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Rock Characterization

The document outlines the process of rock mass characterization, emphasizing the importance of systematic geological and geotechnical data collection to obtain unbiased information about rock features and properties. It details the types of data collected, including rock material properties, alteration, weathering, and strength testing methods, as well as sources of data like core logging and mapping techniques. The document also discusses the significance of understanding geological discontinuities and the behavior of rock masses for accurate engineering assessments.

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Richard Westony
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171 views26 pages

Rock Characterization

The document outlines the process of rock mass characterization, emphasizing the importance of systematic geological and geotechnical data collection to obtain unbiased information about rock features and properties. It details the types of data collected, including rock material properties, alteration, weathering, and strength testing methods, as well as sources of data like core logging and mapping techniques. The document also discusses the significance of understanding geological discontinuities and the behavior of rock masses for accurate engineering assessments.

Uploaded by

Richard Westony
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Rock Mass Characterization

Geological and geotechnical data collection

Purpose
To obtain representative and unbiased information: Location of major geological features Discontinuity orientation, frequency, size, shear strength Information to carry out a rock mass classification Intact rock strength Ground water Joint condition

Concepts
Rock mass can be thought of as an assembly of potential blocks, which can be disaggregated by an excavation process Geotechnical domains: regions of similar engineering behaviour that can be delineated within a rock mass. Structural domains: regions comprising similar sets of geological structures that can be delineated within a rock mass Systematic collection of geotechnical information is essential for accurate characterization

Concepts
Rock mass behavior is controlled by the nature of geological discontinuities and the physical properties of the rock material bridges (intact rock bridges) Large scale geological discontinuities are often low in shear strength and continuous, and can be seismically active. They are often defined during orebody delineation Minor scale jointing stochastic joint set characteristics, sampling techniques required

Types of Data Collected


Rock Name (Type) Rock Material Properties
Colour Grain size and shape Texture Other textural features and fabric State of weathering State of alteration Strength

Types of Data Collected


Alteration & weathering
Affects both rock & discontinuities

Alteration may enhance rock strength

Weathering will always reduce rock strength

Multiple weathering schemes have been suggested including Dearman (1986) and Stapleton ,1976

Types of Data Collected

Types of Data Collected


Strength Via laboratory testing
Uniaxial Compressive Tests Triaxial Tests

Field Tests
Point load Index Schmidt Hammer

Discontinuity wall strength Grades See next slide

Types of Data Collected

Source of Data
Core Logging Borehole geophysical logging Outcrop and spot mapping Systematic face mapping
Scanline mapping Window mapping Photographic scanning Steropsis

Source of Data

Geotechnical core log


Comprises: Header (hole number, project, rig, core size, bit type, plunge and bearing of hole, collar coordinates) Depth (from - to) Rock material description Degree of weathering Field estimate of rock strength Graphic log Defect description and angle relative to core axis Location of samples taken for testing Rock Quality Designation Core recovery Water return Packer test results Casing details

Oriented Core Log


Augments data from the simple geotechnical log and includes additional information on:
alpha and beta angles for the defect

defect roughness and planarity infill characteristics (type and thickness) actual fracture spacing

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