A comprehensive method of rock mass characterization for indicating natural slope instability

1996 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Mazzoccola ◽  
J. A. Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Natural Slope ◽  
Rock Mass Characterization ◽  
Comprehensive Method

Rock mass characterization to indicate slope instability at Bandarban, Bangladesh; a rock engineering systems approach

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Mohammed Ali ◽  
Khaled Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Engineering Systems ◽  
Ancillary Data ◽  
Rock Engineering ◽  
Rock Mass Characterization ◽  
Rock Engineering Systems ◽  
Lithostratigraphic Units

Abstract A Rock Engineering Systems (RES) approach was adopted for rock mass characterization to indicate unstable slopes along the main roads of Bandarban Sadar Thana, Bandarban district of southeastern Bangladesh. The research work was based on a thorough field investigation, which was followed by geomathematical analyses of collected data. Fieldwork was carried out along two roads in Bandarban Sadar Thana of Bandarban. The slopes are composed of rocks of the lithostratigraphic units--the Surma and Tipam Group. Data on probable parameters related to slope instability were collected for the analyses. Based on the findings of the field investigation, literature review and collected ancillary data, 13 parameters were found relevant to slope instability. For the geomathematical analysis, matrix coding was done and rating values were designated for subcategories of each parameter to construct pull down menus. Finally, Rock Mass Instability Index (RMIIj) was calculated for each slope; higher values of RMIIj indicate higher degrees of slope instability. For the purpose of verification of the RES methodology and results, several stable slopes were included in the field study and geomathematical analyses. It was found that the unstable slopes had a RMIIj value ranging between 43.99 and 65.27, whereas the stable slopes were found to have RMIIj values between 14.04 and 39.10. Therefore, the adapted RES method of rock mass characterization based on RMIIj values was found effective in differentiating the studied slopes based on their degree of slope instability.

scholarly journals Fracture System and Rock-Mass Characterization by Borehole Camera Surveying: Application in Dimension Stone Investigations in Geologically Complex Structures

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 764
Author(s):  
Ivica Pavičić ◽  
Ivo Galić ◽  
Mišo Kucelj ◽  
Ivan Dragičević
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Fractured Rock ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Fracture Pattern ◽  
Dimension Stone ◽  
Rock Mass Characterization ◽  
Size And Shape ◽  
Distribution Parameters ◽  
Borehole Camera ◽  
Fracture Distribution

The successful exploration of dimension stone mainly depends on the quality, size, and shape of extractable blocks of dimension stone. The investigated area is in the Pelješac Peninsula (Croatia), in the External Dinarides orogeny, built from thick carbonate succession, characterized by relatively small deposits of high-quality dimension stone. These conditions demand challenging geological investigations in the “pre-quarry” phase to find optimal quarry location. The size and shape of dimension stone blocks are mainly controlled by fracture pattern systems. In the rugged, covered terrains, it is very hard to obtain a satisfactory amount of fracture data from the surface, so it is necessary to collect them from the underground. Borehole camera technology can visualize the inner part of the rock mass and measure the fracture characteristics. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) the digital borehole camera technology provides a quick, effective, and low-cost geological survey of fractured rock mass; (2) statistical fracture distribution parameters, P10, fracture spacing, Volumetric Joint Count (Jv) based on borehole wall survey can reflect the integrity of rock mass, providing a solid decision-making base for further investment plans and dimension stone excavation method.

scholarly journals Assessment of Slope Instability and Risk Analysis of Road Cut Slopes in Lashotor Pass, Iran

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hossein Taherynia ◽  
Mojtaba Mohammadi ◽  
Rasoul Ajalloeian
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Risk Analysis ◽  
Rock Slope ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Rock Slope Stability ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Cut Slopes ◽  
Road Cut Slopes

Assessment of the stability of natural and artificial rock slopes is an important topic in the rock mechanics sciences. One of the most widely used methods for this purpose is the classification of the slope rock mass. In the recent decades, several rock slope classification systems are presented by many researchers. Each one of these rock mass classification systems uses different parameters and rating systems. These differences are due to the diversity of affecting parameters and the degree of influence on the rock slope stability. Another important point in rock slope stability is appraisal hazard and risk analysis. In the risk analysis, the degree of danger of rock slope instability is determined. The Lashotor pass is located in the Shiraz-Isfahan highway in Iran. Field surveys indicate that there are high potentialities of instability in the road cut slopes of the Lashotor pass. In the current paper, the stability of the rock slopes in the Lashotor pass is studied comprehensively with different classification methods. For risk analyses, we estimated dangerous area by use of the RocFall software. Furthermore, the dangers of falling rocks for the vehicles passing the Lashotor pass are estimated according to rockfall hazard rating system.

scholarly journals Chasing a hidden fracture using seismic refraction tomography: case study Preonzo, Switzerland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Häusler ◽  
Franziska Glüer ◽  
Jan Burjánek ◽  
Donat Fäh
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Mode Analysis ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Small Aperture ◽  
Higher Modes ◽  
Refraction Tomography ◽  
Tension Cracks ◽  
Unstable Rock

<p>The Preonzo rock slope instability in southern Switzerland partly collapsed in 2012, releasing a volume of ~210’000 m3 and leaving behind an unstable rock mass of about 140’000 m3. Shortly after the collapse, a small-aperture seismic array measurement was performed on the remaining unstable volume. The analysis of these data showed a fundamental resonance frequency of about 3.5 Hz and strong wavefield amplifications with factors of more than 30 in direction perpendicular to open tension cracks. Normal mode analysis by frequency domain decomposition using the fundamental and several higher modes allowed for mapping the fracture network of the instability.<br>However, the observed amplification factors and mode shapes could not be explained solely by the open tension cracks visible at the surface. Strong amplifications, especially at frequencies of higher modes, were observed on the uphill part of the rear fracture, which was supposed to be outside the presumed unstable area. The zone where amplifications rapidly decreased in the uphill direction coincides roughly with a geomorphological lineament in the field, interpreted as an additional, but hidden, rear fracture. <br>We performed active seismic refraction tomography across this lineament and discovered distinct low velocity anomalies in the transition zone from high to low amplifications, supporting the interpretation of an additional fracture. Considering this new finding, the volume of the unstable rock mass increases by about 40 %. </p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document