Rock Mass Characterization for Dam Foundations
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 116, Issue 4
Abstract
Classification systems define rock mass zones that represent the potential behavior of the rock mass when subjected to load changes. Rock mass characterization, as opposed to rock mass classification, is described by an example of the right‐abutment ridge, Thomson Dam, Australia. Geological investigations demarcate the discontinuities into sets covering specific zones or domains. Samples from these rock zones are retrieved and indexed and the zones are then bounded and classified. From selected sites, discontinuity samples are retrieved and laboratory‐tested for strength and stiffness. Rock material moduli and joint stiffnesses are combined using two simple models representing the constraints of equilibrium and compatibility, and produce the predicted rock mass' anisotropic moduli. Measured in situ rock mass moduli are compared with predicted moduli. Of the various discontinuity types, the bedding plane thrust faults have the lowest strengths and greatest deformational potential. Fault gouge and its association with clay content control the friction angle and deformability potential.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Barton, N. (1976). “Recent experiences with the Q‐system of tunnel support design,” Proc. Symp. Exploration Rock Engrg., Geotechnical Division of South African Institute of Civil Engineers, 107–117.
2.
Barton, N. (1980). Discussion of “The ultimate frictional resistance of rock discontinuities,”by J. Krahn and N. R. Morgenstern., Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech. Abst., 17, 75–78.
3.
Bieniawski, Z. T. (1976). “Rock mass classification in rock engineering.” Proc. Symp. Exploration Rock Engrg., Geotechnical Division of South African Institute of Civil Engineers, 97–106.
4.
Binnie, G. M., Clark, J. F. F., and Skempton, A. W. (1967). The effect of discontinuities in clay bedrock on the design of dams in the Mangla project. Commission Internationale des Grand Barrages, Instanbul, Turkey, 165–183.
5.
Chappell, B. A. (1986). “Stress distribution in anisotropic compliance of jointed rock.” J. Geotech. Engrg., ASCE, 112(7), 682–700.
6.
Chappell, B. A. (1987a). “Predicted and measured rock mass moduli.” J. of Mining Sci. and Tech., 6(1), 89–104.
7.
Chappell, B. A. (1987b). “Deformation control in excavating unstable slopes.” J. Geotech. Engrg., ASCE, 113(4), 299–319.
8.
Chappell, B. A. (1989a). “Rock reinforcement and slope stability.” Rock mechanics manual, L. Muller and P. Michelis, eds.
9.
Chappell, B. A. (1989b). “Rock bolts and shear stiffness in jointed rock masses.” J. Geotech. Engrg., ASCE, 115(2), 179–197.
10.
Kirkaldie, L. (1988). “Rock classification systems for engineering purposes.” STP 984, Amer. Society for Testing and Materials.
11.
Martin, R. P., and Henker, S. R. (1986). “Principles for description and classification of weathered rock for engineering purposes.” Special Publication 2, Div. of Soil Mech. of Inst. of Engrs., 299–308.
12.
McMahon, B. K., Douglas, D. J., and Burgess, P. J. (1975). “Engineering classification of sedimentary rocks in the Sydney Basin.” Aust. Geomech. J., 65(1), 52.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 1990 ASCE.
History
Published online: Apr 1, 1990
Published in print: Apr 1990
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.