Prediction of Rock Mass Squeezing of T4 Tunnel in Iran

One of the most important steps in designing underground structures is the evaluation of ground conditions in terms of squeezing potential and behavior of the geological structures. Generally, constructing a tunnel in the squeezing condition is a very slow and difficult task. Therefore, recognition and evaluation of the squeezing potential is very important in selecting a suitable excavation method and support, especially in weak rocks. This research is concerned with the assessment of squeezing potential along tunnel T4 of water conveyance system from Azad dam to Ravansar plain with the length of 11,380 m, located between Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces, west of Iran. This tunnel is in an almost NS direction and flows through the contact zone of Iran and Arabic plates. According to the engineering geological investigations, the squeezing potential has been recognized as the most important difficulty in the excavation of tunnel T4. This conclusion can be explained by the several indicators including lithology, high disintegration of rock masses, alteration of rocks on the border of Iran and Arabic plates’ contact zone, low rock mass quality, high overburden, and highly jointed rock masses in a shuffle tectonic condition. This paper deals with the engineering geological and geomechanical properties of rock masses. Then, it evaluates squeezing intensity using empirical, semi-empirical, and analytical properties methods. The analysis conducted in these work shows that the tunnel excavation would encounter squeezing problems, which is most severe in region 2 due to the effects of the major young Zagros fault.     

A change-detection application on the evolution of Kahak playa (South Khorasan province, Iran)

Kahak salt playa in South Khorasan province of Iran, have special geomorphological characteristics by the presence of ephemeral saline lakes, wetlands, salt crusts, surface accumulations of salt and zones of patterned ground. Salt crusts in the soil surface are unique in the region and have laminated horizons in the playa soil. Soil-surface salt accumulations are dominated by NaCl and gypsum. It has been found that distribution of chemical soluble is not uniform across the playa landscape, and this result influences on the variety form of patterned ground. In this study, the percent changes in some of the chemical elements such as NaCl, gypsum and also brine extent have been calculated in the playa. Indicating changes in Kahak salt playa is the main aim of this study by using remote sensing and GIS techniques. In this paper, techniques such as spectral un-mixing, maximum likelihood classification, band rationing, fuzzy classification and correlation relationships are discussed. This contribution presents modeling of temporal and spatial changes of salinity and playa developing using combined approaches that incorporate different data-fusion and data-integration techniques for two periods of date. Furthermore, percent changes in the surface-patterned ground of the playa have been calculated using texture and pattern analysis of the PCA1. Results have revealed that, in the playa developing, chemical materials such as sodium, NaCl, gypsum and also brine extent are positively correlated with each other and the most increased changes are related to gypsum and the most decreased changes are related to the NaCl. Also changes in the amount of agricultural area in the playa-lakes margin, show low effects in the desertification process.     

Spatial assessment of the potential of groundwater quality using fuzzy AHP in GIS

In this study, fuzzy AHP method is used for extracting the water quality indicators based on the Schuler standard and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines during a 20-year period. For this purpose, the best fit of the zoning model was performed. Furthermore, by comparing the standard errors, the continuous Raster layer was extracted from the important parameters used in generating the qualitative potential assessment index. The classified layer was generated by integrating continuous layers in the GIS environment and with the use of Python programming. The similarity of the outputs of both methods indicates the presence of large sections of aquifers in the middle and southwestern regions of Iran in the “temporarily drinkable” and “bad” classes. The calculations showed that the majority of aquifers that were located in the “inappropriate” class during the first 10 years fell to less valuable class types. Based on the results of the model, there is a direct correlation between the drop in water resources and the decline in the quality indices. In addition, in the Urmia and Bushehr coastal aquifers, due to excessive water withdrawal and salty water penetration, the quality of the table water is in critical condition. Based on the results of the research, the aquifers in the range of Zagros and Alborz mountains show the least change in water quality. The reason for this is the depth of the aquifer and the ability to recharge it.     

Correlation between geological units and mineralized zones using fractal modeling in Zarshuran gold deposit (NW Iran)

In this study, the relation between ore grade and geological characteristic has been studied as a principle and also important conceptual in Zarshuran gold deposit in NW Iran. The main subject in this study was identifying a correlation among the ore grade populations and rock types which could be used in other steps of local estimation in the deposit concentration–number (C–N) fractal model and logratio matrix. The C–N log–log plot reveals six geochemical zones defined by Au?<?0.02 ppm as non-mineralized zone and Au?>?0.02 ppm as mineralized zones. According to geological logging and field geology inspection, black gauge, jasperoid, fault gauge and breccia, and carbonaceous rocks are considered as main rock types which contain major Au mineralized zones. The correlation between geological and fractal modeling by logratio matrix shows that there is a good correlation between geological assumed host rocks and C–N fractal modeling. Black gauge rock type with 93.48 % of overall accuracy shows a significant correlation with supergene zone of fractal model, and jasperoid with 92.5 % and carbonaceous rock type with 52.90 % have a decent correlation with highly and lowly mineralized zone of fractal model relatively. Black gauge, jasperoid, and fault gauge and breccia have an approximately near cooperation in this zone for mineralization.     

Distribution of fluoride in groundwater of Maku area, northwest of Iran

High fluoride groundwater occurs in Maku area, in the north of West Azarbaijan province, northwest of Iran. Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for the area residents. Groundwater samples were collected from 72 selected points including 40 basaltic and 32 nonbasaltic springs and wells, in two stages, during June and August 2006. The areas with high fluoride concentrations have been identified, and the possible causes for its variation have been investigated. Regional hydrogeochemical investigation indicates that water-rock interaction is probably the main reason for the high concentration of ions in groundwater. The concentration of F⁻ in groundwater is positively correlated with that of HCO₃ ⁻ and Na⁺, indicating that groundwater with high HCO₃ ⁻ and Na⁺ concentrations help to dissolve some fluoride-rich minerals. All of the water samples, collected from the basaltic areas do not meet the water quality standards for fluoride concentration and some other parameters. Hence, it is not suitable for consumption without any prior treatment. Inhabitants of the area that obtain their drinking water supplies from basaltic springs and wells are suffering from dental fluorosis. The population of the study area is at a high risk due to excessive fluoride intake especially when they are unaware of the amount of fluoride being ingested due to lack of awareness.