducer and centre of filter.
The readings mentioned above are those supplied by the measuring device 3. These values are then converted by multiplying by the calibration coefficient to give a pressure expressed in a suitable unit, for example in cm water column.
The procedure described above is thus very simple for the people doing the fieldwork. Only two readings are taken: that of the pore water pressure, and that of the water pressure in the tube. For example one is thus not dependent on being able to check possible zero shift of the measurement system.
The equipment is also very simple, and has distinct advantages over equipment previously known. If, for example, the method described above is used for long-time measurements, it is a great advantage that the measuring device is not built into the pore pressure probe, which would make the probes expensive, as well as making it difficult to subject the pressure sensing element to functional testing.
Another factor which can cause interruption in pore pressure measurements, especially in clay, is corrosion of the pore pressure probe 2. To avoid interruptions of this kind, the pore pressure probe can be made of nylon with a sintered ceramic filter.
The invention is naturally not limited to the method or devices described above. For example, the pore pressure probe can have a cylindrical shape with mainly even thickness instead of the shape shown in Fig. 2. This cylindrical type of pore pressure probe is especially suited to long-time measurements. Also, the measuring device 3 can have a different construction without departure from the scope of the invention. The invention can thus be varied freely within the scope of protection according to the following patent claims.

_5_

Claims (10)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Method of determining the pore water pressure in a soil, especially clay, characterized by the following steps:
(a) a water-filled tube bearing a pore pressure probe at its lower end is installed at the required level, said pore pressure probe bearing a filter through which the pore pressure in the soil is conveyed;
(b) a measuring device is lowered down the tube and connected to the pore pressure probe;
(c) the pore pressure is then allowed to stabilize, after which a reading is taken which represents the pore pressure in the soil;
(d) the measuring device is disconnected from the pore water probe and a reading is taken which represents the water pressure in the tube;
(e) the pore pressure is calculated by comparison of the readings for the pore water pressure and the water pressure in the tube, using a calibration factor for the measuring device.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the connection of the measuring device to the pore pressure probe is achieved by a sleeve on the measuring device being connected to a nipple on the pore pressure probe.
3. Method according to claims 1 or 2, characterized by readings being taken from an electronic measuring device.
4. A device for determination of pore water pressures which comprises a water-filled tube, a pore pressure probe with a filter at the lower end of the tube, a measuring device with a pressure transducer, means for detachably connecting the measuring device to the pore pressure probe from within the water-filled tube, and an electric cable which connects the measuring device to a read-out unit.
5. A device according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the means for detachably connecting the measuring device to the pore pressure probe comprises a nipple attached to the pore pressure probe.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the measuring device includes a sleeve which is connected to the nipple.
7. A device according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the pore pressure probe narrows conically towards its lower end.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the pore pressure probe is made of stainless steel.
9. A device according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the pore pressure probe has a mainly cylindrical form of even thickness.
10. A device according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the pore pressure probe is made of nylon with a filter of ceramic material.
CA253,590A 1975-05-30 1976-05-28 Method and device for determining the pore water pressure in a soil Expired CA1070517A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE7506203A SE389923B (en) 1975-05-30 1975-05-30 PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE WATER PRESSURE IN A TYPE OF SOIL

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1070517A true CA1070517A (en) 1980-01-29

Family

ID=20324691

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA253,590A Expired CA1070517A (en) 1975-05-30 1976-05-28 Method and device for determining the pore water pressure in a soil

Country Status (7)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS5211604A (en)
CA (1) CA1070517A (en)
DE (1) DE2624059A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2312770A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1527048A (en)
NL (1) NL7605670A (en)
SE (1) SE389923B (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE411645B (en) * 1978-05-22 1980-01-21 Torstensson Bengt Arne Harry DEVICE FOR DETERMINING PORATIC WATER PRESSURE IN AN EARTH
JPS5595164A (en) * 1979-01-12 1980-07-19 Canon Inc Electronic desk-top calculator on battery drive system
JPS56164779U (en) * 1979-11-21 1981-12-07
DE3911151A1 (en) * 1989-04-06 1990-10-11 Joachim Schmidt Measuring device for determining soil properties
DE19501348C2 (en) * 1995-01-18 1996-10-31 Lausitzer Braunkohle Ag Method for determining the saturation number of loose rock
US6615653B1 (en) * 2001-09-27 2003-09-09 Geosierra, Llc In situ method for determining soil liquefaction tendency and its prevention by electro-osmosis
CN111721696A (en) * 2020-05-12 2020-09-29 温州大学 Underground soil body effective pressure testing device and testing method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL7605670A (en) 1976-12-02
DE2624059A1 (en) 1976-12-09
FR2312770A1 (en) 1976-12-24
FR2312770B3 (en) 1979-02-16
JPS5211604A (en) 1977-01-28
JPS544161B2 (en) 1979-03-03
GB1527048A (en) 1978-10-04
SE389923B (en) 1976-11-22

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