Damage analysis of masonry structures subjected to rockfalls

Masonry structures present substantial vulnerability to rockfalls. The methodologies for the damage quantification of masonry structures subjected to rockfalls are scarce. An analytical procedure for the damage assessment of masonry structures is presented. The procedure comprises three stages: (1) determination of the rockfall impact actions which are applied to a masonry structure, in terms of external forces, using the particle finite element method (PFEM), (2) evaluation of the mechanical properties, modelling of the masonry structure, and calculation of the internal stresses, using the finite element method (FEM), (3) assessment of the damage due to the rockfall actions, applying a failure criterion adapted to masonries, and calculation of the damage in terms of the percentage of the damaged wall surface. Three real rockfall events and their impact on buildings are analysed. A sensitivity analysis of the proposed procedure is then used to identify the variables that mostly affect the extent of the wall damage, which are the masonry width, the tensile strength, the block diameter and lastly, velocity.     

落石冲击混凝土棚洞力学特性研究

落石冲击棚洞结构作用过程复杂,缺乏统一的落石冲击力表达式。首先,将落石简化为刚性球体,基于Hertz接触理论,推导得到落石冲击力半正弦算法的理论表达式,考虑落石冲击下棚洞的非弹性特征,根据落石与材料碰撞过程中落石加速度曲线特征,采用函数拟合法推导得到落石法向冲击下其冲击力的理论计算方法;然后,基于ANSYS/LS-DYNA软件建立落石冲击棚洞数值计算模型,研究不同冲击速度下落石冲击棚洞动力特征;最后,与现存常见的多种方法进行对比,得出以下结论：Hertz半正弦法得到的落石冲击力远大于函数拟合法和数值法,而函数拟合法和数值法得到的落石冲击力时程曲线相接近,表明函数拟合法更能反映落石与棚洞接触碰撞动力关系;对比其他计算方法可以得到,Hertz算法适用于分析无能量损失下的弹性碰撞问题,而Logistic算法适用于材料大塑性变形的情况,弹塑性接触理论结果和动力有限元结果存在差异,而采用函数拟合推导的计算方法得到的落石最大冲击力和落石冲击作用时间与动力有限元法更接近,更能反映落石冲击棚洞动力响应特征,推导的落石冲击力计算方法可为工程实践中棚洞防护设计提供理论参考。     

Prediction of the Bullet Effect for Rockfall Barriers: a Scaling Approach

The so-called “bullet effect” refers to the perforation of a rockfall protection mesh by impact of a small block, which has a kinetic energy lower than the design value, where the design value is determined through tests with relatively large blocks. Despite playing a key role in the overall performance of a flexible rockfall barrier, this phenomenon is still poorly understood at present. An innovative approach for quantitatively characterizing this effect based on dimensional analysis is proposed in this paper. The analysis rests on a hypothesis that the relevant variables in the impact problem can be combined into three strongly correlated dimensionless parameters. The relationship between these dimensionless parameters (i.e., the scaling relationship) is subsequently investigated and validated by means of data generated with a finite element model. The validation process shows that the dimensionless parameters are apt and that the proposed scaling relationship characterizes the bullet effect with a reasonable level of accuracy. An example from the literature involving numerical simulation of a full rock barrier is considered, and satisfactory agreement between the calculated performance of the barrier and that predicted by the established scaling relationship is observed.     

Petrogenesis and source characteristics of metatholeiites from the Archean Ramagiri schist belt, eastern part of Dharwar craton, India

The N–S trending, 2–4 km wide Ramagiri schist belt is made up of three blocks dominated by metavolcanic rocks, separated and surrounded by granitic rocks of distinct characteristics. The metavolcanic rocks are tholeiitic in composition and are very similar in their major element composition as well as in their abundances of some trace elements. However, the rare earth elements (REE) require distinct sources. The rocks of the amphibolite facies eastern block have LREE depleted REE patterns ([Ce/Yb] = 0.7–0.9), requiring derivation from depleted mantle-like sources. The greenschist facies metatholeiitic rocks of the central block have LREE enriched REE patterns ([Ce/Yb] = 3–6), reflecting the nature of their source(s). The Nd isotopic data require that the LREE enriched nature could not have been attained significantly prior to its melting. The fine-grained, upper greenschist facies metatholeiites of the western block have flat to slightly LREE depleted patterns ([Ce/Yb] = 0.8–0.95). Minor fractional crystallization of rock forming minerals may relate a few samples to each other among samples from each of the three blocks. Different extents of partial melting of distinct mantle sources have played a dominant role in the generation of the parent magmas to the central versus eastern and western block metatholeiites. The geochemical data suggest that the mantle sources were non-lherzolitic, and that these sources may have seen previous episodes of melt addition and extraction prior to melting that gave rise to the parent melts to the rocks ∼2750 Ma ago. The REE data indicate that while the sources of the eastern and western block rocks were similar to depleted mantle (ɛ_{Nd( i )} about +2), the source of the central block rocks (ɛ_{Nd( i )} about +3.5) were enriched in large ion lithophile element (LILE)-rich fluids/melts probably derived from subducting oceanic crust. This and other trace element signatures point to magma extraction in tectonic settings similar to modern island arcs. Subsequent to magma emplacement and crystallization, all the three suites of rocks were affected by interaction with low-temperature, crustal derived fluids (ɛ_{Nd 2750Ma} of about −8 to −12), probably during the accretion of the three blocks of the belt in the present form. The inferred source characteristics, tectonic setting of magma generation and the crustal fluid processes seem to suggest that Phanerozoic-style tectonic processes may have been important in the generation of Archean crust in the Dharwar craton. Received: 31 July 1995 / Accepted: 12 May 1997     

滚石防护加筋土挡墙研究综述

滚石防护加筋土挡墙是工程上常见的落石防护工程结构, 通常用于拦截大体积或高速滚落的山坡落石。滚石防护加筋土挡墙能有效拦截具有高冲击动能的岩块滚落。但由于其结构较大, 受滚石撞击时会发生不可逆的诱发性破坏变形, 加筋土体应力-应变性状非线性, 不同加筋材料与土体界面特性及作用机制相当复杂, 目前防滚石撞击的加筋土防护挡墙的设计方法不够完善。通过总结已有文献的研究成果, 重点阐述了受滚石撞击的加筋土挡墙结构响应性状, 从落石轨迹控制和挡墙稳定性两个方面对挡墙设计方法进行了讨论。同时指出滚石旋转动能不可忽略, 已有成果在滚石冲击力计算、结构撞击响应分析方法等问题的研究仍显不足, 为今后研究提供参考。     

A fractal fragmentation model for rockfalls

The impact-induced rock mass fragmentation in a rockfall is analyzed by comparing the in situ block size distribution (IBSD) of the rock mass detached from the cliff face and the resultant rockfall block size distribution (RBSD) of the rockfall fragments on the slope. The analysis of several inventoried rockfall events suggests that the volumes of the rockfall fragments can be characterized by a power law distribution. We propose the application of a three-parameter rockfall fractal fragmentation model (RFFM) for the transformation of the IBSD into the RBSD. A discrete fracture network model is used to simulate the discontinuity pattern of the detached rock mass and to generate the IBSD. Each block of the IBSD of the detached rock mass is an initiator. A survival rate is included to express the proportion of the unbroken blocks after the impact on the ground surface. The model was calibrated using the volume distribution of a rockfall event in Vilanova de Banat in the Cadí Sierra, Eastern Pyrenees, Spain. The RBSD was obtained directly in the field, by measuring the rock block fragments deposited on the slope. The IBSD and the RBSD were fitted by exponential and power law functions, respectively. The results show that the proposed fractal model can successfully generate the RBSD from the IBSD and indicate the model parameter values for the case study.     

落石冲击荷载作用下的桩板拦石墙结构动力响应

桩板拦石墙是针对2008年"5·12"汶川震区高陡斜坡带高位落石灾害难以实施主动加固,而在拟设拦挡部位所采用的一种被动防护措施,适用地形坡度介于25°~35°。为研究此类桩板结构在落石冲击荷载下的动力响应,采用有限元与无限元耦合进行数值模拟,结合经典弹塑性理论,系统分析了桩板拦石墙在不同冲击工况下弹塑性加载与卸荷回弹过程中冲击力、贯入深度、结构耗能效果等特征参量,明确了结构的抗冲击特性。结果表明,本文采用的"无限元"边界可以有效地减小应力波在人工截断边界处反射造成的误差。在冲击速度为10 m·s-1、15 m·s-1、20 m·s-1、25 m·s-1的情况下,本文计算冲击力的大小分别为1.9 MN、2.5 MN、3.1 MN、3.7 MN,结果与Kawahara模型一致,但较Labiouse模型和Hertz弹性解大。根据混凝土损伤理论,提出了损伤等级分类,有效地量化结构破损程度。当速度大于20 m·s-1时,桩、板混凝土拉压损伤严重,结构存在丧失承载力的风险。本文的计算方法与结果可为相关结构设计提供实际指导。     

Dynamic response of flexible rockfall barriers with different block shapes

Flexible rockfall barriers are commonly constructed on steep hillsides to mitigate rockfall. The evaluation of the dynamic response of proprietary flexible rockfall barriers is conventionally performed using full-scale field tests by dropping a block onto the barriers in accordance with the European test standard ETAG 027. The block typically has a spherical or polyhedral shape and cannot reproduce more complex rockfall scenarios encountered in the field. Little attention has been paid to the effects of the block shape on the impact force and structural response. This paper aims to quantitatively reveal the influence of the block shape on the dynamic response of flexible rockfall barriers. First, an ellipsoidal model is established to approximately simulate the block, and the sphericity is employed as the representative index of the block’s shape. A full-scale test on a typical flexible barrier system is carried out and then used to calibrate an advanced three-dimensional finite element model. Finally, the dynamic responses of flexible rockfall barriers are analyzed and discussed, focusing on the effects of the block’s shape. The numerical results show that the sphericity will obviously influence the maximum elongation of flexible barriers, the peak impact force, the peak force of the upslope anchor cable, the peak force of the lower main support cable, the axial peak force of the post, and the peak shear force at the post foundation. The assumption of spherical or polyhedral blocks in the test standard could lead to the defensive failure of flexible rockfall barriers in some impact scenarios.

     

RockGIS: a GIS-based model for the analysis of fragmentation in rockfalls

A rockfall is a mass instability event frequently observed in road cuts, open pit mines and quarries, steep slopes and cliffs. After its detachment, the rock mass may disaggregate and break due to the impact with the ground surface, thus producing new rock fragments. The consideration of the fragmentation of the rockfall mass is critical for the calculation of the trajectories of the blocks and the impact energies and for the assessment of the potential damage and the design of protective structures. In this paper, we present RockGIS, a GIS-based tool that simulates stochastically the fragmentation of the rockfall, based on a lumped mass approach. In RockGIS, the fragmentation is triggered by the disaggregation of the detached rock mass through the pre-existing discontinuities just before the impact with the ground. An energy threshold is defined in order to determine whether the impacting blocks break or not. The distribution of the initial mass between a set of newly generated rock fragments is carried out stochastically following a power law. The trajectories of the new rock fragments are distributed within a cone. The fragmentation model has been calibrated and tested with a 10,000 m³ rockfall that took place in 2011 near Vilanova de Banat, Eastern Pyrenees, Spain.     

Experiments and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis of a Wire-Rope Rockfall Protective Fence

The imperative need to protect structures in mountainous areas against rockfall has led to the development of various protection methods. This study introduces a new type of rockfall protection fence made of posts, wire ropes, wire netting and energy absorbers. The performance of this rock fence was verified in both experiments and dynamic finite element analysis. In collision tests, a reinforced-concrete block rolled down a natural slope and struck the rock fence at the end of the slope. A specialized system of measuring instruments was employed to accurately measure the acceleration of the block without cable connection. In particular, the performance of two energy absorbers, which contribute also to preventing wire ropes from breaking, was investigated to determine the best energy absorber. In numerical simulation, a commercial finite element code having explicit dynamic capabilities was employed to create models of the two full-scale tests. To facilitate simulation, certain simplifying assumptions for mechanical data of each individual component of the rock fence and geometrical data of the model were adopted. Good agreement between numerical simulation and experimental data validated the numerical simulation. Furthermore, the results of numerical simulation helped highlight limitations of the testing method. The results of numerical simulation thus provide a deeper understanding of the structural behavior of individual components of the rock fence during rockfall impact. More importantly, numerical simulations can be used not only as supplements to or substitutes for full-scale tests but also in parametric study and design.     

A simplified approach for rockfall ground penetration and impact stress calculations

This paper presents a simple procedure for calculating rockfall penetration and ground impact stress for design of pipeline burial depth. Rockfall may damage pipelines by penetrating through cover soils and damaging the pipeline by puncture or excessive impact stress. Design engineers may face a challenging question regarding what burial depth is required for adequate pipe protection. Greater burial depth may provide better protection; however, there are usually site and economic constraints. This paper discusses a simple procedure for calculating the maximum rock penetration and ground impact stress due to rockfall. The procedure may be used to estimate the minimum burial depth required to protect pipelines from rockfall damage. A case study involving a large boulder that fell down a slope and landed on a buried high-pressure gas pipeline is presented to demonstrate and verify the procedure. A calculation was performed before the removal of the boulder to evaluate whether any damage was made to the pipeline. The calculated results agreed well with the actual conditions observed after the boulder was removed.     

Perforation of Flexible Rockfall Barriers by Normal Block Impact

Flexible rockfall barriers are a common form of protection against falling blocks of rock and rock fragments (rockfall). These barriers consist of a system of cables, posts, and a mesh, and their capacity is typically quantified in terms of the threshold of impact (kinetic) energy at which the barrier fails. This threshold, referred to here as the “critical energy,” is often regarded as a constant. However, several studies have pointed out that there is no single representative value of critical energy for a given barrier. Instead, the critical energy decreases as the block size decreases, a phenomenon referred to as the “bullet effect.” In this paper, we present a simple analytical model for determining the critical energy of a flexible barrier. The model considers a block that impacts normally and centrally on the wire mesh, and rather than incorporate the structural details of the cables and posts explicitly, the supporting elements are replaced by springs of representative stiffness. The analysis reveals the dependence of the critical energy on the block size, as well as other relevant variables, and it provides physical insight into the impact problem. For example, it is shown that bending of the wire mesh during impact reduces the axial force that can be sustained within the wires, thus reducing the energy that can be absorbed. The formulas derived in the paper are straightforward to use, and the analytical predictions compare favorably with data available in the literature.     

Rockfall hazard in the Daisekkei Valley, the northern Japanese Alps, on 11 August 2005

This paper describes a rockfall event in the Daisekkei Valley of Mount Shirouma-dake (2,932 m), the northern Japanese Alps. The rockfall occurred on a steep cliff comprising well-jointed felsites and produced debris of ≥8,000 m³. Most debris was deposited on an elongated snowpatch located immediately beneath the cliff, and it caused casualties among people who were trekking along a trail on the snowpatch. Additionally, a large rock block slipped 1 km on the snowpatch. The rockfall could have been due to the differential retreat of the rockwall, which contains areas of high- and low-density joints. Seasonal and diurnal freeze–thaw activities and snow avalanches and wash appear to be important factors responsible for the retreat. Although some rock blocks that can collapse further remain on the rockwall, the position of the mountain trail in the Daisekkei Valley is fixed. Fundamental reform of tourism systems for climbers, including education on natural hazards, is required.     

基于线黏弹性接触的落石冲击地面参量理论研究

落石与坡面或者防护结构接触过程中冲击参量随时间变化特征是描述落石碰撞过程的重要指标,对于揭示落石与坡面相互作用机制以及采取合理的防护措施具有重要的意义。在现有的相关设计规范中,并没有给出关于落石冲击力时程关系的计算方法,仅参照有关规范或经验方法确定一个落石最大冲击力值。为此,首先基于线黏弹性接触理论,建立落石冲击地面力学模型,根据位移-速度组合初始条件以及速度-加速度组合初始条件分别推导得到两种落石冲击特征参量理论解析解;然后基于 ANSYS/LS-DYNA 非线性动力学软件,建立落石冲击地面三维数值模型,研究球体落石冲击地面力学特点;最后将理论结果对比室内试验和已有的研究成果,得出以下结论：（1）Hertz 弹性接触理论结果中各参量变化在加载阶段和恢复阶段均呈现对称的趋势,速度、加速度初始条件下的落石冲击特征参量和动力有限元法非常接近,而位移-速度初始条件组合并不适用于研究落石冲击下的动力特征;（2）不同速度和下落高度下,落石最大冲击力值随落石下落高度和冲击速度的增大而增加,而落石冲击作用时间随下落高度和冲击速度的增加而减小;（3）计算结果得到的落石最大冲击力以及落石冲击作用时间与室内试验结果和已有成果相接近,相比室内试验和有限元结果的震荡性,此结果更能体现落石冲击力变化规律; （4）多种冲击速度下,对比不同方法得到的落石最大冲击力,可知计算结果均在各种冲击力计算结果的范围内,具有很好的可靠性。考虑到现有研究理论的不足,难以求解落石冲击力时程关系,求解结果丰富了落石碰撞理论,可以指导工程有关落石灾害的防护设计。     

Rare earth and trace elements in igneous and high-temperature metamorphic minerals of oceanic gabbros (MARK area, Mid-Atlantic Ridge)

SIMS analyses have been carried out on clinopyroxenes, plagioclases and amphiboles of six gabbroic samples from Holes 921–924 of the Ocean Drilling Program Leg 153 sited in the MARK area of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at the ridge–transform intersection, to investigate the rare earth, trace and volatile element distribution in the lower ocean crust during igneous crystallization and higher grade metamorphic conditions. The metagabbros underwent granulite to subgreenschist facies conditions through three main tectono-metamorphic phases: (1) ductile regime (750 < T < 1000 °C and P ≈ 0.3 GPa); (2) transitional regime (600 < T < 700 °C and P ≈ 0.2 GPa); (3) brittle regime (350 ≤ T < 600 °C and P < 0.2 GPa). Igneous clinopyroxenes show C1-chondrite normalized patterns depleted in LREE, and nearly flat for HREE. The rare earth and trace element distributions in igneous clinopyroxenes and plagioclases indicate that these minerals act as REE reservoirs, and comprise the main contribution to the overall rock content. The abundances in igneous minerals reflect the degree of fractionation of the parent liquids. In metamorphic clinopyroxenes recrystallized in anhydrous assemblages, the REE and trace elements patterns mimic those of the primary ones. Conversely, clinopyroxene re-equilibrated in amphibole-bearing assemblages shows a significant increase in REE, Ti, Zr, Y and V, a negative Eu anomaly, and slight decreases in Sr and Ba. An overall increase of REE and some trace elements is evident in hydrous assemblages, with preferential partitioning in the amphibole. It shows high Ti (18196–22844 ppm), LREE depleted patterns and La_N/Sm_N=0.10–0.33, La_N/Yb_N=0.10–0.30. Amphiboles from granoblastic assemblages show homogeneous patterns with no or a positive anomaly for Ti_N and negative anomalies for Sr_N and Zr_N. Volatiles in amphibole are low, with Cl/F < 1; H₂O% is significantly lower than the stoichiometric ratio (1.33–1.53%). The composition of the clinopyroxene and amphibole recrystallized in low-strain domains records evidence of incomplete re-equilibration, and element diffusion and partitioning is in part controlled by the textural site. The possible origins of the fluids involved in the metamorphic recrystallization are discussed: (1) remobilization from igneous amphibole; (2) exsolution from evolved melts; (3) introduction of seawater-derived fluids modified in rock-dominated systems; (4) injection of highly evolved hydrous melts during the metamorphic process. Received: 6 September 1999 / Accepted: 6 March 2000     

Rockfall hazard and risk analysis for Monte da Lua,Sintra, Portugal

The prediction of rockfall trajectories below a rock cliff is essential in susceptibility, hazard and risk maps, particularity close to populated areas. The Monte da Lua hill area in Portugal, a tourist destination close to the historic city of Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage), is a typical granite boulder chaos landscape where from time to time rockfalls occur, the last such event having occurred on 29 January 2002. This area is therefore suitable to develop a rockfall study in order to provide hazard and risk maps a basis for mitigation measures. A preliminary investigation of the area leads to the identification of 188 potentially dangerous boulders. Detailed locations and geotechnical characteristics in terms of geometry, strength and context were sampled for each boulder. Digital elevations at 1 × 1 m resolution, known rockfall trajectory and building locations are provided in a GIS project for the study together with the spatial database of boulder characteristics. The modelling approach was conducted in two steps: (1) discrimination of the boulders in terms of static and dynamic mobility behaviour with multivariate analysis; (2) stochastic simulation of rockfall trajectories. The rockfall trajectory algorithm proposed is straightforward and is only dependent on elevation data, initial location of boulders and a friction angle. Due to the slope of the area, it assumes that rockfall is always of the rolling or sliding type. The friction angle was calibrated on the basis of the rockfall travel distance recorded on 29 January 2002 and generates simulated “realistic” trajectories. A smaller friction angle increases all simulated trajectories, leading to more “pessimistic” scenarios. The combined analysis of trajectories and potential damage to buildings and discrimination in terms of static and dynamic behaviour provides a final table in which all 188 sampled boulders are classified in one of the five risk grades.     

柱状岩体崩塌动力特征与破碎规律

柱状岩体崩塌具有分布范围广、破坏能力强、影响范围大的特点。2004年8月12号,重庆甑子岩W12危岩体发生崩塌,崩塌体运动距离约600 m,形成显著超前空气冲击效应,激起浮尘高度约150 m。文章基于MatDEM离散元软件对甑子岩崩塌动力特征与破碎规律进行了研究,建立了按照实际节理分布的崩塌模型,实现了崩塌全过程的模拟,并结合影像资料验证了模型的有效性,在此基础上对MatDEM进行二次开发,统计分析了崩塌过程中岩块粒径演化规律,确定了崩塌过程中的四个显著颗粒破碎时刻,分别为崩塌源区底部岩体受压破碎、中上部岩体撞击低速三角区、中部岩体撞击斜坡地面与上部岩体撞击斜坡地面。引入分形维数与双参数Weibull分布模型分析了崩塌前后颗粒破碎规律,结果显示崩塌后颗粒破碎明显,细粒颗粒占比显著增加。文章为岩体崩塌的动力特征与破碎规律的研究提供了依据。     

Mechanism on apparent dip sliding of oblique inclined bedding rockslide at Jiweishan, Chongqing, China

Because of the existence of a front stable rockmass barrier, the failure pattern of an oblique inclined bedding slope is conventionally recognized as a lateral rockfall/topple, and then a transformation into a rockfall accumulation secondary landslide. However, the Jiweishan rockslide, Wulong, Chongqing, which occurred on June 5, 2009, illustrates a new failure pattern of massive rock slope that rockmass rapidly slides along apparent dip, and then transforms into a long runout rock avalanche (fragment flow). This paper analyzes the mechanism of the new failure pattern which is most likely triggered by gravity, karstification, and the processes associated with mining activities. A simulation of the failure processes is shown, using the modeling software, FLAC^3D. The results show that there are five principal conditions for an apparent dip slide associated with an oblique inclined bedding slope are necessary: (1) a block-fracture bedding structure. The rockmass is split into obvious smaller, distinct blocks with several groups of joints, (2) an inclined rockmass barrier. The sliding rockmass (i.e., the rockslide structure before movement) exists along a dip angle and is barricaded by an inclined stable bedrock area, and the subsequent sliding direction is deflected from a true dip angle to an apparent dip angle; (3) apparent dip exiting. The valley and cliff provide a free space for the apparent dip exiting. (4) Driving block sliding, which means the block has a push type of effect on the motion of the rockslide. The “toy bricks” rockmass is characterized by a long-term creeping that induces the shear strength reduction from peak to residual value along the bottom soft layer, and the sliding force is therefore increased. (5) The key block resistance and brittle failure. The pressure on the key block is increased by the driving rockmass and its strength decreases due to karstification, rainfall, and mining. The brittle failure of the karst zone between the key block and the lateral stable bedrock occurs instantaneously and is largely responsible for generating the catastrophic rockslide–rock avalanche. If there was not a pre-existing key block, the failure pattern of such the inclined bedding rockmass could be piecemeal disintegration or small-scale successive rockfall or topple. The recognition of catastrophic failure potential in such inclined bedding slopes requires careful search for not only structures dipping in the direction of movement, but also key block toe-constrained condition.     

Mineral inclusions in diamonds from the River Ranch kimberlite, Zimbabwe

More than 99% of mineral inclusions in diamonds from the River Ranch pipe in the Late Archean Limpopo Mobile Belt (Zimbabwe), are phases of harzburgitic paragenesis, namely olivine (Fo_92–93), orthopyroxene (Mg# = 93), G10 garnets and chromites. The diamond inclusion (DI) chemistry demonstrates a limited overlap with River Ranch kimberlite macrocrysts: the DI garnets are more Ca-undersaturated, and DI spinel and garnet are more Mg-rich. Most River Ranch diamond inclusions were equilibrated at T = 1080–1320 °C, P = 47–61 kbar, and f _O2 between IW and WM buffers. The P/T profile beneath the Limpopo Mobile Belt (LMB) is consistent with a paleo-heat flow of 41–42 mW/m², similar to calculations for Roberts Victor, but hotter than for the Finsch, Kimberley, Koffiefontein and Premier Mines. This is ascribed to the younger tectonothermal age of the LMB and its proximity to Late Archean oceans. Like diamond inclusions from all other kimberlites studied, the River Ranch DI have a lithospheric affinity and therefore indicate that an ancient, chemically depleted, thick (at least 200 km) mantle root existed beneath the Limpopo Mobile Belt 530–540 Ma ago. The mantle root might have developed beneath the continental Central Zone of the LMB as early as the Archean, and could be alien to the overthrust allochthonous sheet of the Limpopo Belt. Oxygen fugacity estimates for diamond inclusions at River Ranch are similar to other diamondiferous harzburgites beneath the Kaapvaal craton, indicating that the Kaapvaal mantle as a whole was well buffered and homogeneous with respect to f _O2 at the time of peridotitic diamond crystallization. Received: 11 January 1995 / Accepted: 10 June 1997     

Geochemistry and isotope systematics of calc-alkaline volcanic rocks from the Saar-Nahe basin (SW Germany) – implications for Late-Variscan orogenic development

Late Carboniferous (300–290 Ma) calc-alkaline basalts, andesites, and rhyolites typical of volcanic arc settings occur in the intermontane Saar-Nahe basin (SW Germany) within the Variscan orogenic belt. The volcanic rock suite was emplaced under a regime of tensional tectonics during orogenic collapse and its origin has been explained by melting of mantle and crust in the course of limited lithospheric rifting. We report major, trace and rare-earth-element data (REE), and Nd-Pb-Sr-O isotope ratios for a representative sample suite, which are fully consistent with an origin closely related to plate subduction. Major and trace element data define continuous melt differentiation trends from a precursor basaltic magma involving fractional crystallization of olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase, and magnetite typical of magma evolution in a volcanic arc. This finding precludes an origin of the andesitic compositions by mixing of mafic and felsic melts as can be expected in anorogenic settings. The mafic samples have high Mg numbers (Mg# = 65–73), and high Cr (up to 330 ppm) and Ni (up to 200 ppm) contents indicating derivation from a primitive parental melt that was formed in equilibrium with mantle peridotite. We interpret the geochemical characteristics of the near-primary basalts as reflecting their mantle source. The volcanic rocks are characterized by enrichment in the large ion lithophile elements (LILE), negative Nb and Ti, and positive Pb anomalies relative to the neighboring REE, suggesting melting of a subduction-modified mantle. Initial _Nd values of −0.7 to −4.6, Pb, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_(t) isotope ratios for mafic and felsic volcanics are similar and indicate partial melting of an isotopically heterogeneous and enriched mantle reservoir. The enrichment in incompatible trace elements and radiogenic isotopes of a precursor depleted mantle may be attributed to addition of an old sedimentary component. The geochemical characteristics of the Saar-Nahe volcanic rocks are distinct from typical post-collisional rock suites and they may be interpreted as geochemical evidence for ongoing plate subduction at the margin of the Variscan orogenic belt not obvious from the regional geologic context. Received: 3 August 1998 / Accepted: 2 January 1999