A new method for strain measurement of rock with conductive rubber

Abstract

In this study, a new strain measurement using conductive rubber is proposed. Initially, the influence of temperature change, heat generation, deformation rate, and deformation history against the resistance variation of the conductive rubber were examined. The results showed that the resistance variation of conductive rubber is strongly influenced by the deformation history. Furthermore, the applicability and validity of the strain measurement with the conductive rubber was checked with soft sedimentary rock samples. The experimental work indicated that the relation between the resistance and strain of the conductive rubber is linear. And, this linear relationship covers well from loading point to beyond the failure point of the soft rocks. Therefore, this strain measurement method by conductive rubber is suitable for strain measurement of soft rock samples in the laboratory. In addition, this method has strong possibility to measure the strain of soft materials, such as soil, clay, etc., because of the low elasticity of the conductive rubber.