A quantitative study of the weathering of greywacke

Geotechnical tests (point load, Los Angeles abrasion, and Shore hardness) and field tests of strength (Schmidt hammer, shear vane, and penetrometer) we of samples from fresh greywacke to greywacke-derived soil, in a single quarry. Many samples showed a smaller-scale variation: essentially an unweathere The variation of strength across such transects was measured and correlated with indices determined from mineralogy and chemical composition. This corr of strength of similar rocks in the region which may be used as a cheap alternative to geotechnical testing, at least for regional reconnaissance of ag     

Geotechnical Characterization by In situ and Lab Tests to the Back-Analysis of a Supported Excavation in Metro do Porto

This paper summarizes the geotechnical characterization conducted for the design and subsequent analysis of a strutted excavation in “Metro do Porto”. This region is geologically dominated by heterogeneous weathered granite masses with deep residual soil profiles. Local saprolitic soils exhibit, by their nature, a particular behavior characterized by very sensitive and weak relic micro-structures, due to their specific genesis. This study has included the interpretation of a significant volume of in situ test results, triaxial tests over undisturbed samples and monitoring data, giving rise to specific correlations between testing and design parameters. Real time monitoring enabled a back-analysis by FEM of a well instrumented section of the strutted excavation, which was calibrated taking into account the derived correlations and the deformability behavior of this specific geotechnical ambient. This geomaterial, although revealing very high initial stiffness values (for very small strain ranges) has shown low stiffness values for “medium to high” strain levels, reflecting a singular strong non-linearity in the stress-strain behavior.     

Estimation of Durability Aspects of Al Masjid Al-Haram Marble,Makkah City,Saudi Arabia

The durability is a measure of the rock’s ability to resist degradation during its working life. Rock durability is greatly related to the mineralogical composition of rocks, rock texture (crystal interlocking, crystal shape and size), and the nature of fluids that are in contact with rock. Marbles have been among the most important building materials since ancient times. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the durability of Al Masjid Al-Haram marble and Ordinary white marble “Carrara” (M₁ and M₂) and develop some correlations among the physical and mechanical properties such as P-wave velocity, slake durability index, dry uniaxial compressive strength (UCS_Dry), abrasion resistance, point load index, impact strength index, Brazilian tensile strength, and Shore hardness. After testing and the evaluation of the test results, strong statistical correlations were found between P-wave velocity and other rock properties. Statistical correlations between the UCS_Dry other tests were also carried out. The coefficients of regressions (R²) range from 0.6177 to 0.997. The study shows that the UCS_Dry values of M1 and M2 have positive relationship with P wave velocities. Concluding remark is that the rocks tested in the study have good durability characteristics and can be reliably used for construction projects. On the other hand, the derived empirical equations can be used for the estimation purposes for similar rock types.     

The effect of pH of water and mineralogical properties on the slake durability (degradability) of different rocks from the Lesser Himalaya, India

Slake durability is an important geotechnical parameter and is a measure of degradability of rocks due to the process of mechanical and chemical breakdown. It is closely related to the mineralogical composition and the texture of the rocks. In this paper, mineralogical examination along with slake durability tests under variable pH conditions, both in acidic and alkaline environments, on the limestone, shale and siltsone were evaluated to understand the relationship between mineralogy and the degradability of rocks. The study revealed that rocks rich in calcium carbonate and or magnesium carbonate are adversely affected in the acidic environment, whereas, the rocks rich in quartz, feldspar and muscovite are independent of the pH of the slaking fluid, which in turn, is more influenced by the texture of the constituent minerals. It has also been observed that fine grained rocks are more susceptible to degrade in comparison to the coarse grained rocks.     

基于一种脆性指标确定岩石残余强度

岩石的残余强度是岩石力学的重要指标,准确地评价岩石残余强度对于评价地下工程的稳定性以及优化岩体支护设计具有重要意义。基于岩石的三轴力学特性提出一种表征岩石峰后强度衰减行为的力学指标--岩石强度衰减系数,该指标可反映岩石的脆性程度,并提出岩石强度衰减系数与围压关系的幂函数模型。对22组不同成因的岩石常规三轴压缩试验数据进行幂函数模型参数拟合,发现不同岩石拟合所得参数离散性较大,分析其原因主要与岩石矿物组成和岩石结构特征等因素相关。在此基础上提出基于强度衰减方法确定岩石残余强度的方法,分析表明,该方法能够很好地拟合岩石残余强度试验数据,并能反映岩石结构性质对残余强度的影响。     

Factors affecting the durability of selected weak and clay-bearing rocks from Turkey, with particular emphasis on the influence of the number of drying and wetting cycles

Weathering can induce a rapid change of rock material from initial rock-like properties to soil-like properties. The resistance of a rock to short-term weathering is described through a durability parameter called the slake durability index. As durability is an important engineering parameter, particularly for weak and clay-bearing rocks, it was assessed by a number of tests. The main purpose of this study is to assess the influence of the number of drying and wetting cycles and controls of mineralogical composition and strength on durability. For this purpose, 141 samples of different types of weak and clay-bearing rocks were selected from different parts of Turkey, and relationships between the above-mentioned rock characteristics were statistically investigated. The samples were subjected to multiple-cycle slake durability testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and uniaxial compression testing. In addition, to assess the influence of mineralogical composition on durability, the mineral contents of the original material and the material passing from the drum of the slake durability apparatus after each cycle were also determined by XRD. The results indicate that the type and amount of clay minerals are the main factors influencing the variations of the slake durability index in all samples. The durability of the clay-bearing rocks studied correlates best with the amount of expandable clay minerals. A strong relationship between the uniaxial compressive strength and the fourth-cycle slake durability index is found only for the marls among the rock types studied. Assessment of gradation results of the spoil pile materials consisting of clay-bearing rocks also reveals that the increase in percentage of fines in old piles is indicative of material degradation, as is evident by multiple-cycle slaking. It is emphasized that two-cycle conventional slake durability testing did not appear to offer an acceptable indication of the durability of weak and clay-bearing rocks when compared with multiple-cyclic wetting and drying. Comments on the performance of the test are made that aim to make the testing process and interpretation of the results more reliable.     

Prediction of specific energy of carbonate rock in industrial stones cutting process

Specific energy (SE) measurements of circular saws were conducted on 12 different carbonate rocks. Rock samples were collected from the factories for laboratory tests. Bulk density, apparent porosity, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, flexural strength, Schmidt rebound hardness, Shore hardness, point load strength index, Los Angeles abrasion values, and P-wave velocity values were determined in the laboratory. SE and rock properties were evaluated using simple regression analysis and empirical equations were developed. The equations were verified by statistical tests. Regression analysis showed that high correlations exist between SE and uniaxial compressive strength, Shore and Schmidt hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, and flexural strength. It was found that the SE value of rocks in cutting process was highest for those rocks having the high density, compressive strength, flexural strength, Schmidt and Shore hardness, point load strength index, and P-wave velocity values.     

The effect of the textural characteristics on the engineering properties of the basalts from Yozgat region,Turkey

Engineering properties of rocks vary as they are heterogeneous materials by nature because of mineralogical composition, texture, porosity, and alteration, etc. This study focuses on the investigation of the relationship between internal structure and engineering parameters of basalt samples by digitizing the textural properties. Thin sections studies of basalts were made into three groups: aphanitic, amygdaloidal, and vesicular on the basis of texture. Further, the textural properties were digitized in thin sections and the texture coefficient (TC) of each group was calculated. Uniaxial compressive strength, dry unit weight, point load strength index, Schmidt hammer rebound, and P-wave velocity of the samples were determined in the laboratory. Simple regression analyses were performed using the laboratory results incorporating first TC and engineering parameters and the second phase of the analysis focused on the relationship between uniaxial compressive strength and the rest of the parameters of samples with different texture coefficients. The highest texture coefficient was found to be 0.50 in aphanitic basalts while vesicular basalts have the lowest TC of 0.37. As the TC increases, rock strength increases. Strong-very strong correlations between uniaxial compressive strength and the rest of the engineering parameters of aphanitic and amygdaloidal-basalts with a TC of 0.50 and 0.45 are in agreement with the findings in the literature while there are no meaningful correlations between uniaxial strength and the aforementioned parameters except dry unit weight in vesicular basalts. These results indicate that the presence of empty pores in vesicular basalts reduced the uniaxial compressive strength and TC by increasing the heterogeneity.     

Strength and Compressibility Characteristics of a Soft Clay Subjected to Ground Treatment

The compressibility properties, undrained shear strength, and stress history are essential for reliable calculations of settlement and bearing capacity of soft soils. However, it is sometimes a challenge to determine representative parameters for very soft and high plasticity clays, which are often found in Brazilian coastal areas. In this study an extensive site investigation was planned aiming to interpret the behaviour of a trial embankment on stabilized soft ground. The site investigation was carried out in a test area located in the west of city of Rio de Janeiro, consisted of three clusters in which standard penetration tests, vane shear tests, and piezocone tests (CPTu) were performed. A number of correlations was developed and compared with empirical equations in order to verify their reliability. The results of these tests made it possible to define geotechnical parameters of the soft clay to use in the numerical and analytical computations of the embankment on reinforced ground.     

Engineering geological assessment of the proposed Uru Dam, Turkey

This paper describes the results of the engineering geological investigations and rock mechanics studies carried out at the proposed Uru Dam site. Analyses were carried out in terms of rock mass classifications for diversion tunnel, kinematic analysis of excavation slopes, permeability of the dam foundation and determination of rock mass strength parameters.Uru Dam is a rock-filled dam with upstream concrete slab. The dam will be built on the Suveri River in the central part of Turkey. The foundation rocks are volcanic rocks, which consist of andesite, basalt and tuff of Neogene Age. Studies were carried out both at the field and the laboratory. Field studies include engineering geological mapping, intensive discontinuity surveying, core drilling, pressurized water tests and sampling for laboratory testing.Uniaxial, triaxial and tensile strength tests were performed and deformation parameters, unit weight and porosity were determined on the intact rock specimens in the laboratory. Rock mass strength and modulus of elasticity of rock mass are determined using the Hoek–Brown empirical strength criterion. Rock mass classifications have been performed according to RMR and Q systems for the diversion tunnel.Engineering geological assessment of the proposed dam and reservoir area indicated that there will be no foundation stability problems. Detailed geotechnical investigations are required for the final design of the dam.     

The Uzbekistan Loess,genesis and distribution

The distribution and genesis of Uzbekistan loess rocks, their composition, properties and conditions are naturally changing from mountains to the piedmont plains. For the piedmont plains and intermontane depressions the occurrence of alluvial and deluvial loess types is typical, and in the high mountains eluvial, deluvial, eluvial-deluvial and fluvioglacial ones. This can be explained by the difference of tectonic activity as well as by climatic humidity. The study and analyss of the accumulated data of loess of various genetic type, composition and properties show that the initial material of loess formation comes from the mountainous and alpine areas. The primariy sources of the parent rocks are ancient sediments above the limit of loess occurrence. As a result of intensive developments and irrigation in the territory of the republic, loess areas are decreasing, losing their properties, while they are transforming into the loess-like rocks. It was also determined that their structural and textural properties such as porosity, density, salt composition and filtration coefficient are changing simultaneously. The same changes are also noted in the mineralogical and granulometric composition.     

Prediction of unconfined compressive strength of carbonate rocks using artificial neural networks

The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of intact rocks is an important geotechnical parameter for engineering applications. Determining UCS using standard laboratory tests is a difficult, expensive and time consuming task. This is particularly true for thinly bedded, highly fractured, foliated, highly porous and weak rocks. Consequently, prediction models become an attractive alternative for engineering geologists. The objective of study is to select the explanatory variables (predictors) from a subset of mineralogical and index properties of the samples, based on all possible regression technique, and to prepare a prediction model of UCS using artificial neural networks (ANN). As a result of all possible regression, the total porosity and P-wave velocity in the solid part of the sample were determined as the inputs for the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm based ANN (LM-ANN). The performance of the LM-ANN model was compared with the multiple linear regression (REG) model. When training and testing results of the outputs of the LM-ANN and REG models were examined in terms of the favorite statistical criteria, which are the determination coefficient, adjusted determination coefficient, root mean square error and variance account factor, the results of LM-ANN model were more accurate. In addition to these statistical criteria, the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test, as an alternative to the Student’s t test, was used for comparing the homogeneities of predicted values. When all the statistics had been investigated, it was seen that the LM-ANN that has been developed, was a successful tool which was capable of UCS prediction.     

Estimation of uniaxial compressive strength of North Algeria sedimentary rocks using density,porosity, and Schmidt hardness

This study aims to establish new correlations to assess uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of northern Algeria sedimentary rocks. This estimation is based on the measurements of density, porosity, and Schmidt hammer hardness. To achieve this goal, a geological and geotechnical characterization campaign was conducted on 19 types of sandstone and carbonate rocks which have been collected from different geological areas of the Maghrebides chain. Petrographic analyses were conducted to identify the geological characteristics of each kind of rock. Subsequently, physico-mechanical tests (i.e., density, porosity, hardness, and uniaxial compressive strength) were carried out for all the sampled rocks. The results were then used to develop correlations between UCS values and the other parameter values determined. Finally, the UCS predictive equations which have the best predictive powers (coefficient of determination R ² of 0.75 to 0.94) were discussed taking into account the geological specificities of the rocks, and then compared to similar studies developed by other authors in different areas of the world.     

Use of lateritic soils for road construction in North Dahomey

Due to the deterioration of the Parakou—Malanville highway, the preparation of a rehabilitation program was necessary. The related geotechnical exploration provided an excellent opportunity to study the properties of the encountered lateritic soils. The mineralogical analysis proved that the lateritic overburden originates from the local rocks. However, the analyses also indicated that the soils can only be identified as lateritic by virtue of their hematite content. The soils were classified according to the AASHO-system and their geotechnical properties were thoroughly investigated. The results revealed that the overwhelming majority of the available soils was unsuitable for highway construction due to their high plasticity. In order to improve them, cement stabilization was suggested. The laboratory tests resulted in an economically feasible solution.     

A study of the durability of some shales,mudrocks and siltstones from Brazil

In spite of the considerable area covered by argillaceous sedimentary rocks (comprising shales, mudrocks and siltstones) in Brazil and the number of engineering works associated with these materials, little is known about their geotechnical, physical, chemical, mineralogical and textural characteristics and the effects of weathering processes on them. This work presents results obtained in a research project aiming primarily at identifying degradation processes responsible for the weathering of some of these rocks in Brazil. The rocks under investigation come from two different parts of the country, each one related to a specific engineering problem and to different geoenvironments. The project involved a comprehensive laboratory testing program for basic characterization (chemical and mineralogical composition, index properties, etc.) and evaluation of durability characteristics of these rocks. The present paper describes the testing program carried out and discusses the results obtained.     

On the black cotton soils of North Cameroon

During detailed geotechnical prospecting in North Cameroon, extensive black cotton soil deposits were encountered. Based on classification tests, three samples were selected for mineralogical analysis. The results indicated that the predominant clay mineral was the halloysite governing the geotechnical properties and behaviour of the cotton soils. New correlations were established between clay mineral content and Atterberg limits of the investigated materials.     

Stabilization of clayey soils with Tunisian phosphogypsum: effect on geotechnical properties

Phosphogypsum and cement have been reported to improve the physicochemical properties of clayey soils. The present study aimed to investigate the behavior of various soils with different particle sizes and chemical and mineralogical compositions in the presence of phosphogypsum and cement mixed at various proportions. These hydraulic binders were assayed on three different soil samples, and their effects were examined using a battery of standardized tests, including the Atterberg limit, uniaxial compressive strength, Californian Bearing Rate (CBR) test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microstructure observation (SEM), and X-ray diffraction tests. The results revealed a significant effect associated with the variation of phosphogypsum content in the soils. Keeping the cement content constant in the mixture, the continuous addition of phosphogypsum was noted to allow shifting the domain of plasticity to the highest water contents, which reduces the sensitivity of the soil to water and to increase the strength of soil. An increase of CBR index with the addition of phosphogypsum and cement is obtained. This treatment could have positively influenced the optimum moisture content and the maximal dry density. The mixture of soil-phosphogypsum and cement could give new forms such as ettringite and hydrate indicators of the improvement of the mechanical properties of the soil. This improvement varies from one soil to another, depending on its granularity and its mineralogy. The mineralogical composition of the soil, particularly kaolinite, amount, and size grading, have direct effects on the physical and mechanical properties of the soils under investigation.     

An Investigation into the Rock Properties Influencing the Strength in Some Granitoid Rocks of KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of rocks is a critical parameter required for most geotechnical projects. However, it is not always possible for direct determination of the parameter. Since determination of such a parameter in the lab is not always cost and time effective, the aim of this study is to assess and estimate the general correlation trend between the UCS and indirect tests or indexes used to estimate the value of UCS for some granitoid rocks in KwaZulu-Natal. These tests include the point load index test, Schmidt hammer rebound, P-wave velocity (V_p) and Brazilian tensile strength (σ_t). Furthermore, it aims to assess the reliability of empirical equations developed towards estimating the value of UCS and propose useful empirical equations to estimate the value of UCS for granitoid rocks. According to the current study, the variations in mineralogy, as well as the textural characteristics of granitoid rocks play an important role in influencing the strength of the rock. Simple regression analyses exhibit good results, with all regression coefficients R² being greater than 0.80, the highest R² of 0.92 being obtained from UCS versus σ_t. Comparison of equations produced in the current study as well as empirical equations derived by several researchers serves as a validation. Also illustrate that the reliability of such empirical equations are dependent on the rock type as well as the type of index tests employed, where variation in rock type and index tests produces different values of UCS. These equations provide a practical tool for estimating the value of UCS, and also gives further insight into the controlling factors of the strength of the granitoid rocks, where the strength of a rock is a multidimensional parameter.     

A correlation between P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness with mechanical properties of travertine building stones

As known, P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness are non-destructive tests, which have been used for many years in geological, geotechnical, and civil engineering as an index tests for a quick assessment of rocks mechanical properties due to its rapidity and easiness, and non-destructiveness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness with some of mechanical properties of travertine building stones by empirical equations. Moreover, we have compared the accuracy of P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness to estimate the mechanical properties of rocks. For this purpose, 15 types of travertine have been collected from various quarries of Iran and tested. The tests include the determination of P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness, and mechanical properties include the unconfined compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and point load strength. Using data analysis, empirical equations have been developed for estimating the mechanical properties from P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness. To check the validity of the empirical equations, a t test was performed, which confirmed the validity of the proposed empirical equations. Moreover, the results show that P-wave velocity appears to be more reliable than the Schmidt hardness for estimating the mechanical properties. Consequently, we propose empirical equations avoiding from cumbersome and time consuming tests for determining the mechanical properties of rocks.     

断层破碎带千枚岩填筑路基工程特性试验研究

针对“5·12”地震后,位于北川地区断层破碎带的千枚岩作为路基填料特有的材料,对破碎的千枚岩进行化学成分、物理性质、崩解性等试验。初步认为可以作为路基的底层填料,点荷载强度与多因素有关;破碎千枚岩中的粘土矿物含量与崩解程度有很大关系,压实工程特性与颗粒粗细的相对含量密切相关。根据施工现场试验监测结果表明,通过研究确定的压实工艺可将千枚岩压实到要求的密度,其物理、力学性质得到改善,满足路基要求。