Lec 5 - Rock Properties
Lec 5 - Rock Properties
Lec 5 - Rock Properties
ROCKS
σ=0
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Engineering Properties of Rocks
Engineers rely on a number of basic measurements to
describe rocks quantitatively.
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Engineering Properties of Rocks
Rock Properties
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Engineering Properties of Rocks
Permeability: The degree of interconnection between pores / fissures,
its variation with change in normal stress assesses the degree of
fissuring of a rock.
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Engineering Properties of Rocks
All of the above are measured on Lab specimens, not rock
masses/ outcrops, which will differ due to discontinuities at
different scales.
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UCS OF ROCKS
Rock Properties
SEE EQUATIONS
IN PENG AND
ZHANG (2007) –
CHAPTER 4
ROCK
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UCS (ASTM D7012-10C)
Uniaxial compression is probably the most widely performed
test on rock.
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UCS
It must be recognised that, because of these effects, the
uniaxial compressive strengths of samples of rock having
the same geological name, can vary widely.
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UCS
The test specimens (right circular cylinders) having a
l:d of 2.5–3.0 and a diameter preferably of NX core
size
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UCS
The use of capping materials or end surface
treatments other than machining is not permitted.
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UCS
Axial load and axial and radial or circumferential
strains or deformations should be recorded
throughout each test.
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UCS
Lab procedure
Cut the sample from the core (with a rock saw)
Polish the ends (with a rock grinder)
Measure the dimensions L and D
Verify flatness of the sample
Use hardened steel plates of equal size
Use spherical seat under the press
Take pictures before and after testing
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UCS
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UCS
Sample result
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Young’s Modulus
It may be calculated in a number of ways, the most
common being:
Tangent Young’s modulus, Et, is the slope of the axial stress–
axial strain curve at some fixed percentage, generally 50%, of
the peak strength.
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Poisson’s Ratio
Poisson’s Ratio
Is the ratio of the radial to axial deformation
n = - er / ea (axial strain)
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Rock Properties
WXD
2L
SEE EQUATIONS IN PENG
AND ZHANG (2007) –
CHAPTER 4 ROCK
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PLT (ASTM D5731-08)
Point Load Test
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PLT
Caution must be exercised in carrying out point load tests
and in interpreting the results
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PLT
A high degree of scatter is a general feature of point load
test results and large numbers of individual determinations
are required in order to obtain reliable indices.
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Multi-axial Compression
Biaxial Compression
Triaxial Compression
Polyaxial Compression
http://img.directindustry.com/images_di/photo-g/biaxial-extensometer-rock-concrete-
asphalt-62911-2402219.jpg
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Rock Properties
Triaxial (confined) strength (ASTM D7012-10A)
L:D = 2.5 to 3
Constant σ3 in each test
Purpose: Mohr-Coulomb or Hoek-Brown criteria, cohesion and
friction angle
σ1
σ3
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Direct Shear Test (ASTM D 3080)
Direct Shear test
Intact rock
Discontinuities
http://www.isotop.co.il/AlbomGalleryImg/210_40311.682222
2222.JPG
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Rock Properties
Brazilian test (ASTM D3967-08)
Purpose: tensile strength
Sample dimensions: t = D
SEE EQUATIONS D
IN PENG AND
ZHANG (2007) –
CHAPTER 4 t
ROCK
PROPERTIES
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Tensile Strength
Indirect tensile strength test – Brazilian test
preferably be not less than NX core size
Loading rate10 to 50 kN/min
L:D = 0.5 to 0.6
Loaded diametrically
st=2P/(pDL)
http://www.geotechdata.info/geotest/brazilian-test.html
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Rock Properties – Practical Tips
It’s best to test at least 5 samples of the same rock type
and of the same size
Point load test is good when the rock is laminar and it is
difficult to cut cylindrical samples
Triaxial is needed to obtain the failure envelope for
numerical modelling
Triaxial test is not required for empirical methods of design
UCS is the most relevant test
Tensile strength is often related to UCS
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References
ASTM Standards.
Brady, B H G and Brown, E T, 2006. Rock mechanics for
underground mining. 3rd edition, Springer, Dordrecht,
Netherlands.
Peng, S and Zhang, J, 2007. Engineering geology for
underground rocks. Springer, Berlin, Germany.
Price, D G, 2009. Engineering geology: principles and
practice. De Freihtas, M H (ed). Springer-Verlag, Berlin,
Germany.
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