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.     

Three-dimensional slope stability analysis of South Peak, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Canada

South Peak is a 7-Mm³ potentially unstable rock mass located adjacent to the 1903 Frank Slide on Turtle Mountain, Alberta. This paper presents three-dimensional numerical rock slope stability models and compares them with a previous conceptual slope instability model based on discontinuity surfaces identified using an airborne LiDAR digital elevation model (DEM). Rock mass conditions at South Peak are described using the Geological Strength Index and point load tests, whilst the mean discontinuity set orientations and characteristics are based on approximately 500 field measurements. A kinematic analysis was first conducted to evaluate probable simple discontinuity-controlled failure modes. The potential for wedge failure was further assessed by considering the orientation of wedge intersections over the airborne LiDAR DEM and through a limit equilibrium combination analysis. Block theory was used to evaluate the finiteness and removability of blocks in the rock mass. Finally, the complex interaction between discontinuity sets and the topography within South Peak was investigated through three-dimensional distinct element models using the code 3DEC. The influence of individual discontinuity sets, scale effects, friction angle and the persistence along the discontinuity surfaces on the slope stability conditions were all investigated using this code.     

Study on Rock Bolt Reinforcement for a Gravity Dam Foundation

In this article, the rock bolt reinforcement mechanism is discussed, and the gravity method as well as the finite element method for the bolted rock is presented. These methods are applied to study the gravity dam foundation of the Xiaoxi Hydropower Project, which is influenced by the presence of a large fault with a cracked zone over 180 m wide. Rock bolt reinforcement was used to improve the stability of the dam foundation, and the reinforcement parameters were determined from a semi-empirical equation controlled by in situ test. The stability analysis was conducted using the above methods, and the improvement in terms of deformation and stress as well as stability of the dam foundation due to the reinforcement is assessed. Rock bolt reinforcement was completed successfully, and the dam started normal operations in January 2008.     

考虑岩体开挖卸荷边坡岩体质量评价

正确评价开挖后岩体质量并对其进行分类,对研究岩石边坡开挖卸荷后的稳定性有十分重要的意义。以某水电站坝肩高边坡开挖工程为背景,运用卸荷岩体力学的理论与方法,对坝肩边坡开挖岩体进行三维有限元分析。根据边坡岩体开挖后应力应变场的动态变化情况,确定岩体开挖卸荷后质量损伤劣化程度,并根据岩体开挖卸荷后的力学参数,采用RMR法对开挖后的边坡岩体质量进行评价。结果表明,边坡岩体RMR值随开挖后卸荷量的增大基本呈线性递减趋势,进而考虑开挖卸荷影响因素,修正了RMR法中的评价参数,为以后用该法评价开挖后的岩体质量提供参考。     

岩体结构理论在中国的广泛、成功应用及进展

岩体结构理论是20世纪中国工程地质的重大理论创新。本文简介了自20世纪70年代岩体结构理论创立以来,在中国得到的广泛应用。为一大批大型、世界级的工程修建中的工程岩体评价和重大工程地质问题解决提供了理论基础和方法。叙述了岩体结构理论在中国岩体稳定性评价、岩体质量分级、岩质斜（边）坡变形破坏机制、大型、巨型水电站建基岩体的选择的成功应用,和中国各工程领域（部门）将岩体结构列入规范,得到的广泛推广。论述了岩体结构划分主要指标的获取方法、量值选取及需要改善的方面,提出了岩体结构新的亚类原位镶嵌碎裂结构和黏结层状结构的典型特征、划分指标及其在工程中的成功应用。     

Engineering characteristics of Ankara Greywacke under the foundation of the Beytepe open air theatre,Ankara, Turkey

The construction of a large open air theatre having with an audience capacity of 7,000 is planned at the Beytepe Campus of Hacettepe University located near Ankara, Turkey, in the heart of Anatolia. The foundation of the open air theatre is composed of weak and heavily jointed Ankara Greywacke. An estimation of the strength and deformation of the Ankara Greywacke was required for assessments of short- and long-term stability. Accordingly, rock mass characterization of the Ankara Greywacke was investigated in detail by scan-line surveys and back-analyses of in situ tests performed on the excavated surface of the rock mass. The final version of the Hoek and Brown Criterion (Hoek et al., In: Proceedings of the north American rock mechanics society meeting, Toronto, Canada, pp 1–6, 2002) together with and improvements proposed by Sonmez and Gokceoglu (Int J Rock Mech Min Sci, 43:671–676, 2006) were considered together for the back analyses of small slope benches subjected to plate loading test loaded to failure. In addition, the plate loading test data were used with some well-known empirical equations for predicting of deformation modulus of rock masses to calculate ranges of values of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) The static and pseudostatic slope stabilities of the audience seating structures to be supported by benches excavated into the rock were also analyzed. The stability assessments revealed the unlikelihood of large rock mass failures for the short-term construction stages or for the long-term, as-constructed conditions under static or pseudo-static conditions. Additionally, the analyses showed that there was no need for anchors between the concrete seating structures and greywacke rock mass.     

Engineering geology of Mokattam city and vicinity, eastern Greater Cairo, Egypt

A highly jointed, highly fossiliferous, vuggy and sandy dolomitic limestone, the Ain Musa Bed, is the foundation bed rock of Mokattam city. The slopes southwestern sides of the Upper Plateau of Gebel Mokattam, where the city was built, have been affected by slope failure and retreat of the edge of the and a road have been damaged. A 55 m slope retreat took place between 1956 and 1989. A field model is proposed for the slope failure in this area where foundation bed rock are removed by erosion after swelling and flowing, which is due to saturation by leaking fresh and sewage water. The resulting unde bed rock leads to slope failure of large blocks where vertical joints act as potential failure surfaces. Several recommendations are proposed to decrea failure in the city.

The Upper Plateau of Gebel Mokattam is underlain by limestones of the Middle Plateau where a new suburb is being built. A comparison between the geolog properties of the foundation bed rocks of the Upper and Middle Plateaux indicates that the limestones of the latter are more suitable foundation bed ro with expansive clays and are composed of hard, micritic limestones with a few megafossils and no cavities. Rock mass properties are also different and are stable.     

Rock cut stability assessment in mountainous regions

Ensuring stability of rock slopes is an essential requirement in the progress of our societies today. Rock determined to be loose or with potential for failure must be removed or restrained in some way. In our work, after doing an inventory of the instabilities that occurred in the last 5 years in the Basque Country, we analyse the different factors, in slope stability. The potential for failure is evaluated for different classes of rock mass, characterized previously by their geomechanical properties. The characterization of potential risk of each one is undertaken by considering 10 parameters that define the nature of mass rock, relative orientation and morphological features of the slope (interaction rock massif-slope) and infrastructure features (interaction rock massif-slope-infrastructure). Each of these parameters is evaluated separately and a Risk Factor (RF) is determined. The RF reaches a maximum value of 10,000 and allows to differentiate four categories of slopes; each category has its own priority. Rock mass characteristics also determine the potential damage from instability and the associated correction measures. The systematic evaluation of instabilities must allow establishing a priority in the correction measures and thus optimise the available economic resources.     

鱼简河水库坝基岩体模量研究

岩体变形模量的确定是岩石力学界研究的难点问题。贵州省鱼简河水利工程是国家重点工程,该工程大坝坝型为拱坝,坝基岩体变形模量的大小直接影响其坝体结构设计。本文在坝基岩体分组的基础上,利用Monte-Carlo模拟技术,采用RMR法与岩体损伤的分形模型对岩体变形模量进行估算,最后结合原位试验和工程地质类比给出岩体参数建议值,为坝体设计提供合理的计算参数。      

Study of the Engineering Geological Problems of the Havasan Dam,with Emphasis on Clay-Filled Joints in the Right Abutment

Havasan dam site is located in northwest of Iran. The planned concrete dam is to be built on Cretaceous limestone. Faulted and fractured limestone is exposed at the dam abutments and in the reservoir area. Rock mass properties including the deformation modulus and uniaxial compressive strength were calculated using different rock mass classification systems (RMR, Q, GSI and DMR). Laboratory tests indicate that joint filling materials contain clay with low to high plasticity (CL to CH) and low to medium potential swelling pressures. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that the reason for potential swelling of joint fillings is the existence of clay minerals (such as illite and montmorillonite). The study results about the shear strength of clay-filled joints show that under JRC–JCS condition (laboratory scale), JRC _n –JCS _n (large scale) and normal stress equal to 0.25–4 MPa, the range of shear strength of clay-filled joints will be equal to 0.2–2.17 and 0.14–1.72 MPa. In some areas dissolution along the joints results in high permeability, especially in the right abutment. Three dominant joint sets occur in the exploration galleries which have been excavated in the right abutment. The maximum aperture of these joints varies from 7 to 9 cm, and the joints are typically filled with clay. Preliminary analysis shows that the presence of open joints which will cause seepage of water, combined with the impact of the clay-filled joints and forces acting on the slopes, could lead to slope failures and rock falls. In addition, the assessment of slope stability results in abutments using limited equilibrium method and Swedge software under dynamic and static conditions shows that two wedges formed on the slopes of the abutment by the natural joints are potentially unstable. The rock wedge on the left abutment is smaller but presents higher sliding potential. In addition, there is no probability of planar failure due to the geological condition of the dam abutments. This paper summarizes the site investigation and subsequent analysis, which resulted in a recommendation not to construct this site. We offer some potential mitigation plans to consider if a dam were to be built at this site.     

Rock Mass Classification and Slope Stability Assessment of Road Cut Slopes in Garhwal Himalaya, India

There are many rock mass classification schemes which are frequently used for different purposes such as estimation of strength and deformability of rock masses, stability assessment of rock slopes, tunneling and underground mining operations etc. The rock mass classification includes some inputs obtained from intact rock and discontinuity properties which have major influence on assessment of engineering behaviour of rock mass. In the present study, detail measurements were employed on road cuts slope faces in Garhwal Himalayas to collect required data to be used for rock mass classification of Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Geological Strength Index (GSI). The stability assessment of rock slopes were also done by using Slope Mass Rating. In addition the relation between RMR and GSI were also evaluated using 50 data pairs.     

清江隔河岩坝基工程岩体质量评价研究

采用《工程岩体分级标准》定性和定量相结合的方法,根据岩石坚硬程度和岩石完整程度决定岩体的基本质量,然后考虑地下水状态、初始应力状态、工程轴线方位与主要软弱结构面产状的组合关系等修正因素,确定坝基工程岩体的级别。针对隔河岩工程考虑岩溶、层间剪切带、应力水平、岩体所处工程部位等因素,给出隔河岩工程坝基工程岩体分级。     

Engineering geological studies and tunnel support design at Sulakyurt dam site, Turkey

This paper presents the results of engineering geological investigations and tunnel support design studies, carried out at the Sulakyurt dam site, northeast of Ankara, Turkey. The Sulakyurt dam will be used for flow control and water storage for irrigation projects. Studies were carried out both in the field and the laboratory. Field studies include engineering geological mapping, intensive discontinuity surveying, core drilling and sampling for laboratory testing. The diversion tunnel will be driven in rock mass, consisting of granite and diorite. Empirical, analytical and numerical methods were combined for safe tunnel design. Rock mass rating (RMR), Rock mass quality (Q) and Geological strength index (GSI) systems were used for empirical rock mass quality determination, site characterization and support design. The convergence–confinement method was used as analytical method and software called Phase², a 2D finite element program, was utilized as numerical method. According to the results acquired from the empirical, analytical and numerical methods, tunnel stability problems were expected in both granite and diorite rock masses. The support system, suggested by empirical methods, was applied and the performance of suggested support system was evaluated by means of numerical modelling. It was concluded that the suggested support systems were adequate, since after applying the suggested support system to granite and diorite, tunnel deformation and the yielded elements around the tunnel decreased significantly. Thus, it is suggested that for more reliable support design empirical, numerical and analytical methods should be combined.     

An engineering geological appraisal of the Lakhwar Dam, Garhwal Himalaya, India

A 204 m high solid concrete gravity dam is proposed across the River Yamuna in Garhwal Himalaya, India. It will be located on dolerite rocks which have been intruded into the slates of Chandpur Formation. The present study includes the evaluation of the dam foundation by means of drifts, drill holes, water pressure tests and abutment slope stability studies. The water pressure test indicate the necessity of providing a grout curtain below the dam foundation. The analysis of the dam abutments for stability using the Limit equilibrium method indicates that the right abutment slope is kinematically unstable for plane failure mode. The plane failure analysis of the right abutment slope was carried out by modifying the Hoek and Bray (1981, Rock Slope Engineering, 3rd ed., Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, London) technique of plane failure analysis. The analysis reveals that right abutment slope may become unstable during the stripping operation. Based upon the analysis a safe cut slope design for the abutments have been suggested. Subsurface exploration by means of cross drift and drill holes has indicated a sheared contact of slate and dolerite in the foundation area. To avoid the settlement of the dam along this shear zone precautionary measures are suggested.     

喜河水电站坝址区缓倾角结构面综合分析研究

喜河水电站坝型为混凝土重力坝,重力坝对地基岩体的抗剪强度有较高的要求。前期勘查成果表明喜河水电站坝址区存在较多的缓倾角结构面,缓倾角结构面的存在是影响坝基抗滑稳定的关键,因此要对坝基作出抗滑稳定性评价。首先要研究坝址区缓倾角结构面的分布规律及连通情况,通过对坝址区缓倾角结构面的综合分析研究提出合理的坝基岩体的综合抗剪强度。     

杨房沟坝址高边坡工程地质特征及稳定性评价

为掌握杨房沟坝址高边坡稳定性情况及治理措施,采用现场调查及室内分析计算方法对河谷高边坡岩体工程地质特征及稳定性展开了全面研究。得出以下结论:高边坡花岗闪长岩可划分为块状、次块状及镶嵌结构等类型;边坡岩体质量从坡面向内分别为Ⅲ2、Ⅲ1、Ⅱ类,Ⅳ类岩体很少;天然边坡存在松动张裂、楔形体滑动及崩塌等破坏形式,控制性结构面为顺河向卸荷裂隙;从河谷演化角度通过数值模拟方法分析现今边坡应力分布、塑性区范围、变形规律及总体稳定性,认为坝址区天然边坡整体稳定性较好,降雨或地震等不利条件边坡可能存在浅部块体滑移失稳。     

VJC-RMR法在岩体变形模量确定中的应用

在介绍VJC-RMR法 ( Volumetric joint count-rock mechanics rating method )基本原理的基础上,对贵阳市鱼简河水库坝基岩体进行了质量评价和变形模量确定,并与原位试验法、Q法 (Rock mass quality) 和岩体损伤的分形模型(Fractional model of rock mass damage)进行了比较。结果表明,VJC-RMR法能够将一维问题转化为三维问题,更好地反映岩体的实际情况,是进行岩体质量评价和参数确定较好的一种方法。     

Failure analysis of the granite for a dam foundation

This paper presents the numerical and experimental investigation of a dam foundation. The site consists of granite and especially weathered granite. Numerical and analytical analyses have been conducted to evaluate suitability of the granite for a dam foundation. Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion has been used to calculate the compressive strength of the rock mass. Finite element implementation of Mohr–Coulomb criterion has been used for deformation and settlement analysis. Packer testing and in-situ estimation of rock mass deformability using the Goodman jack have been performed. The results of the evaluations show that very small normal and differential settlements can be expected in structural regions due to dam construction, and the compacted concrete dam can safely be constructed on either the competent granite or the weathered granite. However, the dam foundation on the weathered granite has high conductivity potential problems for the reservoir.     

SMR geomechanics and kinematic analysis near Rasulpur,Fatehpur Sikri,Uttar Pradesh

Slope stability of mine slopes is often associated with safety and economics during excavation. Sandstone is excavated from Rasulpur area of Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh for the purpose of crushed, decorative and dimension stones. In the present paper an attempt has been made to characterize the rock slope faces into different stability classes. Characterization is based on geological and geotechnical parameters recorded on the outcrop during field investigation and supplemented by geomechanical properties by the laboratory test for strength of the rock intact. SMR Geomechanics classification is used to identify the stability class and remedial measures are also suggested to reduce any possible hazard. Kinematic analysis of slope was also investigated to determine the probability of any possible structurally controlled failure. On the basis of SMR Geomechanics calculations slope under investigation lies under good stability class i.e. 2a and 2b. Installation of nets during excavation can be done and for better safety spot and systematic rock bolting can be done. Kinematic study reveals that toppling failures may occur, special care must be given to the joint set which can trigger toppling failure.     

高边坡岩体各向异性和动力特性的测试研究

以李家峡大坝工程为例，对高边坡岩体的各向异性和动力牧场生进行了较详细的测试研究。在对层状岩体的各向异性系数对比分析的基础上，确定了爆破对岩体的破坏影响深度，并采用不同的测试参数综合地反映了断层的动力特性，这些测试成果不仅为大坝岩体的动力稳定分析提供了充足的数据，同时对大坝的建设也有重要的参考价值。