Controls on the geotechnical response of sedimentary rocks to weathering

Weathering reduces the strength of rocks and so is a key control on the stability of rock slopes. Recent research suggests that the geotechnical response of rocks to weathering varies with ambient stress conditions resulting from overburden loading and/or stress concentrations driven by near-surface topography. In addition, the stress history experienced by the rock can influence the degree to which current weathering processes cause rock breakdown. To address the combined effect of these potential controls, we conducted a set of weathering experiments on two sedimentary lithologies in laboratory and field conditions. We firstly defined the baseline geotechnical behaviour of each lithology, characterising surface hardness and stress–strain behaviour in unconfined compression. Weathering significantly reduced intact rock strength, but this was not evident in measurements of surface hardness. The ambient compressive stress applied to samples throughout the experiments did not cause any observable differences in the geotechnical behaviour of the samples. We created a stress history effect in sub-sets of samples by generating a population of microcracks that could be exploited by weathering processes. We also geometrically modified groups of samples to cause near-surface stress concentrations that may allow greater weathering efficacy. However, even these pronounced sample modifications resulted in insignificant changes in geotechnical behaviour when compared to unmodified samples. The observed reduction in rock strength changed the nature of failure of the samples, which developed post-peak strength and underwent multiple stages of brittle failure. Although weakened, these samples could sustain greater stress and strain following exceedance of peak strength. On this basis, the multi-stage failure style exhibited by weaker weathered rock may permit smaller-magnitude, higher-frequency events to trigger fracture through intact rock bridges as well as influencing the characteristics of pre-failure deformation. These findings are consistent with patterns of behaviour observed in field monitoring results. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The physical properties of quartz-micaschist and their application to freeze-thaw weathering studies in the maritime antarctic

As part of a study on freeze-thaw weathering in the maritime Antarctic an investigation was made of the physical properties of the local rock. Tests were made of point-load compressive strength, Schmidt hammer in situ rock strength, moisture content, indentor resistance and the size range of weathering products. The resulting data were used to consider the form of freeze-thaw weathering operative in the field and its relationship to laboratory simulations. A distinct difference between ‘massive rock’ and ‘intact rock’ is observed in the field. It is suggested that future studies should generate a greater database pertaining to rock properties as it is an invaluable aid in the study of mechanical weathering.     

Variable weathering response in sandstone: factors controlling decay sequences

Differences in weathering response characteristics of fine‐ and coarse‐grained Stanton Moor sandstone samples were assessed in a laboratory weathering simulation experiment using a variable combination of salt weathering and freeze/thaw cycles. Preliminary analysis of permeability characteristics identified similar mean values for each type of Stanton sandstone but significant differences in the range of values between the two sample sets, with coarse‐grained samples of Stanton Moor sandstone displaying a restricted range of values in comparison to fine‐grained samples which showed much greater within‐block variation. Data indicated that the greater the range in initial permeability values, the greater the potential for salt and moisture ingress and retention and hence eventual disruption of the fabric of the stone. Experimental data also identified different stages in decay sequences, with significant structural change occurring during the initial preparatory stage before material breakdown and loss became apparent. Evidence suggests that relatively minor structural and mineralogical differences between samples of the same stone type can have a significant influence on weathering behaviour, resulting in distinct rates and patterns of breakdown. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

分形几何在岩土力学研究中的过去、现在与未来

首先简略地介绍了分形几何理论及其方法。从岩土材料结构的定量描述、流体在岩土体中的渗流问题、岩土材料强度的分形模型和分形空间的力学特征四个方面叙述了分形理论在岩土力学研究中取得的成果及应用。指出只有将岩土力学系统在欧氏空间的各种基本变量、原理和方法向分形空间推广和拓展,才能产生对岩土材料非线性力学行为的新认识,这也是分形理论在岩土力学研究中进一步深化的基础。     

Chitosan – A Sizing Agent in Fabric Production – Development and Ecological Evaluation

Chitosan, a natural polymer, was investigated as a possible sizing agent in fabric production by appropriate modification in the textile industry. Based on recipe developments at a laboratory‐scale, the ecological and economical potential of mainly cotton yarns were demonstrated and developed. Subsequent tests within the scope of industrial production confirmed the findings of the basic developments. As an interesting alternative to the conventional sizing process involving the removal of the size after weaving, the use of appropriate processing technologies makes it possible to apply chitosan in the form of a sizing agent resistant to wash‐out processes. Therefore, the wash‐out process and the combined wastewater loading can be avoided and the properties of chitosan can be used beneficially in the later applications of the fabric. The traditional method of sizing and weaving developments as well as the analyses of material recycling showed the possibilities of using closed circuits in textile production involving sizing agent and water. It is possible that a chitosan‐specific enzyme suitable for production conditions, which facilitates the wash‐out process in combination with the biodegradation of the wastewater in a sewage plant, could be developed.     

岩石声波差异衰减特征及工程应用前景探讨

声波在岩石材料中传播时会发生差异衰减现象.由于岩石强度、完整性不同，造成其频率响应不同，声波通过不同强度的岩石时，对不同频率的声波信号滤除状况也就有所不同.通过力学强度高的岩石时，声波基本能够保持其原有频率成分，相反，当通过低强度岩石时，高频分量会迅速衰减而缺失，主要保留低频分量.通过实例研究，分析了声谱衰减特征与岩样矿物组成、密度及结构完整性的关系，验证了声谱衰减特征与岩体强度具有很好相关性的结论.通过分析研究声波信号在不同岩体中传播的衰减变化，指出声波衰减在一定程度上能够反映出岩体的风化程度、破碎状态、强度及各向异性等特征.可以发展成为岩体工程地质勘测、试验和施工中的常规实验方法.     

A new exploration tool: Quantitative core characterization

We will describe a new laboratory system which was designed to be highly automated and portable while maintaining quality. Driving this design was the recognition of the temporal dependence of physical properties. It becomes apparent that some sedimentary rocks, particularly shales, degrade and disaggregare so completely that mechanical or elastic properties cannot be measured. This temporal dependence displays a time scale much shorter than normal weathering but greater than the time for stress relief. A system was designed to permit field characterization of freshly recovered core material. A benefit of automation and portability is a marked increase in measurement efficiency. The attributes of this system permit rapid characterization of a large number of fresh cores in remote, frontier exploration areas. This feature can significantly reduce prospect evaluation time. Statistically significant rock property databases can be created in a short period of time.     

New criteria on the filling ratio and impedance ratio effects in seismic response evaluation of the partial filled alluvial valleys

An extensive numerical analysis on the seismic site effects due to local topographical and geotechnical characteristics is carried out. 2D configurations under incidence of vertically propagating SV waves is modeled with the aid of HYBRID program, combining finite elements in the near field and boundary elements in the far field. The filling ratio and the impedance ratio effects on the modification of the seismic response of alluvial valleys are underlined. Parametric analysis is done on the central point of alluvial valleys where the critical point of response under existence of sediments stands. Specifying the amplification pattern under filling ratio effects, effective geometrical parameters are introduced. Subsequently, to assess the effect of the type of sediments on the seismic response, mechanical properties of materials are changed and impedance contrast coefficient is considered in combination with geometrical parameters. Finally, practical curves are presented for engineering applications.     

The cyclic behaviour of soils and effects of geotechnical factors in microzonation

Geotechnical site conditions that can be very different due to changes in thickness and properties of soil layers, depth of bedrock and water table are among the main factors controlling earthquake characteristics on the ground surface. Soil layers subjected to cyclic stresses may lead to degradation of stress–strain and shear strength properties. The laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the changes in the stress–strain and shear strength characteristics in terms of threshold cyclic shear stresses and cyclic yield stress. The effects of local site conditions are assessed based on geotechnical site conditions and earthquake source characteristics.     

Uranium-series isotopes in river materials: Insights into the timescales of erosion and sediment transport

The uranium-series isotope signatures of the suspended and dissolved load of rivers have emerged as an important tool for understanding the processes of erosion and chemical weathering at the scale of a watershed. These signatures are a function of both time and weathering-induced fractionation between the different nuclides. Provided appropriate models can be developed, they can be used to constrain the residence time of river sediment. This chronometer is triggered as the bedrock starts weathering and the inferred timescale encompasses the residence time in the weathering profile, storage in temporary sediment deposits (e.g. floodplain) and transport in the river. This approach has been applied to various catchments over the past five years showing that river sediments can reside in a watershed for timescales ranging from a few hundreds of years (Iceland) to several hundreds of thousands of years (lowlands of the Amazon). Various factors control how long sediment resides in the watershed: the longest residence times are observed on stable cratons unaffected by glacial cycles (or more generally, climate variability) and human disturbance. Shorter residence times are observed in active orogens (Andes) or fast-eroding, recently glaciated catchments (Iceland). In several cases, the residence time of suspended sediments also corresponds to the time since the last major climate change. The U-series isotope composition of rivers can also be used to predict the river sediment yield assuming steady-state erosion is reached. By comparing this estimate with the modern sediment yield obtained by multi-year sediment gauging, it is clear that steady-state is seldom reached. This can be explained by climate variability and/or human disturbance. Steady-state is reached in those catchments where sediment transport is rapid (Iceland) or where the region has been unaffected by climate change and/or human disturbance. U-series are thus becoming an important tool to study the dynamics of erosion.     

Influence of fines content on liquefied strength of silty sands

Critical state soil mechanics is a useful framework to understand sand behavior. In this paper, a relationship is developed for estimating undrained critical shear strength of sands based on the critical state framework. The relationship is validated by comparison with laboratory test results and sand liquefied strength from field liquefaction failure case histories. Using this relationship, the influence of fines content on undrained critical shear strength is studied for different combinations of effective stress and density. The parametric study indicates that depending on soil void ratio, effective stress, and the shape and mineralogy of the fine particles, undrained critical strength may increase, remain the same, or decrease as the amount of fines content increases. Both the susceptibility to liquefaction and the severity of strain-softening are affected by adding fines. It is suggested that the critical state parameter is inadequate for describing the behavior of liquefiable sands and sand shearing-compressibility should be taken into account in liquefaction analysis.     

Spatial characterization of salt accumulation in early stage limestone weathering using probe permeametry

This research characterizes the weathering of natural building stone using an unsteady‐state portable probe permeameter. Variations between the permeability properties of fresh rock and the same rocks after the early stages of a salt weathering simulation are used to examine the effects of salt accumulation on spatial variations in surface rock permeability properties in two limestones from Spain. The Fraga and Tudela limestones are from the Ebro basin and are of Miocene age. Both stone types figure largely in the architectural heritage of Spain and, in common with many other building limestones, they are prone to physical damage from salt crystallization in pore spaces. To examine feedbacks associated with salt accumulation during the early stages of this weathering process, samples of the two stone types were subjected to simulated salt weathering under laboratory conditions using magnesium sulphate and sodium chloride at concentrations of 5% and 15%. Permeability mapping and statistical analysis (aspatial statistics and spatial prediction) before and after salt accumulation are used to assess changes in the spatial variability of permeability and to correlate these changes with salt movement, porosity change, potential rock deterioration and textural characteristics. Statistical analyses of small‐scale permeability measurements are used to evaluate the drivers for decay and hence aid the prediction of the weathering behaviour of the two limestones. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of weathering on optically stimulated luminescence dating

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating was applied to quartz samples recovered from the gravel sediments of deformed marine terrace at the Suryum site, southeastern Korea, but has yielded stratigraphically inconsistent ages. Micromorphological, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the gravels indicate the possible influence of chemical weathering on the apparent OSL ages. In the course of weathering after emerging from beach environments, originally permeable gravels underwent infilling by halloysite-rich clays in their voids, export and import of radioactive elements, and loss of mechanical strength with the creation of a porosity within pebbles. Calculation based on the evolution of the weathering profile showed a severe fluctuation of dose rate caused by the change of water content and radioactive element concentrations. Samples recovered from the weathering profile inevitably include quartz grains derived from mechanically weakened pebbles or illuviated from the upper layer, making it difficult to determine the equivalent dose (D_e) values of exclusively depositional quartz sands. Quantitative evaluation of the change of fabric and chemistry of the sediments on the basis of pedologic insight significantly aids in the derivation of OSL ages consistent with geomorphology and other independent age controls.     

Amplification of SH waves by an orthotropic basin

Scattering of elastic waves by an orthotropic sedimentary basin is investigated for antiplane strain model using an indirect boundary integral equation approach. Both steady state and transient response were obtained for semicircular and semielliptical basins with different material properties. The results indicate that the basin geometry and the impedance contrast between the half-space and the basin have similar effects on the surface ground motion amplification as for the isotropic case. However, the material anisotropy may change significantly the fundamental resonant frequencies of the basin, resulting in different surface displacement amplification patterns. In addition, it was observed that the arrival time of the main disturbance on the surface strongly depends on material anisotropy for different angles of incidence. The results demonstrate that material anisotropy may be very important in explaining surface ground motion amplification for sedimentary basins. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new technique for non‐destructive field measurement of rock‐surface strength: an application of the Equotip hardness tester to weathering studies

Tafone‐like depressions have developed on the Aoshima sandstone blocks used for a masonry bridge pier in the coastal spray zone. A thin layer of partial granular disintegration was found on the surface in depressions. To evaluate quantitatively the strength of the thin weathered layer, the hardness was measured at the surface of the sandstone blocks using both an Equotip hardness tester and an L‐type Schmidt hammer. Comparison of the two testing results indicates that the Equotip hardness value is more sensitive in evaluating the strength of a thin layer of weathered surface rock than the Schmidt hardness value. By applying two methods, i.e. both the repeated impact method and the single impact method, the Equotip tester can evaluate the strengths of fresh internal and weathered surficial portions of rocks having a thin weathering layer. Comparison of the two strengths enables evaluation of strength reduction due to weathering. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bank undercutting and tension failure by groundwater seepage: predicting failure mechanisms

Groundwater seepage can lead to the erosion and failure of streambanks and hillslopes. Two groundwater instability mechanisms include (i) tension failure due to the seepage force exceeding the soil shear strength or (ii) undercutting by seepage erosion and eventual mass failure. Previous research on these mechanisms has been limited to non‐cohesive and low cohesion soils. This study utilized a constant‐head, seepage soil box packed with more cohesive (6% and 15% clay) sandy loam soils at prescribed bulk densities (1.30 to 1.70 Mg m^?3) and with a bank angle of 90° to investigate the controls on failure mechanisms due to seepage forces. A dimensionless seepage mechanism (SM) number was derived and evaluated based on the ratio of resistive cohesion forces to the driving forces leading to instability including seepage gradients with an assumed steady‐state seepage angle. Tension failures and undercutting were both observed dependent primarily on the saturated hydraulic conductivity, effective cohesion, and seepage gradient. Also, shapes of seepage undercuts for these more cohesive soils were wider and less deep compared to undercuts in sand and loamy sand soils. Direct shear tests were used to quantify the geotechnical properties of the soils packed at the various bulk densities. The SM number reasonably predicted the seepage failure mechanism (tension failure versus undercutting) based on the geotechnical properties and assumed steady‐state seepage gradients of the physical‐scale laboratory experiments, with some uncertainty due to measurement of geotechnical parameters, assumed seepage gradient direction, and the expected width of the failure block. It is hypothesized that the SM number can be used to evaluate seepage failure mechanisms when a streambank or hillslope experiences steady‐state seepage forces. When prevalent, seepage gradient forces should be considered when analyzing bank stability, and therefore should be incorporated into commonly used stability models. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Plasticity model for sand under small and large cyclic strains: a multiaxial formulation

This paper presents the multiaxial formulation of a plasticity model for sand under cyclic shearing. The model adopts a kinematic hardening circular cone as the yield surface and three non-circular conical surfaces corresponding to the deviatoric stress ratios at phase transformation, peak strength and critical state. The shape of the non-circular surfaces is formulated in accordance with the experimentally established failure criteria, while their size is related to the value of the state parameter ψ. To simulate cyclic response under small and large shear strain amplitudes without a change in model parameters, it was found necessary to introduce: (a) a non-linear hysteretic (Ramberg–Osgood type) formulation for the strain rate of elastic states and (b) an empirical index of the effect of fabric evolution during shearing which scales the plastic modulus. This index is estimated in terms of a macroscopic second-order fabric tensor, which develops as a function of the plastic volumetric strain increment and the loading direction in the deviatoric plane. Comparison of simulations to pertinent data from 27 resonant column, cyclic triaxial and cyclic direct simple shear tests provide a measure for the overall accuracy of the model.     

Patterns of damage in igneous and sedimentary rocks under conditions simulating sea‐salt weathering

A saline‐spray artificial ageing test was used to simulate the effects produced in granites and sedimentary rocks (calcarenites, micrites and breccia) under conditions in coastal environments. Three main points were addressed in this study: the durability of the different kinds of rock to salt decay, the resulting weathering forms and the rock properties involved in the weathering processes. For this, mineralogical and textural characterization of each of the different rocks was carried out before and after the test. The soluble salt content at different depths from the exposed surfaces was also determined. Two different weathering mechanisms were observed in the granite and calcareous rocks. Physical processes were involved in the weathering of granite samples, whereas dissolution of calcite was also involved in the deterioration of the calcareous rocks. We also showed that microstructural characteristics (e.g. pore size distribution), play a key role in salt damage, because of their influence on saline solution transport and on the pressures developed within rocks during crystallization. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Variation of magnetic properties in sedimentary rocks hosting the Foum Zguid dyke (southern Morocco): Combined effects of re-crystallization and Fe-metasomatism

The effects of dyke intrusion on the magnetic properties of host sedimentary rocks are still poorly understood. Therefore, we have evaluated bulk magnetic parameters of standard palaeomagnetic samples collected along several sections across the sediments hosting the Foum Zguid dyke in southern Morocco. The study has been completed with the evaluation of the magnetic fabric after laboratory application of sequential heating experiments.The present study shows that: (1) close to Foum Zguid dykes, the variations of the bulk magnetic parameters and of the magnetic fabric is strongly related with re-crystallization and Fe-metasomatism intensity. (2) The thermal experiments on AMS of samples collected farther from the dyke and, thus, less affected by heating during dyke emplacement, indicate that 300–400 °C is the minimum experimental temperature necessary to trigger appreciable transformations of the pre-existing magnetic fabrics. For temperatures higher than ca. 580 °C, the magnetic fabric transformations are fully realized, with complete transposition of the initial fabric to a fabric similar to that of samples collected close to the dyke. Therefore, measured variations of the magnetic fabric can be used to evaluate re-crystallization temperatures experienced by the host sedimentary rock during dyke emplacement. The distinct magnetic behaviour observed along the cross-sections strongly suggests that samples collected farther from the dyke margins did not experience thermal episodes with temperatures higher than 300 °C after dyke emplacement. (3) AMS data shows a gradual variation of the magnetic fabric with distance from the dyke margin, from sub-horizontal K₃ away from the dyke to vertical K₃ close to the dyke. Experimental heating shows that heat alone can be responsible for this strong variation. Therefore, such orientation changes should not be unequivocally interpreted as the result of a stress field (resulting from the emplacement of the dyke, for instance). (4) Magnetic studies prove to be a very sensitive tool to assess rock magnetic transformations, thermally and chemically induced by dyke intrusion in hosting sediments.     

考虑动态临界加速度的地震边坡永久位移研究

Newmark永久位移是评价边坡在地震时稳定性的一个重要指标,近年来广泛应用于地震边坡危险性评价中。传统Newmark永久位移法在计算临界加速度时假定其为常数,未考虑滑动面上抗剪强度参数的变化,过低估计了边坡的永久位移。为了解决这一问题,本文从岩土结构理论获得思路,详细分析滑块底面抗剪强度参数在地震中的变化过程,以边坡震动过程中黏聚力逐步丧失为基本思路,在黏聚力符合一定概率分布的基础上,提出了一种利用蒙特卡罗法模拟其动态减小过程从而实现临界加速度动态变化的计算方法。经过算例计算,黏聚力和临界加速度体现了地震过程中边坡滑块黏聚力和临界加速度的动态变化,位移大小符合地震边坡实际位移的常规数值。本文提出的蒙特卡罗法实现动态黏聚力和动态临界加速度的计算过程与地震时程相对应,不仅在一定程度上解决了抗剪强度参数的动态变化问题,还解决了传统Newmark位移计算中永久位移比实际位移偏小的问题。