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.     

利用位场及其高阶导数的功率谱计算岩层的深度与厚度

本文导出了利用重力与磁异常及其高阶导数的功率谱计算密度体和磁性体上顶与下底埋深的近似公式,还提供了利用垂向或水平导数谱计算深度的方法。理论模型的试验结果表明,由近似公式计算的精度可以满足实际需要。本文最后根据一条重力剖面资料,计算了密度层上、下界面。     

Influence of “stress reversal” on rock resistivity during loading procedure

The properties of rock resitivity were studied under pressure, particularly with “stress reversal”, a procedure in which the pressure applied was increased and decreased. It was observed that, 1) With pressure increasing, the main feature of resistivity change was increase-steady-decrease for high-saturation rock samples (saturation 70–100%). But the main feature for low-saturation samples was different. 2) In 10 out of 11 cases of “stress reversal” for high-saturation samples the resistivity droped (about 2%). Such drop could explain the anomalies in geoelectricity terms, which are commonly observed before earthquakes in China. 3) It was also observed shortly before rock failure that, a) the resistivity drops more dramatically (about 20%) during “stress reversal” period, which is much more than ordinary drops. b) these drops occurred not only during stress decrease but also during stress increase. c) Resistivity exhibits anisotropy: the resistivity along different directions may differ by 10%. These three features may indicate that the rock is nearing failure, while ordinary resistivity drops are only connected with “stress reversal” and may not mean the imminence of rock failure. 4) Resistivity increase was observed during the “stress reversal” period for low-saturation rock samples. The results mentioned above were explained with the effect of water flowing in and out of the cracks of rock. The temporary factors which yield a reduction of the maximum main stress, may enhence the possibility of earthquake occurrence.     

岩石分级的理论与实践

本文在介绍国际上的两个分级系统和国内的三个单项岩石分级及岩石三性综合分级的基础上，结合实例阐述了岩石分级理论和应用的新进展，并进一步讨论了岩石分级课题在深度和广度两个方面扩展的问题。     

岩体结构面粗糙度系数JRC的定向统计研究

本文回顾了岩体结构面粗糙度系数ＪＲＣ的研究成果，分析了各种ＪＲＣ研究方法的应用范围。在野外实际结构面形态的详细调查和深入研究的基础上，发展了Ｂａｒｔｏｎ直边法，并提出按岩性定向统计研究结构面粗糙度系数ＪＲＣ的科学思想。     

The frictional behavior of lizardite and antigorite serpentinites: Experiments,constitutive models,and implications for natural faults

Laboratory studies of the frictional behavior of rocks can provide important information about the strength and sliding stability of natural faults. We have conducted friction experiments on antigorite and lizardite serpentinites, rocks common to both continental and oceanic crustal faults. We conducted both velocity-step tests and timed-hold tests on bare surfaces and gouge layers of serpentinite at room temperature. We find that the coefficient of friction of lizardite serpentinite is quite low (0.15–0.35) and could explain the apparent low stresses observed on crustal transform faults, while that of antigorite serpentinite is comparable to other crustal rocks (0.50–0.85). The frictional behavior of both types of serpentinite is well described by a two-mechanism model combining state-variable-dominated behavior at high slip velocities and flow-dominated behavior at low velocities. The two-mechanism model is supported by data from velocity-step tests and timed-hold tests. The low velocity behavior of serpentinite is strongly rate strengthening and should result in stable fault creep on natural faults containing either antigorite or lizardite serpentinite.     

Diurnal freeze–thaw depth in rockwalls: Field measurements and theoretical considerations

Rock temperatures were monitored for a year at two alpine rockwalls in the Akaishi Range, Japan, where permafrost is absent. Diurnal frost and thaw penetration depths were evaluated from subsurface isotherms drawn on the basis of the temperature records at 0, 10 and 40 cm depths. The surface of the rockwalls experienced more than 100 diurnal freeze-thaw cycles, most of which accompanied a frost or thaw penetration shallower than 50 cm, and several long duration cycles with deeper frost or thaw penetration. Theoretical frost and thaw depths were also calculated by incorporating the surface freezing indices into the modified Berggren equation, the results from which were then compared with the actual values. The modified Berggren equation provided values that showed a strong correlation with observed depths, despite somewhat underestimating the actual values. Using the modified Berggren equation, the seasonal frost depth in the observed winter was estimated to be about 4·5 m. The frost and thaw depths are considered to give the maximum estimation of the depth to which frost-induced cracking can propagate in the bedrock.     

Tafoni on coastal slopes,South Devon,U.K.

Cavernous weathering (tafoni development) occurs on coastal slopes in greenschist bedrock at elevations up to 40 m above sea level. The freshly weathered surfaces of the cavern interiors are irregular in morphology, discordant to major rock structure, formed by substantially weakened rock and associated with granular weathering debris. The weathering debris contains soluble elements in proportions similar to those present in seawater, and the penetration of elements associated with sea salts into the weathering surface to estimated depths of at least 0·1–0·2 m is indicated by the presence of chlorine. Scanning electron microscopy and microprobe analyses suggest that rock breakdown occurs principally through limited chemical weathering at grain boundaries. The mechanism for the emplacement of marine salts within sheltered rock surfaces in the tafoni is postulated to be a combination of dry deposition under turbulent atmospheric conditions and wetting by coastal fog.