Field Measurements of In-Situ Equipment Track Pressure and Working Platform Deformation Using Earth Pressure Cells and Fiber Optics-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

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The study measured in-situ track pressures and working-platform deformation beneath a drilling rig using earth pressure cells and fiber-optic sensing cables. Tests compared the rig operating directly on the ground, on steel plates, and on crane mats, under different pull loads. Fiber-optic measurements recorded vertical strain every 2.6 mm; these readings were integrated to estimate displacement and interpolated to show deformation patterns across the platform.<br /><br />Crane mats substantially reduced subsurface strain and total settlement, while spreading deformation over a longer section of track. They also produced smoother longitudinal strain distributions and lower horizontal strain magnitudes. Steel plates made only modest differences compared with placing the rig directly on the soil. Peak displacement occurred slightly behind the front of the track, rather than directly at its leading edge. Crane mats increased strain between the tracks, consistent with their greater load-spreading effect.<br /><br />The results suggest that common design models may underestimate peak track pressures and do not adequately account for subsurface stiffness. Fiber-optic strain measurements can help confirm the magnitude and distribution of track loading in real time. The authors recommend investigating working platforms to depths greater than four metres, whether or not mats or plates are used. Exact track-pressure measurement remains challenging and requires further study.

Keywords

track pressure

drilling rig

fiber-optic sensing

earth pressure cells

working-platform deformation

crane mats

steel plates

subsurface strain

settlement

load distribution