This test method covers the determination of the ambient local stresses in a rock mass and the equipment required to perform in situ stress tests using a three-component borehole deformation gauge (BDG). The test procedure and method of data reduction are described, including the theoretical basis and assumptions involved in the calculations. A section is included on troubleshooting equipment malfunctions.
NOTE 1—The gauge used in this test method is commonly referred to as a USBM gauge (U.S. Bureau of Mines three-component borehole deformation gauge).²
The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
² Considerable information presented in this test method was taken from Bureau of Mines Information Circular No. 8618, and Hooker, V.E., and Bickel, D.L., "Overcoring Equipment and Techniques Used in Rock Stress Determination," Denver Mining Research Center, Denver, CO, 1974.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.