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Weathering Profiles of Some Sandstones from Sunshine Coast, Australia –

Morphological and Geotechnical Approach

Conference Paper · June 2015

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1311.6005

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ARMA 15-abstract/44

Weathering Profiles of Some Sandstones from Sunshine

Coast, Australia – Morphological and Geotechnical Approach
Marques, E. A. G.
Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Williams, D. J.
School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Copyright 2015 ARMA, American Rock Mechanics Association

th
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 49 US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium held in San Francisco, CA, USA, 28 June-
1 July 2015.
This paper was selected for presentation at the symposium by an ARMA Technical Program Committee based on a technical and critical review of
the paper by a minimum of two technical reviewers. The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of ARMA, its officers, or
members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written consent of ARMA
is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 200 words; illustrations may not be copied. The
abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgement of where and by whom the paper was presented.

ABSTRACT: This paper presents the results of a study of the morphology of weathering profiles of some sandstones of Sunshine
Coast, Southeast Queensland, Australia. Several cut slopes were analyzed in order to provide accurate knowledge of its
morphological characteristics. From these, five outcrops were selected to a more detailed study focused on physical, geological,
structural and geotechnical parameters, including several characteristics of the rock matrix and rock mass. Samples from the upper
portion of the profiles, into the transition zone between rock and soil, were collected in order to determine physical indices,
preparation and description of thin sections, description of macroscopic characteristics and point load tests. The results show that
sandstones weathering profiles are relatively thin and the contacts between different material layers are sharp. A strong structural
conditioning of weathering can be noted in all outcrops. A remarkable characteristic of the weathering profiles is the presence of
stress relief joints parallel to bedding, which plays an important role in the differentiation of rock mass layers and weathering.
Physical parameters, especially apparent porosity and density, have proved to be good indicators of weathering of rock matrix
weathering.
found in South-East Queensland, Australia. These
1. INTRODUCTION
profiles were developed under sub-tropical climatic
The importance of the study of weathering profiles is conditions and the study is part of more general research
mainly related to the presence of transitional weathered that involves two other rock types (basalts and phyllites)
materials between the rock and the soil, which present developed under two different climatic conditions, sub-
different geotechnical parameters and, as a consequence, tropical (South-East Queensland) and tropical (South-
different geotechnical behavior. The presence of these East Brazil).
weathering profiles at a geotechnical work site such as
Myrtle Creek and Landsborough sandstones are found in
cut slopes, foundations and open and underground
the higher areas of Caloundra, Point Cartwright,
excavations, drives geotechnical stability, as weathering
Moolaba, Coolum and Noosa [6]. Landsborough
produces material with extremely different mechanical
sandstone is white and yellow, fine to coarse-grained,
parameters [1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]. Add to this scenario is the
quartz-rich rock. Myrtle Creek sandstone is a white grey,
presence of structural discontinuities that, besides
medium to coarse-grained, quartz-rich rock, with
influencing underground water circulation and hence
predominantly siliceous cement (ferrous cement can be
weathering, introduces great variations in mechanical
also found) and lithic grains (siltstone, shale and
behavior. This context presents an important and
volcanic rock).
complex geotechnical instability mechanism of rock
masses that has been responsible for many geotechnical Several weathering classification schemes have been
problems under different weathering (climatic) proposed, such as [1, 2, 7 and 8]; this last one being one
conditions. of the most widely-used (Table 1), and which is adopted
in the present study. Additionally, some practical tests
The main purpose of this paper is to present the results
such as strength under a geological hammer/pocket
of a detailed morphological, structural, physical and
knife/hand pressure, and discoloration, were used.
mineralogical characterization of the transitional zone
Physical parameters (dry/wet density, porosity, and
between rock and soil in the weathering profiles of two
water absorption capacity), and Schmidt hammer tests,
common sandstones (Myrtle Creek and Landsborough)
were performed in accordance with [8]. Mineralogy was
identified based on visualization through a pocket and physical parameter testing were based on samples
magnifier by an experienced geologist. Table 2 lists all from all five weathering profiles. Results from
characteristics, descriptions and parameters evaluated for microspetrographic index and point load tests will not be
each weathering profile, for the rock mass and rock presented in this paper. A more detailed description of
matrix, separately. The results of field characterization all methods can be found in [9].

Table 1. ISRM (2007) suggestion for classification and description of rock masses.
Term Description Class
No visible sign of matrix weathering; some rock discoloration may be present
Sound Rock (SR) I
along main discontinuities.
Discoloration of rock indicates beginning of rock matrix weathering and along
Slightly Weathered Rock (SW) discontinuities surfaces. All rock matrix can be discolored by weathering and can II
be slightly softer externally than in sound condition.
Moderately Weathered Rock Lower than half of rock matrix is decomposed or disintegrated to soil condition.
III
(MW) Sound or discolored rock is present forming discontinue zones or as corestones.
More than half of rock matrix is decomposed or disintegrated to soil condition.
Highly Weathered Rock (HW) IV
Sound or discolored rock is present forming discontinue zones or as corestones.
Completely Weathered Rock All rock matrix is decomposed or disintegrated to soil condition. Original
V
(CW) structure of rock mass is commonly preserved.
All rock is transformed into soil. Geological structure of rock mass is destroyed.
Residual Soil (RS) VI
There is a great volume variation, but no soil significant soil transport is present.

Table 2. Parameters evaluated for each layer identified in the weathering profiles.

Rock Mass Characteristics Rock Matrix Characteristics

- Soil or rock behavior - Name and genetic type of rock
- Soil:Rock ratio (percentage of soil and rock volume to the total volume) - Texture (grain size, color, signs of weathering,
- Type and attitude of geological structures fabric, presence of orientation, etc.)
- Volumetric joint counting (Jv), as defined by (Palmstrom, 2005) - Weathering grades (based on [8])
- Rock Quality Designation - RQD (based on Jv) - Physical properties (dry and saturated density,
- Characteristics of discontinuities (spacing, persistence, aperture, porosity, water absorption capacity)
presence and type of filling material, Joint Roughness Coefficient - JRC) - Microscopic indexes: microfracturing and
- Joint Compressive Strength (JCS) micropetrographic. Not shown in this paper
- If – Discontinuity spacing (m) - Point load – not shown in this paper

2. PROFILES STUDIED characterization, including field tests and the collection

of samples for laboratory tests and thin section analysis,
Fourteen sandstone weathering profiles were visited in
as listed in Table 2.
order to define typical weathering morphologies and
variations. From these, five (Figure 1 and Table 3) were
selected for a more detailed description and
Fig. 1. Locations of sandstone weathering profiles. Visited profiles are shown in dark blue; detailed, described and sampled
profiles are shown in light blue.

Table 3. Location and geographic coordinates (UTM – Universal Transverse Mercator) of the weathering profiles described and
sampled.
UTM Coordinates
Profile Geological
Location (56J - WGS84)
Id Unit
Northing Easting
SST01 A road cutting on David Low Way, 250 m before Petrie Creek Road. Landsborough 7.053.880 504.067
A 13 m high cliff face in front of the beach on Andrew Street, Point
SST02 Myrtle Creek 7.063.751 510.205
Arkwright.
A 2.0 to 2.5 m high road cutting on Groundview Drive, just before
SST03 Myrtle Creek 7.064.795 509.118
the intersection with Fauna Terrace, Coolum Beach.
SST04 A cliff below Point Cartwright Lighthouse, Point Cartwright. Landsborough 7.049.053 513.815
A 3.0 m high road cutting at Golf Link Road, just in front of the
SST05 Landsborough 7.048.577 508.854
intersection with Royal Palm Drive, Mountain Creek.

3. RESULTS Three main morphological characteristics can be noted

in these weathering profiles (Figures 2 and 3):
Some results obtained for Myrtle Creek and
Landsborough sandstones are presented in the following • a sharp contact between soil and rock and
paragraphs, in which some specific characteristics are between different weathering classes (Table 1);
highlighted.
• a limited soil thickness in the upper portion of
the profile; and
3.1. Morphology of Weathering Profiles • stress relief joints control the morphology, as
A consistent knowledge of the main characteristics and these structures define the contacts between the
controls of sandstone weathering profiles in South-east different weathering classes.
Queensland has been achieved through field inspection
and description.
 (a) (b)

(c)
Fig. 2. Examples of the morphology of sandstones – (a) Myrtle Creek sandstone (SST02); (b) Landsborough sandstone (SST05);
and (c) SST03. Note the stress relief joint in (a) (parallel to the surface), which controls the development of weathering and the
reduced thickness of the superficial soil layer. As bedding presents a higher dip angle in (c), the stress relief joints (and, as a
consequence, contacts between different weathering materials) also present higher dip.

As mentioned, the contacts between different weathering

classes are sharp and controlled by stress relief joints
and, sometimes, by tectonic fractures, as observed in
SST03. The stress relief process caused by erosion and
tectonic uplift takes advantage of the fact that the main
structure present in sandstones is bedding, which is
usually parallel/sub-parallel to the surface and presents
low dip (between 00 and 200). Hence, the stress relief
joints are commonly generated along the bedding. When
the dip of the bedding is steeper than 200, stress relief
joints also present a higher dip angle and the weathering
pattern is more irregular (Fig. 1c). This occurs because
the contact between the different weathering classes also
depends upon tectonic fractures.
Figure 3 shows some effects of weathering along stress
relief joints parallel to bedding, as a more weathered
material (Class IV and Class V) occurs along stress Fig. 3. An example of more weathered material (profile
relief joints coinciding with pre-existing bedding planes. SST01, Class IV and Class V) along bedding planes. The
Another important control is the presence of shale, process occurs due to stress relief.
claystone and siltstone layers (Figure 4). Whenever these
rocks are present, the weathering is more intense and
thicker Class V materials usually occur.
 supported, but a considerable amount of matrix infill is
present. Bedding is visible in some samples and is
delineated by grains, matrix material and iron oxide film.
Two grain sizes predominate, between 0.2 mm and
0.5 mm and other between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm. Locally,
crystal grains of up 2.0 mm can be seen. Mineral content
mainly comprises quartz, rock fragments, biotite,
muscovite and iron oxide. Clay minerals, opaques,
zircon and chlorite occur as accessories.
Lansborough sandstone is also a quartz-rich rock, with
well-defined bedding delineated by quartz grains and
iron oxide films. Bedding can be observed both unaided
and under a microscope. It is moderately to well-
selected, with predominantly angular grains (some sub-
rounded grains also occur) of low sphericity. Grain size
Fig. 4. Profile SST 04. Detail of more weathered shale along varies between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. Only the sandstone
bedding.
from profile SST06 presents a coarser grain size
(between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm). Mineral content
comprises quartz, feldspar (plagioclase and microcline as
3.2. Macroscopic Mineralogy and Fabric
accessories), iron oxide, matrix, rock fragment, biotite,
Detailed field descriptions of weathering profiles from muscovite and chlorite. Pyroxene occurs as an accessory
Myrtle Creek and two from Landsborough sandstone and clay minerals also occurs on more weathered
allowed the characterization of the main changes caused surfaces. Table 4 presents a summary of the main
by weathering. macroscopic characteristics (mineralogical and textural)
Myrtle Creek sandstone is a quartz-rich rock, moderately of all weathering classes observed on the weathering
to well-selected, equi-granular, with rounded and profiles studied.
angular grains of low sphericity. The rock is grain-
Table 4. Main macroscopic changes of rock matrix and rock mass for different weathering classes of Myrtle Creek and
Landsborough sandstones.
Rock
Weathering Description
Class
Hard rock (several blows of geological hammer are necessary to break it), fine to medium (Landsborough) and
medium to coarse (Myrtle Creek), angular/sub-angular (both sandstones) to rounded grains (Myrtle Creek), slightly
II to II/III to moderately weathered. In SST04 Class II material prevails. Mineralogy mainly comprises quartz, opaques and a
(SW) slightly weathered matrix (clay minerals). Iron oxides can also be seen. Main structures are bedding, cross-bedding
and sub-vertical tectonic fractures, and can present iron oxide precipitation. Shale layers (some centimeters in
width) occur parallel to the bedding.
Rock matrix is moderately weathered and more friable than Class II/III materials. Some hammer blows are
necessary to break the rock. Red stains, resulting from iron oxide precipitation, occur. The only mineralogical
III (MW)
change is the increase of iron oxide when compared to Class II and II/III materials. Fracturing also increases.
Contact with the underlying layer is sharp and controlled by bedding planes.
Moderately to completely weathered rock. The main differences from Class III are higher fracturing; higher matrix
weathering (higher iron oxide and clay minerals presence); and higher weathering along discontinuities, resulting
III/IV (MW
in an increase in the soil:rock ratio. Residual soil occurs on discontinuities along bedding. Bedding is sub-
to HW)
horizontal (0 to 210) and controls contacts with underlying and overlying layers. In SST03 sub-vertical tectonic
fractures also control the limits between the different weathering classes.
Highly weathered material predominates but residual soil and a moderately weathered rock matrix can occur. Iron
and kaolinite-like zones are more common than in Class III/IV. It is possible to break the rock with only one
IV (HW)
hammer blow or to disaggregate it under finger pressure (with difficulty). Highly weathered (Class V) shale and
siltstone can occur inserted parallel to the bedding. Fracturing is higher than in Class III/IV.
Young residual soil. This layer does not occur in SST02 and occurs only at some locations in SST04. Weathered
V (SR) (Class III and IV) rock blocks occur surrounded by residual soil. Sandy to silt-sandy texture. Thickness varying
from 0.15 to 1.5 m.
Fig. 5. Examples of weathering effects over sandstone rock matrix. From left to right, Class II, Class III, Class III/IV
and Class IV materials from Myrtle Creek sandstone (SST02 and SST03 profiles).

3.3. Physical Characterization saturation of Class IV and Class V materials, as they are
very friable and complete disaggregate under pressure.
Physical characterization was based on apparent
Also, the use methods suggested in [8] imply an initial
porosity, dry and wet densities and water absorption
brushing of the samples, which leads to the elimination
capacity measured for all layers from all profiles. Table
of more the weathered material present on the rock
5 presents the results, while Figure 6 shows the average
samples and thus, to some unreliable results. As an
values down the weathering profiles of the sandstones.
alternative, the authors have used a submersion
All physical parameters show a good relationship with
technique, in which samples are submitted to a
weathering. Porosity and water absorption capacity
progressive submersion process in the absence of a
constantly increase with increasing weathering, while
vacuum. In this procedure, samples were considered
density (dry and wet) shows a reduction. All results are
saturated after a minimum of 24 hours submersion and
in accordance with those presented by [2] for sandstone
after three consecutive equal weight measures. The
from New South Wales, Australia.
authors emphasize that alternative procedures for sample
All tests were performed by using [8] suggested saturation should be developed for more weathered
methods, but it must be pointed that it was not possible materials.
to use the proposed ISRM method for the vacuum
Table 5. Results of physical parameters for Myrtle Creek sandstones.
Weathering Density (kg/m3) Porosity Water Absorption
Profile Id
Class Dry Wet (%) Capacity (%)
IV 2003 2211 20.81 10.39
SST01
III/IV 2379 2559 17.97 7.55
IV 2162 2320 15.80 7.31
SST02 III 2201 2357 15.60 7.09
II/III 2286 2423 13.72 6.00
IV 2287 2410 12.27 5.37
SST03
III/IV 2425 2500 7.50 3.09
IV 2130 2311 18.10 8.50
SST04 III/IV 2297 2426 12.95 5.64
II 2516 2589 7.32 2.91
IV 2272 2407 13.57 5.97
SST05
III 2405 2487 8.22 3.24

3.4. Geotechnical Characterization to [2], while rock quality designation (RQD) was
determined based on the volumetric joint count (JV)
Geotechnical characterization was based on several field
value, according to [10].
and laboratory tests (Table 2), but only the field test
results will be presented in this paper. Table 6 presents
those results. Fracture spacing was determined according
 30   12  

Porosity (%)

Water Absorption
10  

Capacity (%)
20  
8  
10   6  
4  
0  
II/III III III/IV IV 2  
0  
Weathering Classes
II/III III III/IV IV
Weathering Classes
(a)
2800 (c)
Density (Kg/m3)
Saturated (Wet)

2600 Fig. 6. Graphs showing variation of (a) average porosity, (b)

density, and (c) and water absorption capacity and its variation
2400 with weathering class.
2200
2000
II/III III III/IV IV
Weathering Classes

(b)
Table 6. Results of field tests measurements for each weathering class of Myrtle Creek and Landsborough sandstones.
Fracture
Profile Weathering Soil:Rock RQD JCS
If (m) Aperta Persb
Id Class Ratio (%) (%) (MPa) JRC Fillingc
(mm) (m)
Frd – 0.5 Fr – 1-100
IV 20-25 e 81 N.D. Fr – 0,5
B – 0.05-0.5 10-12 B – 1-2
SST01 B - >30 RS
Fr – 0.6-1.2 10-12 Fr – 1-2
III/IV 10-15 85 10-11
B – 0.1-1.0 B – 20-40
B – 60 Fr – 1,0
IV 8-10 B/Fr- 0.02 – 0.08 0 << 10 4-6 &
Fr – 1-2 B - ≤5
6-8
OFe + SR
B – 0.04-0.1 4-6 &
SST02 III 5 50 22.8 B/Fr - 2 Fr – 0,5
Fr – 0.35-0.4 6-8
B–5
4-6 &
II/III 0 B/Fr – 0.9-1.2 92 43.0 B/Fr – 2 B/Fr – 5
6-8
B – 0.2-0.4 B – 10 Fr – 0,1-0,2
IV 2-5 73 12.0
Fr – 0.1-0.2 6-8 Fr - ≤50 B – 0,2-0,4 OFe + little
SST03
6-8 B – 2-3 Fr – 1-1,5 RS
III/IV 1 Fr/B – 0.8-1.0 98 27.7
Fr – 1 B – 5-6
IV 10-15 B/Fr – 0,15 51 N.D. 3-5 Fr – 0,8-1,0
4-6 OFe & OMn
III/IV 5 B/Fr – 0,25 80 26.0 1-2 B–2
4-6 &
SST04 6-8
Fr1 – 1.0-1.5 Fr – 1,2
II 0 87 45.5 4-6 e Sealed OFe
Fr2 – 0.2->3,0 B–3
6-8 OFe
B –> 20
B – 2-3 B – 60
IV 10-15 55 23.0 B - >10
Fr – 0.2-1 Fr – 20-30
SST05 4-6 Shale RS
Fr – 0,6
III 0 Fr – 0.5->1 99 37.5 20-30
B - >10
a
Apert = Average aperture; b Pers = Average persistence; c Filling = Filling material; d Fr = Fracture, e B = Bedding. N.D. = Not Determined;
OFe = Iron oxide; OMn = Manganese oxide; RS = Residual soil; If = Discontinuity spacing.

Several measured parameters did not show good JCS show good relationships with weathering. Soil:rock
relationships with weathering, as they vary randomly, ratio and aperture show positive variations with
and cannot be used to identify different weathering increasing weathering, while If and JCS show negative
classes. Nevertheless, some parameters, such as soil:rock variations. JCS tests were performed by using an N-type
ratio, fracturing index (If), aperture and, unexpectedly, Schmidt hammer, suitable for hard materials. Hence, the
results for Class IV materials with strengths lower than 7. International Association on Engineering Geology and
10 MPa were not measured. The results show that JCS the Environment (IAEG), 1981. Rock and soil
can be used as index for weathering, but further tests description and classification for engineering
with an L-type Schmidt hammer should be performed. geological mapping. Bull. Int. Assoc. Eng. Geol. 24,
235–274.
8. International Society on Rock Mechanics (ISRM),
4. CONCLUSIONS 2007. The complete ISRM suggested methods for rock
characterization, testing and monitoring: 1974–2006,
Weathering profiles of Myrtle Creek and Landsborough eds.: Ulsay, R. and Hudson, J. 628 pp.
sandstones present distinct morphological characteristics
that allow the identification of different weathering 9. Marques, E.A.G., 2015. Morphological and
mineralogical characterization of weathering profiles
materials. Contacts between the weathering materials (or
in Some Rocks from Southeast Queensland, Australia.
classes) are sharp and controlled by bedding, tectonic Technical Report. 106 p. (In Portuguese)
fractures and stress relief joints that develop parallel to
the two first structures. Physical parameters show good 10. Palmstrom, A., 2005. Measurements of and
correlation with weathering and can be used as indices Correlations between Block Size and Rock Quality
Designation (RQD). Tunnels and Underground Space
for the weathering of these sandstones. Also, some field
Technology. 20, 362-377.
parameters and characteristics, such as Soil:Rock ratio,
fracturing index and JCS can be used as indices for
weathering differentiation.

5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank the CAPES Foundation, Ministry of
Education of Brazil and Universidade Federal de Viçosa
for the grant that supported the sabbatical of the first
author and The University of Queensland for providing
laboratory facilities for the research.

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