Skip links
Modulus of Elasticity of Rock — Global Lab India
NABL Accredited · Rock Testing

Modulus of Elasticity of Rock(IS 9221:1979)

Determination of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of rock cores in uniaxial compression per IS 9221 — the deformability parameters that govern settlement of foundations on rock and tunnel convergence.

E + ν
Both Reported
4–6 Days
Report TAT
NABL
Accredited
NABL Accredited Lab · ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Digital Reports via Autovity QLMS
Pan-India · 7 Lab Locations
Est. 2009 · 20,000+ Projects

What is the Modulus of Elasticity Test of Rock?

Strength tells you when rock breaks; modulus tells you how much it moves first. Settlement of heavily loaded foundations on rock, convergence of tunnel openings and deformation of dam abutments are all controlled by the deformability of the intact rock — measured as Young's modulus (E) and Poisson's ratio (ν) in uniaxial compression per IS 9221:1979.

Global Lab instruments prepared cores with axial and circumferential strain measurement, loads through controlled cycles, and derives the tangent, secant and average moduli per the standard together with Poisson's ratio — reported alongside the stress-strain curves designers actually need.

Reviewed by Mahemood Ahmad, Lab Manager — NABL Accredited Laboratory, Global Lab India
IS 9221 Method
Instrumented uniaxial testing with tangent, secant and average moduli.
NABL Accredited
Deformability data valid for design submissions.
Full Stress-Strain Curves
Curves supplied with every modulus value — not just numbers.
Poisson's Ratio Included
Circumferential strain measured, ν derived per the standard.
Paired With UCS
Modulus and strength from the same specimen stream for consistency.
Digital Reports
Certificates delivered via the Autovity QLMS dashboard.

How the Modulus of Elasticity of Rock is Conducted

  • 1

    Specimen Preparation

    Cores are prepared to the standard L/D ratio with ground ends, as for UCS testing.
  • 2

    Strain Instrumentation

    Axial and circumferential strain gauges or extensometers are mounted at mid-height per IS 9221.
  • 3

    Cyclic Loading

    The specimen is loaded through the prescribed load-unload cycles within the elastic range before loading to failure.
  • 4

    Curve Derivation

    Axial and lateral stress-strain curves are plotted; tangent, secant and average moduli and Poisson's ratio are computed.
  • 5

    Reporting

    Moduli, ν, UCS at failure and full curves are issued via Autovity QLMS.

Applicable Test Standards

StandardTitleScopeType
IS 9221:1979Method for the Determination of Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson's Ratio of Rock Materials in Uniaxial Compression (Reaffirmed)Test MethodIndian Standard
IS 9143:1979Method for the Determination of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Rock Materials (Reaffirmed)Companion Strength TestIndian Standard
ISRM SMISRM Suggested Methods for Determining Deformability of RockSupplementary PracticeInternational

Where is the Modulus of Elasticity of Rock Used?

Settlement analysis of foundations on rock
Tunnel convergence and liner design inputs
Dam foundation and abutment deformability studies
Rock-socketed pile load-deformation analysis
Numerical modelling (FEM) material parameters
Machine foundation design on rock strata

Our Advantages

Design-Grade DataTangent, secant and average moduli — the values FEM models actually use.
NABL Accredited ReportsValid for design submissions and review.
Instrumented PrecisionDirect strain measurement, not platen-movement approximations.
Complete CurvesFull stress-strain plots delivered with every test.
Pan-India CoverageCore receipt and testing across our 7 lab locations.
Digital ReportingCertificates delivered via the Autovity QLMS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What standard governs the Modulus of Elasticity of Rock?
Modulus of Elasticity of Rock is tested per IS 9221:1979, IS 9143:1979 and ISRM SM.
How long does the Modulus of Elasticity of Rock take?
Reports are typically issued within 4–6 Days of sample receipt at the lab, delivered digitally via the Autovity QLMS client dashboard.
Where is the Modulus of Elasticity of Rock used?
It is commonly used for settlement analysis of foundations on rock, and for tunnel convergence and liner design inputs.
Get Started Today
Ready to request the Modulus of Elasticity of Rock?
Schedule a site visit or send samples — our team responds within 2 hours.