About nirm

NIRM is the only institution in south Asia exclusively devoted to research in rock mechanics.
Over the period of last 25 years, the institute has the privilege to provide its expertise to various
central, state government agencies and public sector undertakings in the field of mining,
hydroelectric projects, nuclear power projects, oil and gas sector and various infrastructure
project authorities including rail, road, airports, hospital etc. The Institute has been developed as
a Centre of Excellence for Rock Engineering, with the following broad areas of activities :

 Design of mine workings for improved safety and productivity.

 Design of rock excavations, support systems for safety and stability.
 Optimal site characterisation for strategic constructions.
 Instrumentation and monitoring for ensuring stability of excavations.
 In-situ and laboratory based tests as per ISRM standards.
 Rock deformability Characteristics.
 Information dissemination by training program and short-term courses.
Apart from these activities, the Institute also offers facilities for post graduate and doctoral
research in applied rock mechanics. The high quality services provided by NIRM have found
wide acceptance in the industry. With modern equipment and a coherent team of experienced
and dedicated Scientists, NIRM combines research activities and consulting services to provide
solutions for a wide range of rock engineering problems. The spheres of NIRM activities are
divided into ten scientific departments / groups with a specialist team for each of them. The key
to our success lies in 'Excellence through Innovation'.

Our Vision and Mission

The Institute has a vision to become a self-sustaining Centre of Excellence of International Standard in the
areas of rock mechanics, rock engineering and allied fields for the development of mining, construction,
petroleum, power and infrastructure sectors. The vision is to lay special emphasis on quality, innovation,
professional competency and skill development, so as to serve all the stakeholders in the identified sectors.
This vision will be responsive to changing global needs with special emphasis on quality and innovation to
serve the industry in the most economical manner.

VISION

Some of the milestones identified to achieve this vision are

 Mining under adverse geomining

 Develop innovative methods of mining under adverse geomining conditions for unlocking precious
mineral wealth in synergy with the national mineral policy.

 Testing and calibration

Develop accredited testing and calibration facilities of international standards for various laboratory as
well as in-situ tests, contribute for standards in testing and investigation

 Collaborative projects
Get empanelled with various statutory bodies in India, and establish linkages with international
organizations through collaborative projects in relevant fields.

 Areas of specialization
Identify and develop areas of specialization based on national and global needs, establish Centers of
Competency in core areas

 Short-term and long-term training courses

Conduct short-term and long-term training courses on modern investigation techniques for executives from
the industry.

 Financially self sufficient

Become financially self sufficient
MISSION

The Mission of NIRM is to support the mining and construction industries in safety and resource
optimisation by way of providing our expertise in the fields of scientific design of mine workings,
design of rock excavations and support systems, optimised site characterisation and evaluation
and testing of rock and material samples for understanding rock mass and material behaviour
relevant to design requirement.

Accordingly, the Mission Statement of NIRM is identified as :

“To provide scientific and technological inputs to the mining, civil and
construction industries to optimize their operations and to perfect their
designs with a view to improve production, productivity and product
quality for better safety, economy, conservation and environmental
management”

Quality Policy
 Maintaining quality with sustained growth is the key element of success. Therefore, the Institute
has a quality policy and procedural manuals for both scientific and administrative works in
keeping with the ISO standard. As per our Quality Policy, NIRM is dedicated to

 Carry out advanced research in the areas of Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering to remain
a centre of excellence.
 Provide quality services to the total satisfaction of our clientele with strict adherence to
contractual specifications.
 Enhance knowledge and skill of the employees on continuous basis.
Quality Objectives

 Excel as an R&D organisation by providing high quality, need based, value added services in
the emerging areas of rock mechanics and rock engineering for surface and underground
excavations.
 Develop innovative technologies for improving productivity and safety.
 Information dissemination of knowledge and expertise by organising seminars and conferences
and by conducting training courses and workshops for professionals.
 Publication of papers in national and international journals.
 Facilitate skill enhancement of employees by participating in training and workshops.
 Provide research facilities for higher education in the areas of rock mechanics and rock
engineering.

 The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) is a premier centre for research in
applied and basic rock mechanics. NIRM is committed to provide latest technology to
mining, civil and construction industries, both in India and abroad, to achieve improved
production, productivity, with enhanced safety and economy. NIRM integrates theory and
practice to provide specialized services of rock mechanics / rock engineering for coal and
non-coal mines, hydroelectric projects, nuclear power projects, irrigation schemes,
tunneling works, underground oil and gas storage caverns and other projects related to
excavation in rock.
 The institute has expertise in different aspects of mining technology, including blasting
techniques, design of methods of extraction, support design, ground control, strata and
support monitoring, and identification of hidden structures or water bodies located in
inaccessible places. It carries out design methodologies for underground and opencast
mines in synergy with the National Mineral Policy. The Institute also provides
comprehensive package for hydroelectric projects, including preparation of detailed
projects reports (DPR), geological and geotechnical investigations, in-situ and laboratory
determination of stress and strength parameters of the rocks and rock masses, design of
excavation methodologies, numerical modeling of the excavations to understand the
stresses and deformations around the openings, and monitoring the excavation stability
using conventional and micro-seismic monitoring techniques. The investigations extend
from pre-construction stage to construction and post-construction stages. Expertise is
also available with the Institute in the fields of underground space technology for
construction of underground storage facilities and for rapid mass transportation system.

With a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated Scientists, NIRM has been able to
complete the projects in time and to the satisfaction of the clients. The specialised and
unique nature of its work, and its prompt services, has been recognized by the industry.
With rapid and large-scale growth in the mining and infrastructure industries, the role of
 the Institute will get bigger and bigger day by day.

To meet the future opportunities and challenges of the industry, the existing departments
of the Institute will be gradually upgraded into major Centres of Research. The Institute
proposes to take up turnkey projects and inter-disciplinary projects, as a package, for the
benefit of the industry. We also propose to take up collaborative research work with other
institutes.

Various Govt agencies, Public Sector and Private companies have been associated with
NIRM and have contributed to the growth of the Institute during the past two decades.
While thanking them all, I look forward to continued support and cooperation from them in
our future endeavors.

Major Facilities

The core competency of NIRM in the area of rock mechanics and rock engineering is backed up
by dedicated team of scientists in various specialist fields and state-of-the-art equipments for
testing and investigations. Some of the notable facilities available with the Institute are :

MEASURING EQUIPMENT
Multi-channel vibration measuring equipment for analyzing the effects of vibration and monitoring
safety of structures
VOD MEASURING PROBE
VoD measuring probe for explosives and high speed video recording for evaluating performance
of blast.
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY EQUIPMENT
Surface and borehole geophysical survey equipment using GPR, seismic, (P and S waves) and
electrical methods for site characterization, defect mapping and stability studies
2D AND 3DMODELING SOFTWARE
BEM and FEM based 2D and 3D modeling software for design of excavation, support system,
subsidence prediction, slope stability and other allied investigations
ROCK MECHANICS INSTRUMENTATION
Rock Mechanics instrumentation for measurement of stress, strain, displacement and other
parameters for monitoring stability of excavation and design of support system
ROCK SAMPLETESTING FACILITY
Rock sample testing facility for uni-axial and tri-axial compressive and shear strength at normal
and higher temperature for fracture mechanics investigation, cyclic loading effect, deformability
and other parameters.
IN-SITU TESTING FACILITY
In-situ testing facility for determination of major principle stress, shear parameters,
MICROSEISMIC MONITORING SYSTEM
Wire rope and materials testing facility for analyzing in-situ defects. Microseismic monitoring
system for real-time dynamic stability of excavation.
 MECHANICS INVESTIGATION
Based for rock mechanics investigation on stability of excavation
Ongoing projects

Engineering Geology

S.NO TITLE

01 Engineering geological investigations of Pranahita- Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Lift Irrigation (Scheme-6), Karimn

Construction stage engineering geological mapping of pond floors of natural draft cooling towers foundation
02 Rawatbhata in Chittorgarh District of Rajasthan.

Engineering Geological investigations for the proposed new Underground surge pool and pump house of Pran
03 of Telangana State

04 Engineering geological investigations of the cave area of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji, Reasi District, J&K

05 Engineering geological investigations of Pranahita- Chevella Sujala Sravanthi lift irrigation (Scheme-6), Karimn

06 Engineering geological investigations of surge pool of Pranahita- Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Lift Irrigation (P-8),

07 Review of engineering geological investigations of surge shaft of Pranahita- Chevella Sujala Sravanthi Lift Irrig

Engineering Geophysics

S.NO TITLE

01 Development of a viable technique for assessment of reclaimed land and for safety of structures under sett

02 Seismic refraction survey at the Vishnugad Pipalkoti HEP, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
S.NO TITLE

03 Seismic tomography study for S-60 foundation of Special Bridge across the river Chenab at Kauri of USBRL,

04 GPR Survey at Rajpura Dariba Mines of HZL

05 Geophysical survey to ascertain the risk subsidence around HMRB oil pipe line (Ch 257.700 to 257.800)

Microseismic and Engineering Seismology

S.NO TITLE

01 Supply of micro-seismic equipment to TVHPP Tapovan-Vishnugad Project.

02 Installation and monitoring for two years at Tapovan- Vishnugad Project

03 Stability monitoring of power hose cavern of Tala hydro power plant using micro-seismic system (2nd yea

04 Stability monitoring of power hose cavern of Tala hydro power plant using micro-seismic system (3rd yea

05 Estimation of seismic hazard in and around the mined out areas of Kolar Gold Fields.

06 Continuance of operation and maintenance of the broadband seismological observatory at KGF

Geotechnical Engineering

S.NO TITLE

Determination of In-situ stress, permeability and deformability parameters for the design of the proposed un
01 Shahpur, Karnataka.

02
Determination of in-situ deformability, In-situ shear and in-situ bearing capacity parameters at the proposed
S.NO TITLE

Pradesh

03 Determination of in-situ stress parameters at proposed underground power house of PCLIS - Package 12

04 Assessment of horizontal stress fields in deeper horizons and development of roof hazards maps of coal resou

05 Determination of in-situ stress parameters at Hutti Gold Mine for the design of stopes below 20th level

06 Determination of In-situ Stress parameters at proposed pump house site of Dr B.R.A. Pranahitha Chevella LIS-

07 Determination of in-situ stress parameters at powerhouse site of Rupali Gad re-regulating project, Nepal

08 Determination of in-situ stress tensor at surge pool/pump house of Pranahita- Chevella Sujala Sravanthi lift ir

09 Determination of In-situ stress and deformability parameters at new Rishikesh-shivpuri section of 125 km rail

10 Determination of In-situ stress values at the central Gullet of underground power house cavern of Vishnugad

Numerical Modelling

S.NO TITLE

01 Geodetic monitoring of Sardar Sarovar Dam

02 3D stress analysis of underground powerhouse complex at Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project.

03 Slope stability analysis of abutment cut slope for concrete dam at MHPA

04 Stability analysis of rock slopes for pothead yard location at Mangdechhu HE Project
S.NO TITLE

05 Deformation monitoring of underground powerhouse cavern of Sardar Sarovar project, Gujarat

06 Analysis of Instrumentation data of power house complex and desilting chamber (April1, 2015 to March 31, 2

07 Analysis of instrumentation data of dam, machine hall and desilting Complex at NJHPS

08 Temporary and permanent support design of U/G surge pool &pump house draft tube and delivery main tunn

09 Pit slope stability analysis of north-east benches of A Narrain Mines, Chitradurga

10 Deformation monitoring of U/G powerhouse cavern of Sardar Sarovar project

11 Development of relationships between joint properties and rock material properties, to estimate parameters

12 Analysis of Instrumentation data of power house complex and desilting chamber (April1, 2016 to March 31, 2

13 Support design of U/G surge pool & pump house by 3D numerical modeling at PCLISP- 11 of MEIL

14 3D Numerical Modelling analysis of pump house and surge pool caverns of Kaleshwarm Project (PCLIS) Packa

15 Geotechnical Instrumentation, Installation and monitoring at Kaleswarm Project, Package-11

16 Support design of U/G surge pool & pump house by 3D numerical modeling at PCLISP- 11 of MEIL

17 Validation of an In-house study at a Mine of Zawar Group of Mines, HZL

18 Establishing the Dimensions of Cap Rock and Estimating the Stoping Parameters for K Series and Northern Se

19 Strata control investigations in 15 east panel , V seam at east block of Churcha Mine, SECL

20 Strata control investigations in 22XR of 83 level west sub panel-1 , V seam at west block of Churcha Mine, SEC
Rock Blasting & Excavation Engineering

S.NO TITLE

01 Monitoring ground vibrations and air overpressure at Jambunatheswara Tample due to blasting at JIOM, MM

Technical advice on rip-rap blasting for the construction of earth cum rock filled dam, India Sagar Polavaram P
02 Pradesh.

Study on feasibility of blasting for excavation of tail race tunnel of Vishnugad Pipalkoti HEP (444 MW) passing
03 Uttarakhand

Blast vibration study, proof checking and monitoring of blast induced vibration at nearby structures, Darlipall
04 I (2×800 MW), NTPC Limited, Odisha

05 Blasting guidance for removal of boulders and excavation of rock in the river channel of Idamalayar dam spillw

Phase-II -To monitor ground vibrations and air overpressure for the blast conducted to excavate unit 3&4 of K
06 Kudankulam, Tamilnadu.

Study on ground vibration and air overpressure due to blasting at two quarries located at Beerahalli, Oblahall
07 Taluk, Bengaluru.

Extension of phase-II -To monitor ground vibrations and air overpressure for the blast conducted to excavate
08 plant, Kudankulam, Tamilnadu.

Phase-II (Extension-2) -To monitor ground vibrations and air overpressure for the blast conducted to excavate
09 plant, Kudankulam, Tamilnadu.

Testing Services

S.NO TITLE

01 Slope stability studies of Kaliapani Chromite mine at Kaliapani, Jajpur district, Odisha
S.NO TITLE

02 Dump material testing and analysis of Kaliapani Chromite mine at Kaliapani, Jajpur district, Odisha

03 Review the slope stability measures at Pallava Granite at Chimakurthy, Prakasam district, A, .P..

04 Slope stability studies of Copila Gaichem Paul iron ore mine, Sigao and Collem village, Dharbandora taluka, So

05 Geothermal study at Manappad and around Kudankulam Area , TN

06 Evaluation of Light House Lineament related to Jaithapur nuclear power plant site, through trench studies, Ra

07 Geological and Geomorphic characterization of the frontal thrust fault at Central and Northeast Himalaya

08 Seismo-tectonic evaluation (Feasibility study) of proposed Gugulapalli site , Nellore, A.P.

09 NDT on vital components of winders at Zawar group of mines

10 Non-destructive evaluation of cable belt drive ropes at Damanjodi, Odisha

11 NDT on steel structures of Ramakrishnapur Coal Handling Plant

12 NDE of vital components of winders / winches at Rampura Agucha Mines, HZL (main shaft - Kibble winders)

13 Stability test of heavy earth moving Equipment and Proof Load test & NDT test of cranes at BIOM, Bacheli Com

14 NDT of 11 winders and suspension gear parts at HGML, Raichur

15 NDT on vital components of Cage and Skip winders at NIRM Laboratory

S.NO TITLE

16 NDT on winder vital components and suspension gears parts of 200HP cage winder at central Mochia mines,

17 NDT on vital components of south ventilation shaft, Rampura Agucha Mines, HZL

18 In-situ non-destructive testing of vital components of four winders suspension gears and ropes, SCCL

19 NDT on suspension gear parts and wire ropes at ,HZL-Dariba mine

20 NDT on vital components of winders at Zawar group of mines

21 Rope testing(proof load test and NDT) of OCSL plant equipment at BIOM, Bacheli Complex

22 NDT on vital components of south ventilation shaft, Rampura Agucha Mines, HZL

23 NDT on vital parts of the winders at Khetri & Kolihan mines

24 NDT on man winding systems (4 units) at SCCL

25 NDT on cable belt drive wire ropes at Damanjodi, Odisha

26 Testing of core samples for Hutti, UTI and Hirabuddinni Gold Mines

27 Determination of physico-mechanical properties of rock core samples

Lab. geotechnical investigations on core samples from wellbore JMI-1&2 of Jwalamukhi area of frontier basin
28 Lakwa field of Assam Asset, ONGC

29 Lab. Geotechnical investigations on Rohtas limestone core samples from Son valley, Vindhyan basin, frontier

30 Lab. geotechnical investigations on core samples from Boreholes of Location-2, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atom
S.NO TITLE

31 Rock mechanics studies below 100 m depth in east and west sides, for both footwall an hangwall lodes, of Tu

32 Designing Stoping Parameters for Munsar Mine of MOIL Ltd.For-30'& below levels

Training

S.NO TITLE

01 Training of Indian railways personnel on tunnelling technology

02 Training of BRO personnel on controlled blasting and excavation engineering