A diametral deformation method forin situ stress and rock property measurement

Summary Failure deformation of a borehole boundary in response to hydraulic loading via a plastic cylinder is directly related to both the initial stress state and the material properties of the ground. These relationships are utilized for determination ofin situ stress states and material properties of complex geological formations, including fractured hard rock and soft ductile media, by directly measuring diametral deformation of the borehole in relation to the applied pressure. This new method was first developed by means of finite element simulation models, and later confirmed by laboratory model studies. This method was then field tested in an outcropping of homogeneous sandstone and later applied to three underground geological formations: highly stratified shale, rock salt, and fractured green schist. Some of the results of these field applications are presented here to illustrate the validity and usefulness of this method, especially for complex ground where the conventional methods of overcoring and hydrofracturing may be ineffective. The instrumentation of this method involves a borehole probe which utilizes electrically powered hydraulic pumping and computerized data acquisition for rapid measurement and on-site analysis. The significance of the new method is its ability to obtain input data ofin situ stress states and material properties for finite element analysis of earth structures in complex ground.     

An approach to large-scale field stress determination

The construction of stable structures in rock masses requires knowledge of the in situ stresses at the scale of excavations. However, the measurements obtained by the conventional overcoring technique are related to a small scale (centimetres). To extrapolate them to the scales of interest to rock mechanics (from meters to kilometres) requires a large number of individual stress measurements, followed by statistical analysis to avoid a considerable scatter of the measured values. In this paper, a method is proposed based on (a) large-scale surface stress and modulus measurements using the cylindrical jack method complemented by a special measuring scheme and then (b) back analysis for a given excavation shape. The method allows the simultaneous reconstruction of the stress components at the scale of excavation. A numerical simulation for a cylindrical excavation in an isotropic rock mass demonstrates the high accuracy and robustness of the method. The presence of a fractured zone surrounding the excavation can hamper the stress reconstruction, hence special measures should be taken to conduct the measurements in competent rock.     

Complex behaviour of a coal sample in a large scalein situ compression test

Summary A large scalein situ compression test of a laminated coal cube is described. The cube was uniformly loaded by a system of hydraulic jacks supplied simultaneously from one pump. At the same time both load and deformations were controlled. Deformations were measured by 60 longitudinal gauges located at the side surface of the cube in the regular net. Due to the heterogeneity of the rock the readings showed scatter. As a first approximation, the scattered data were fitted to the plane using the least square method. Orientations of the planes were analysed and show permanent relative movement between adjacent lamina indicating complex behaviour of the cube under loading. Detailed analysis of this behaviour indicated that the cube was subjected to both bending and twisting.     

Analysis of the in situ Hydromechanical Behavior of a Fractured Calcareous Rock Mass

Summary. Hydromechanical experiments have been carried out since 1997 within a small fractured calcareous rock mass in southeastern France, at a site called Coaraze. Simultaneous measurements of fluid pressure and joint displacement were performed during these experiments. The interpretation generated has led to characterizing various types of hydromechanical behavior of the jointed rock mass and has provided several lessons. An original analytical interpretation, coupled with a modeling approach, has allowed one to derive the in situ normal joint stiffness, which proves to be highly non-linear. It has been shown that a coefficient able to take into account stiffness contribution from the surrounding rock mass must be included in order to fully interpret the pressure-displacement curves. This analytical interpretation also yields an estimate of the normal stress across the fracture. A comparison between in situ data and laboratory tests is also presented.     

In-situ rock stress measurement from rock cores using the acoustic emission method and deformation rate analysis

In this study the possibilities of the acoustic emission (AE) technique and deformation rate analysis (DRA) were investigated to measure in situ rock stress. The rock cores were obtained from three vertically drilled exploratory boreholes from the surface and one borehole drilled from within an underground coal mine. The AE method was found to determine in situ rock stress with reasonable accuracy using AE signatures in repeated loadings of a rock core specimen. Based on the results of in situ stress estimation from the AE method, the time interval, up to seven years, did not strongly influence the previous stress determination using the AE method. Cored rock recollected the in situ stress condition reasonably well (within ±10%), when compared to the results from over coring and hydraulic fracturing technique. Also, there was significant correlation between overburden pressure and estimated vertical stress from the AE method.     

A simplified conceptual model for estimating roof bolting requirements

Summary The selection of rock bolting lengths and spacings for a mine roof or back is relatively straightforward when wedges of rock bound by discrete discontinuities require support, or when the immediate roof can be anchored into a recognizably stable layer or rock mass. When neither of these situations is present the choice of bolt lengths and spacings is more difficult.In this paper a simplified conceptual model is presented which invokes the concept of an ellipticallyshaped zone of loosening above the opening, all, or a portion of which, may require support. The analysis includes the influence of opening span, height,in situ stress state, and rock mass quality as measured by the CSIR Rock Mass Classification.Validation of the model was sought by analysing a number of case histories in the literature.     

Rock mechanics applied to shaft pillar mining

Summary The Bureau of Mines is investigating methods for evaluating and optimizing shaft designs for deep metal mines. This paper describes one such project at the Homestake Mine in Lead, SD. To determine a safe approach for the extraction of ore from the Ross Shaft pillar at Homestake, a basic rock mechanics approach has been taken that involves laboratory testing, field measurements, and computer modelling. The results of the study show that ore bodies in the Ross pillar can be mined safely and that the shaft will remain in elastic rock. On the basis of this work, other mines can develop finite-element modelling to evaluate the stability of mine openings and increase resource recovery.     

Pyrolysis-GC characterization of whole rock and kerogen-concentrate samples of immature Jurassic source rocks from NW-Germany

Nine rock samples from three Jurassic stratigraphic units of a shallow core from NW Germany were analyzed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography. The units contain a mixed Type-II/III kerogen (Dogger-α), a hydrogen-rich Type-II kerogen (Lias-), and a hydrogen-poor Type-III kerogen (Lias-δ). All of the kerogen was immature (R_o = 0.5%). Two sets of kerogen concentrates (“AD”: HCl/HF followed by a density separation, and “A”: only acid treatment) prepared from the rock samples were also analyzed to make a detailed comparison of the pyrolysates of rock and corresponding kerogen-concentrates.Hydrogen-index (HI) values of the kerogen concentrates prepared from organic-carbon poor rock were nearly 200% higher than HI values of the rock samples. Changes in HI were minimal for the samples containing Type-II kerogen. The A and AD samples from the C_org-poor rock yielded pyrolysates with n-alkane series of very different molecular lengths. Pyrograms of the rock samples had n-alkane series extending to n-C₁₄; the chromatograms of the A samples reached the n-C₁₄-nC₂₀ range. The AD samples from C_org-poor rock and all three sample types from the C_org-rich rock had n-alkane series up to n-C₂₉. The benzene/hexane and toluene/heptane ratios for the C_org-poor rock and A samples were far higher than for the AD samples, which had ratios similar to those of all three sample types from the C_org-rich rocks. These results indicate that choice of kerogen preparation method is critical when C_org-poor samples are analyzed.     

In Situ Agrobiodiversity Conservation in the Swiss Inner Alpine Zone

This paper considers Swiss experiences of in situ agrobiodiversity conservation. The Swiss recognise the multifunctionality of agriculture, particularly within the marginal, mountainous areas of the country and are spending public and private funds to maintain crop landraces, agroecosystems, landscapes, agricultural practices, and rural communities. State programs in marginal agricultural regions tie economic assistance to biodiversity conservation practices, through the use of direct payment systems. With the removal of many import restrictions and state-led marketing, alternative innovative programs linked to local values of diversity provide opportunities for conservation. In situ agrobiodiversity conservation ideas being pursued include awareness-raising schemes, scientific initiatives, the establishment of diversity gardens and community-based programs. Any extension of the in situ conservation programs could have substantial implications for regional development. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Tmax of asphaltenes: a parameter for oil maturity assessment

A new maturity parameter determined on both oil and bitumen samples, the asphaltene T_max, is proposed and discussed. This parameter could be very useful to address the maturity of the source rock. The asphaltene T_max is measured by programmed Rock-Eval pyrolysis, using a modified temperature program. Some phases of the experimental procedure, such as the asphaltene preparation and the Rock-Eval measurement substratum choice, are crucial in order to achieve reliable data. Laboratory simulations were carried out in order to assess the possible effects of both primary and secondary migration on asphaltene T_maxin the expelled oil: the original value of the asphaltene T_max in the bitumen is not substantially modified and it is very close to that measured on kerogen. Examples of the determination of asphaltene T_max on many samples, collected from different areas and with different organic matter composition, are given. Results show that T_max values from oil asphaltenes are reasonable indicators of source rock maturity.     

砂岩型铀矿微区原位U-Pb同位素定年技术方法研究

铀矿物定年一直是成矿年代学中的难点,随着微区原位U-Pb同位素定年技术的发展,可以直接针对矿石矿物(铀矿物)进行同位素定年;但是其中的砂岩型铀矿由于其存在状态复杂,在原位定年中剥蚀要求高,也缺乏合适的外部校正标准物质,所以定年准确度有待提高。本文研究了两种微区原位U-Pb同位素测年的方法,对砂岩型铀矿定年进行了尝试,试图解决铀矿测年中的无基体匹配问题并提高砂岩型铀矿定年水平。一是建立了一种激光剥蚀多接收电感耦合等离子体质谱仪联合电子探针进行微区原位U-Pb同位素测年的技术(LA-MC-ICP-MS&EMPA)。通过优化实验方法,对秦岭陈家庄花岗岩型铀矿进行了测试,获得与同位素稀释热电离质谱法(ID-TIMS)一致的年龄结果,证明了微区原位U-Pb同位素测年无基体匹配标准物质分析的可行性;并利用此法获得鄂尔多斯盆地红庆河和塔然高勒砂岩型铀矿的微区原位U-Pb同位素年龄信息。二是尝试了利用飞秒激光剥蚀多接收电感耦合等离子体质谱法(fsLA-MC-ICP-MS)对红庆河和宁夏宁东砂岩型铀矿样品进行微区原位U-Pb同位素定年,并获得了微区原位U-Pb同位素年龄,表明飞秒激光剥蚀技术在砂岩型铀矿定年中有很好的应用前景。本文提出,比较单一且年龄偏老的单矿物样品可以选择LA-MC-ICP-MS&EMPA联合法进行分析,需要高空间分辨率的样品建议使用fsLA-MC-ICP-MS法。     

A simple criterion for the machinability of hard rocks

Conclusions The application of mechanical methods for rapid excavation requires more detailed and precise knowledge of the site, but there is no single parameter which can provide a comprehensive measure for the selection and performance of a tunnel boring machine.The machinability index proposed in this paper is based on four different parameters which influence the performance of a tunnelling machine and are widely accepted by the engineers and geologists. In order to develop a comprehensive measure regarding the borability of rocks,in situ conditions must be evaluated. The machinability index coupled with thein situ information would facilitate judicious decisions regarding the application and selection of tunnel boring machines.The geological conditions and rock characteristics cannot be controlled but their knowledge can prevent costly mistakes in equipment selection and assist in identifying alternative excavation systems, therefore a thorough site investigation can substantially reduce the economic and technical risks associated with tunnelling and mine development.     

粤北石角围花岗岩型铀矿床沥青铀矿LA-ICP-MS原位U-Pb定年研究

石角围花岗岩型铀矿床位于粤北下庄铀矿田东部,沥青铀矿是矿床的主要矿石矿物,也是厘定成矿年龄的理想对象。前人采用同位素稀释法(ID-TIMS)和电子探针U-Th-totalPb化学定年法获得的成矿年龄为38～138Ma,但前人年龄变化范围大,可靠性有待考究,难以有效约束矿床的成矿时代。本文利用LA-ICP-MS原位微区分析技术,对石角围矿床矿石中沥青铀矿开展了原位U-Pb定年。研究表明:沥青铀矿的206Pb/238U年龄为52. 46～56. 89Ma,加权平均年龄为54. 68±0. 53Ma(MSWD=1. 19,n=18)。本次沥青铀矿原位U-Pb定年与前人相比更好地避免了矿物包裹体、后期次生变化、显微裂隙等因素的影响,获得的沥青铀矿原位U-Pb同位素年龄代表矿床的成矿年龄。本研究获得的石角围矿床成矿年龄(～55Ma)与华南花岗岩型铀矿床主成矿期(～50Ma)相一致,指示石角围矿床铀成矿作用与华南岩石圈局部伸展作用下的断裂构造活动密切相关。     

A comparative study of ANN and Neuro-fuzzy for the prediction of dynamic constant of rockmass

Physico-mechanical properties of rocks have great significance in all operational parts in mining activities, from exploration to final dispatch of material. Compressional wave velocity (p-wave velocity) and anisotropic behaviour of rocks are two such properties which help to understand the rock response under varying stress conditions. They also influence the breakage mechanism of rock. There are different methods to determine thep-wave velocity and anisotropyin situ and in the laboratory. These methods are cumbersome and time consuming. Fuzzy set theory, Fuzzy logic and Neural Networks techniques seem very well suited for typical geotechnical problems. In conjunction with statistics and conventional mathematical methods, hybrid methods can be developed that may prove to be a step forward in modeling geotechnical problems. Here, we have developed and compared two different models, Neuro-fuzzy systems (combination of fuzzy and artificial neural network systems) and Artificial neural network systems, for the prediction of compressional wave velocity.     

Potentials of monitoring rock fall hazards by GPR: considering as example the results of Salzburg

A part of the IUGS-UNESCO research project "Landslide Hazard Assessment and Cultural Heritage" (IGCP-Project No. 425) includes testing the application of geophysical methods for assessing hazard risks to people and cultural assets. In this work, Austria contributed with a study on the assessment of rock-fall hazards. As the Old Town of Salzburg is a prime example of such hazards, systematic GPR-measurements were made on major rock surfaces. The aim of the exploration with GPR was to assess the potential of the method for monitoring rock walls. That is, whether structures in the rock mass which could become important when considering the risk of a rock fall, can be imaged. To manage this problem successfully, moving the antenna over the rough rock surface was made as regular as possible. The effects of vegetation lifting the antenna from the rock surface and of overhanging regions could not be avoided. Due to the loss of coupling of the antenna and the change of radiation pattern, some interference of the records occurred. Thus, only after processing could it become clear which reflections came from within the rock. A three-dimensional survey of discontinuities in the rock requires accurate mapping of the rock surface by photogrammetric methods, to get a digital terrain model for the analysis of the GPR records. The results of repeated measurements have proved to be of essential relevance. They have shown that it is possible to reveal changes with time. For the interpretation of such observations, modeling is a very useful tool.     

Seasonal and interannual variations in pigments in the Adriatic Sea

Spatial and temporal variability of pigments was studied from the CZCS satellite data and fromin situ chlorophyll and transparency for the period 1979-1985. The three Adriatic sites, Northern, Middle, and Southern Adriatic are differently influenced by meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic parameters. The differences between seasonalin situ chlorophyll and remotely sensed pigment concentrations (from CZCS satellite data) from the Adriatic are large in winter. Through the correlation analysis, pigments were compared to meteo-oceanographic and hydrological parameters from different Adriatic sites. The PCA (principal component analysis) was applied to the pigment data series and significant components were compared. Different correlations are obtained for warm and cold periods of the year pointing to seasonal differences in the underlying mechanism of pigment variability. The first PC is influenced mainly by temperature. In the warm period more parameters seem to influence the pigment field, than in the cold period. The pigments in the Adriatic are in good correlation to a number of hydrologic and meteo-oceanographic factors.     

A biogeochemical orientation survey in the Moisan gold-mineralized area, Haenam district in Korea

A biogeochemical orientation survey was carried out in the vicinity of an epithermal Au deposit in the Moisan Au–Ag mineralized area, Haenam district in Korea. The Au–Ag bearing quartz veins of the mine occur as narrow open-space fillings within Cretaceous silicic pyroclastics. The vein minerals consist mainly of quartz, sericite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena, with some electrum and argentite. The main objectives of this study were to study the geochemical characteristics of rocks, soils and plants in this area, to investigate the spatial relationship between Au and associated elements in rock–soil–plant system, and to evaluate the applicability of biogeochemical prospecting for Au vein occurrences in Korea. Samples of rocks and soils, and leaves of three plant species (Japanese red pine — P. densiflora, oriental white oak — Q. aliena, Japanese mallotus — M. japonicus) were collected from the target mineralized area and control barren locations, and analyzed for trace elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Sampling lines were composed of one slope line which is almost parallel to the mineralized quartz-veins, and four transect lines spaced 100 m apart across the veins at 20 m sampling intervals. From the multi-element data of rock samples (n = 9), high values of Au (maximum 2030 ppb) are spatially related to Au–quartz veins. Soil samples (n = 61) collected from five sampling lines show higher values of Au (24–825 ppb) whereas soil samples from the control locations have lower values of Au (below 25 ppb). Many plant species collected from the vicinity of the veins have high Au contents compared with those at the control locations, but the ranges of Au values are variable among plant species. In a total of 128 samples of plant leaves, Q. aliena yielded Au values of 0.4 to 6.9 ppb, and M. japonicus 0.9 to 4.1 ppb. Gold contents in P. densiflora ranged from 0.1 to 5.6 ppb. Plant leaves from control areas show less than 1.6 ppb Au. The biological absorption coefficient (BAC) of Au in plants decreases in the order of Q. aliena > M. japonicus > P. densiflora. Based on the results of the study, Q. aliena appeared to be the best sampling media for biogeochemical prospecting of Au in the study area.     

非破坏性开放式激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱法原位测定大尺寸陶瓷样品主微量元素组成

激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱法(LA-ICP-MS)通常采用体积固定的封闭剥蚀池,大尺寸样品要经过切割或破碎,能够放入剥蚀池后才可以再进行LA-ICP-MS分析,因此,这种常规密闭式LA-ICP-MS难以应用于无法破碎的珍稀大尺寸样品分析.为实现大尺寸样品的非破坏性微区原位主微量元素分析,本文基于自行设计的开放式样品采...     

Stress-path dependent behavior of a weathered clay crust

Triaxial compression and oedometer consolidation tests are commonly performed to evaluate the strength and deformation behavior of soils. However, in the field, the stress paths imposed by various engineering works may deviate from the stress paths conventionally used in laboratory tests. Moreover, the stress-paths followed by different soil elements under a foundation are different. To obtain representative soil parameters, the laboratory stress path should be similar to that followed in the field. In this study, a significant number of stress-path triaxial tests, with stress probes in various directions, have been conducted to study the stress-path dependent behavior of an overconsolidated weathered crust of Champlain clay in Eastern Ontario. Both undrained and drained tests have been conducted for samples isotropically consolidated to the in situ vertical stress and anisotropically consolidated to in situ state of stress. The yield locus of the clay crust has been defined. It has been observed that the strength-deformation and yielding behavior of this weathered clay crust highly depends on the stress-path as well as on the in situ stress history.     

A comparison of rock mass disturbance in TBM and drill and blast drivages at the Donkin Mine,Nova Scotia

Summary The initial phase of the Donkin-Morien project involves the driving of two parallel tunnels through an interbedded sequence of coal measures strata to intersect the Harbour Seam which lies approximately 3.5 km offshore. The No. 2 tunnel was driven a total distance of 3579 m using a 7.6 m diameter full face shielded Lovat TBM and supported by steel ring beams. The No. 3 tunnel was initially driven a distance of 1027 m using conventional drill and blast methods (7.6 m wide by 5.3 m high with a uniradial arch and supported by rock bolts and shotcrete). The TBM was subsequently used to complete the drivage of the No. 3 tunnel to the Harbour Seam.Both the No. 2 and No. 3 tunnels followed a thick sandstone unit at a grade of –20% for the first 900 m. This provided an opportunity to compare the rock mass disturbance resulting from two different excavation methods. A programme of field and laboratory measurements was therefore undertaken, which included: the use of a borehole dilatometer to determinein situ rock modulus,in situ gas permeability testing, seismic reflection surveys on the tunnel walls, and the laboratory testing of core samples.The paper examines the four different techniques used and compares the results obtained.