SKAB2712

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND ROCK MECHANICS

ASSIGNMENT
(ROCK MECHANICS)
YEAR/PROGRAMME : 2/SKAW – BACHELOR IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
LECTURER : DR. DAYANG ZULAIKA BINTI ABANG HASBOLLAH

GROUP MEMBERS :-
FARHAN BIN MOHD PAUZI A17KA0034
MOHAMAD FIKRI BIN ZAMBERI A17KA0065
SYAHMI ADLI ANWAR BIN SHAHARUDIN A17KA0190
MUHAMMAD MUSA BIN YUSOF A17KA0105
QUESTION 1. Answer the following questions : (21 marks)

(a) With regard to rock properties, define what is mass property and material property?

Rock masses can be considered to be function of a number of measureable parameters, with respect
to their geomechanical properties display in massive and actual form.

The properties are determined based on weathering, material strength, stratification of lithologies,
frequency of jointing, discontinuities, bedding, orientation of joints, infill materials and faults.

The material properties refer to the nature of rock in a relatively smaller scale such as mineral
composition, grain size, strength and hardness.
(3 marks)

(b) In terms of capability of rock to sustain load, which one tends to be LOWER in terms of value,
is it mass strength or material strength? State the reason why?

Mass strength
- This is because mass strength is always associated with rock mass. As can be seen, the rock
mass is discontinuous (large-scale), weathered and exhibiting various types of weakness plane.
(3 marks)

(c) For terms and properties listed in the following table indicate whether it is associated with rock
mass or rock material?

No. Term / Property Rock Mass / Rock Material

1 Safe Bearing Pressure (SBP) of bedrock Mass Property
2 Weathering Zone (Zone 1 to 6) Mass Property
3 Slake Durability Index (SDI) Material Property
4 Rock Quality Designation (RQD) Mass Property
5 Weathering Grade (Grade I to VI) Material Property
6 Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) Material Property
7 Average Young’s Modulus (E) Mass Property
8 Primary-wave velocity (Vp) from field seismic survey Material Property
(4 marks)
(d) Figure 1 shows rock samples being tested for their uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). Some
samples display fracture/weakness planes that are at different orientation with respect to the
loading axis (as shown by the arrows). The loading configuration of each sample is shown in
(i) to (v). Answer the following questions :

Between samples (ii) and (iii), which one (iii)

will display a lower strain at failure?

Between sample (ii) and (iv), which one (iv)

will display a lower Poisson’s ratio?

Because when applying load,

sample (i) tends to crack and have
the same fracture orientation with
Explain briefly why sample (i) and (ii) will sample (ii) (horizontal) even
though sample (i) does not have
exhibit almost similar strengths?
any fracture plane. It means that,
the distribution of the load onto
the sample (i) is uniform as it will
crack at the symmetry axis

Among the 5 samples (i) to (v), which

sample will display the lowest compressive (v) More discontinuity
and joint set
strength? State the reason for your answer.

(1 mark) , (1 mark) , (2 marks) , (2 marks)

(e) Data from the compression test on test on sample (i) is shown in Table B2. Plot the stress versus
strain curve for this sample?

(3 marks)

(f) Based on the plotted curve, calculate the average/tangent Young’s Modulus, (E) and
Poisson’s Ratio, (𝜐) for this sample, at 50% UCS.

Average E at 50% UCS = 29 MPa / 0.21% = (29 ×106 Pa) / 0.0021 = 13.81 GPa
𝜐 at 50% UCS = 𝜀h / 𝜀v = 0.085 / 0.21 = 0.4048
(2 marks)
QUESTION 2. In estimating the in-situ strength of rock mass in the field, several important aspects
of the in-situ rock must considered. The basic approach in estimating the strength
of in situ rock mass is to obtain the laboratory strength properties of the rock
samples, and subsequently, relates these lab properties with the condition of the in-
situ rock mass. Answer the following questions : (16 marks)

(a) Core samples for laboratory strength test were obtained from an in-situ rock mass. From series
of lab tests on Grade I (Fresh) samples the average uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), is
found to be 100 MPa. Field observation indicates that significant portion of the in-situ rock
mass is weathered to Grade II. Based on Figure 2, the range of SRF for Weathering Grade II is
between 0.28 and 1.0. Estimate the range of reduction in strength, in MPa, for the in-situ rock
mass due to its weathered state.

UCS Grade I = 100 MPa

SRF Grade II = 0.28 to 1.0
Range of reduction in strength = (0.28×100) to (1.0×100) = 28 MPa to 100 MPa
(2 marks)
(b) If the range of strength obtained from question (a) above is taken to be the range of safe bearing
pressure for the in situ rock, would it be SAFE (or UNSAFE) to construct a structure on this
rock mass if this structure transmits loading of about 64 MPa (64 MN/m2 )? State a brief
explanation for your answer.

It is safe to construct a structure on this rock mass because the structure transmit loading is in
between the range of SBP which is from 28 MPa to 100 MPa. So, the rock mass has higher strength
to resist the loading and have higher tensile strength.
(3 marks)

(c) The nature of the rock cores obtained from the in-situ rock mass is typically shown in Figure 3.
The core recovery is 100 % and the lengths of intact core (Xi) along the centre axis are measured
and shown in the figure. Calculate the typical RQD for the in-situ rock mass?

Core Length, (CL) = 1500 mm

125 + (95 + 85) + 105 + 120 + 130 + 140 + (70 + 70) + 220
RQD = × 100% = 77.33%
1500
(2 marks)
(d) Based on the RQD value obtained in question (c) and the average laboratory UCS, by using
Figure 4, estimate the Safe Bearing Pressure (SBP) in MPa, for the in situ rock mass (Note:
assume the calculated RQD fall within the range of 70 % RQD and range fracture spacing of
the in situ rock is 200 mm)

UCS = 100 MPa

RQD = 70%
Fracture Spacing = 200 mm
Safe Bearing Pressure, SBP = 8 MPa
(2 marks)

(e) Based on the value of SBP obtained in (d), calculate in %, the compressive strength of the in-
situ rock mass as compared to the UCS of intact samples obtained from lab test? What can be
concluded from this calculation?

SBP = 8 MPa
UCS = 100 MPa
SBP 8
Compressive Strength = × 100% = × 100% = 8%
UCS 100
The compressive strength compared to the UCS samples obtained from the lab test is perfectly
achieved.
(3 marks)

(f) Based on the assessments and calculation undertaken from (a) to (e) above, state 2 major
conditions of the in-situ rock mass that will contribute to the reduction of its mass strength (or
SBP)?

Two major conditions are discontinuity and weathering. The characteristics of discontinuity are
bedding, folding, fault and joints. These discontinuity features induce weakness and defect into
rock bodies. They also effect the rock behaviour when subjected to loading such as stability of
tunnel. Under the influence of weathering, the strength, density and volumetric stability of rock
will be reduced while deformability, porosity and weatherability are increased.
(4 marks)
QUESTION 3. Figure 5(a) and 5(b) show condition of joint system in 2 rock masses. Rock Mass A
exhibits more than 3 joint sets that are very closely spaced (less than 200 mm) and
are intersecting with each other. Rock Mass B exhibits two major joint sets that are
widely spaced (more than 600 mm) and are intersecting with each other. Figure 6(a)
and 6(b) are two probable modes of failure that can be expected if slope face is
excavated both Rock Mass A and Rock Mass B. Answer the following questions :
(13 marks)
(a) If RQD values obtained from volumetric joint count on the 2 rock masses are less than 30%
and more than 80%. Based on each RQD value, in which rock mass (Rock Mass A or B) value
of RQD < 30% and > 80% can be expected?

Figure 5(a)  Rock Mass A have RQD < 30%

Figure 5(b)  Rock Mass B have RQD > 80%
( 2 marks)

(b) Explain one main difference between wedge failure and rock fall?

Wedge failure involves sliding of unstable block along distinctive sliding plane
Rock fall is not associated with sliding of unstable blocks on distinctive sliding plane
(2 marks)

(c) For both Rock Mass A and B, which rock mass will very likely display an unstability due to
rock fall, and unstability due to wedge failure?

Rock Mass A likely display an unstability due to rock fall

Rock Mass B have an unstability due to wedge failure
(2 marks)

(d) If the unstable rock block shown in Figure 6 (a) is more than 2 m3 and weighs more than 0.5
tonnes, recommend one (1) rock reinforcement method to stabilise this slope?

In figure 6 (a), the type of failure is wedge failure. With 2 m3 and mass 0.5 tonnes, the
reinforcement needed is by installing rock bolt because wedge failure is associated with unstable
block that tend to slide along joints or faults. Rock bolt is used to increase inherent/internal strength
of rock, especially shear strength along sliding plane. It also has the characteristic of a permanent
reinforcement.
(2 marks)

(e) For unstability show in Figure 6(b), recommend two (2) rock support methods suitable for this
slope?

Wire-mesh and Shotcrete

(2 marks)

(f) For slope stabilisation, why it is highly recommended to install wire-mesh and shotcrete
together?

When installed together, each system compliments each other, steel wire-mesh imbedded in
shotcrete acts as a reinforcement (like BRC) for the weak thin layer of shotcrete. When shotcrete
covers the wire-mesh, it acts like a protective cover for steel wire-mesh against corrosion agents
(H2O and O2).
(3 marks)
QUESTION 4. Figure 7 show cross-section of granite rock body (assumed) to be massive,
continuous, homogenous and fresh) where a circular shaped tunnel is proposed.
The unit weight (𝛿) of rock 27 kN/m3 and H = 200 m. Based on computer
simulation, upon excavation the type and level of stresses that will be induced
around the proposed tunnel are as follow :

The rock mass close to the tunnel roof (the white area), will be subjected to
tensile stress (σt ) and value is about [1 × σv ]. (σv is vertical stress acting on
the tunnel due to overburden material above the tunnel, [σv = 𝛿 × H]).
The rock mass close to the tunnel walls (the hatched area), will be subjected to
compressive stress (σc ) and value is about [3 × σv ].

Answer the following questions : (10 marks)

(a) Determine the vertical stress (σv ) acting on the tunnel at H = 200m?

σv = 𝛿 × H = 27 × 200 = 5400 kPa = 5.4 MPa

(1 mark)

(b) Determine the value of induced tensile stress (σt ) that will be acting on the rock mass at the
tunnel roof, and the induced compressive stress (σc ) at the tunnel wall?

σt at roof = 1 × σv = 1 × 5.4 = 5.4 MPa

σc at wall = 3 × σv = 3 × 5.4 = 16.2 MPa
(2 marks)

(c) If the compressive strength of the granite rock is 60 MPa and its tensile strength is 2 MPa,
which part of the tunnel will exhibit failure (roof or wall)? Explain why that part of the tunnel
will fail upon excavation?

Upon excavation, the roof of the tunnel will exhibit failure because the tensile stress σt acting on
the rock mass at roof is 5.4 MPa which is greater than the tensile strength τt of the rock that is only
2 MPa.
σt = 5.4 MPa > τt = 2 MPa → Failure occur on the roof of tunnel

Upon excavation, the wall of the tunnel will not exhibit failure because the compressive stress σc
acting on the rock mass at wall is 16.2 MPa which is lower than the compressive strength τc of the
rock that is 60 MPa.
σc = 16.2 MPa < τc = 60 MPa → Failure not occur on the wall of tunnel
(3 marks)

(d) Before the construction of the tunnel, rock core samples were obtained at strategic location
around the proposed tunnel. The sampling included rock core samples from the roof of the
tunnel and samples from the wall of the tunnel. State type of strength test and name of the test
that should be undertaken on:
Rock core samples obtained from the tunnel roof
Rock core samples obtained from the tunnel wall

Tunnel roof
- Index test & indirect strength test
 Brazillian test or indirect tensile strength test
Tunnel wall
- Direct strength test
 Uniaxial compression test (UCT)
(4 marks)