• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.348-372
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• 2023

In relation to the high-level radioactive waste disposal project in deep fractured rock aquifer environments, it is essential to evaluate hydrogeological characteristics for evaluating the suitability of the site and operational stability. Such subsurface hydrogeological data is obtained through in-situ tests using boreholes excavated at the target site. The accuracy and reliability of the investigation results are directly related to the selection of appropriate test methods, the performance of the investigation system, standardization of the investigation procedure. In this report, we introduce the detailed procedures for the representative test method, the constant pressure injection test (CPIT), which is used to determine the key hydrogeological parameters of the subsurface fractured rock aquifer, namely hydraulic conductivity and storativity. This report further refines the standard test method suggested by the KSRM in 2022 and includes practical field application case conducted in volcanic rock aquifers where this investigation procedure has been applied.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.14-23
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• 2010

• Geotechnical Engineering
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.42-73
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• 2024

• Geotechnical Engineering
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.8-36
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• 2024

• Geotechnical Engineering
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.9-25
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• 2024

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.383-396
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• 2014

The condition, characteristics, and stability of slopes, as well as the consequences of slope failure, need to be understood for the proper stabilization of slopes and preclusion of potential disasters arising from slope failure. Here, a slope code system (SCS) that succinctly and accurately reflects the various conditions of a slope is proposed. The SCS represents the condition, characteristics, and geotechnical stability of slopes, as well as the consequences of slope failure, and the method is quickly and easily applied to a given slope. The SCS comprises five elements: 1) the slope material; 2) the genetic origin (rock type) and geological structure of the slope; 3) the geotechnical stability of the slope; 4) the probability of failure and remedial works made upon the slope; and 5) the consequences of failure. A letter code is selected from each element, and the result of the evaluation and classification of the slope is given as a five-letter code. Because the condition, characteristics, and geotechnical stability of a slope, as well as the consequences of slope failure, are provided by the SCS, this system will provide an effective mechanism for the maintenance and management of slopes, and will also allow more informed decision-making for determining which slopes should be prioritized for remedial measures.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.417-427
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• 2017

This study aims to present cases of rock slope failures caused by geological structures. Status of slope failures, results of cause analysis and stabilizing methods are introduced, focusing primarily on rock slope failures caused by specific geologic structures, such as intersection of faults infilled with clay, foliation and fault shear zone by dike intrusion and deep-seated clayey layer along lithologic boundary. Detailed geological survey, geophysical exploration and boring survey were conducted for cause analysis. Stabilizing method to prevent further slope failures and to ensure long-term stability of slopes were established, considering characteristics of geological structures, types of failure and geological conditions.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.19-37
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• 1991

The geology of the northwestern Cheju Island consist of Pleistocene to Holocene volcanic rocks which could be devided into basalt layers, the Sungsan Formation composed mainly of volcaniclastic debris exposed along the shoreline, and more than 30 cinder cones. Columnar joints and vesicles are dominant in the basalts of the Pyeosunri and the Sihungri basalt Formations. Volcaniclast and clay layers are intercalated in basaltic layers. When volcaniclast of the interlayers would be swept away by ground water and some caves of channel shape would be formaed. Overlying lavas cracked by columnar joints could be easily destroyed, collapsed and/or sunk. Geomechananical nature of the rocks such as strength may be controlled by the vesicularity(size, shape, and orientation of the vesicles) of the rocks. On the basis of vesicularity as a factor of strength, the effective strength ratio(Ke) could be calculated as Ke=0.3-0.72, in which the smaller Ke value reflects the lower in internal stress. In the studied area, the strength of the rocks tends to decrease as increasing in altitude of provenance of the rocks. The rocks in the area show relatively low values in angle of failure strength($\phi$) ranging from 10$^{\circ}$ to 30$^{\circ}$. In conclnsion, the rocks in question, majority of which the critical value exceeds 0.33, belong to the unstable rocks in the aspect of engineering geology.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2018

We analyze geological, petrophysical and geomechanical characteristics of a $CO_2$ sequestration test site, Pohang. The target reservoir exists at a depth of 750 m, where porous and permeable sandstones/conglomerates prevail. The reservoir is underlain by thick mudstone formations. We estimate in situ stress conditions using an exploratory wellbore drilled through the target reservoir. The in situ stress condition is characterized by a strike-slip faulting favored stress regime. We discuss various aspects of reservoir fracture pressures and fault reactivation pressures based on the stress magnitudes.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.573-586
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• 2023

Joints or weak planes can induce anisotropy in the strength and deformability of fractured rock masses. Comprehending this anisotropic behavior is crucial to engineering geology. This study used plaster as a friction material to mold specimens with a single joint. The strength and deformability of the specimens were measured in true triaxial compression tests. The measured results were compared with three-dimensional numerical analysis based on the distinct element method, conducted under identical conditions, to assess the reliability of the modeled values. The numerical results highlight that the principal stress conditions in the field, in conjunction with joint orientations, are crucial factors to the study of the strength and deformability of fractured rock masses. The strength of a transversely isotropic rock mass derived numerically considering changes in the dip angle of the joint notably increases as the intermediate principal stress increases. This increment varies depending on the dip of the joint. Moreover, the interplay between the dip direction of the joint and the two horizontal principal stress directions dictates the strength of the transversely isotropic rock mass. For a rock mass with two joint sets, the set with the steeper dip angle governs the overall strength. If a rock bridge effect occurs owing to the limited continuity of one of the joint sets, the orientation of the set with longer continuity dominates the strength of the entire rock mass. Although conventional three-dimensional failure criteria for fractured rock masses have limited applicability in the field, supplementing them with numerical analysis proves highly beneficial.