Test No. 109 - "Koolau Basalt Load Tests"
(Part 2)
(Return to Index Page)

June 14, 1977
Stewart Ct. Laboratory
Sunnyvale, CA

Copyrighted © by The Townsend Brown family. All rights reserved.



PURPOSE:

To observe the effects of forced polarization (increased self-potential) upon load carrying capability.

PROCEDURE:

Normally, the self-potential of the Koolau rock is in the range from 300 to 500 mV. In this test, a higher voltage (700 mV) was obtained by forced polarization (30 minute charging by a 9 V battery). The polarizing circuit was then disconnected and the rock's emf was allowed to decay to a relatively stable bottom at approx. 700 mV.

Load tests were performed by 5-second shunting with resistors of progressively lower, then higher, values, as in Test No. 108.

RESULTS:

Shown in the attached curve. Slight depolarization and loss of charge (during the 6-hour run) resulted in a 30 mV downward displacement between the beginning and ending of the test. Otherwise the curve has the same characteristics as that obtained at the lower (normal) voltage.

Graphic - Figure 2

CONCLUSIONS:

Load-carrying characteristics are unaffected by output voltage.



Please be advised that this document is copyrighted © by The Townsend Brown family. All rights reserved. Please see Legal and Copyright Information for additional copyright information.