Central Water & Power Research Station, Poona.
The principle, construction and calibration of a simple device for simulating hydrostatic loads in two-dimensional experimental stress analysis in regions around circular pressure openings such as tunnels and conduits are described. Hydrostatic pressures of the order of 200 to 300 p.s.i. (14 to 22 kgm. per sq. cm. can easily be obtained. As an illustration of the application, the results obtained by the’use of this device in the photoelastic analysis of stresses in the lining of the head race tunnel of the Koyna Project, in presence of surrounding weak rock zones, are briefly described.
