• Computers and Concrete
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.723-737
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• 2016

In this paper an approach was described for determination of direction of sliding block in rock slopes containing planar non-persistent open joints. For this study, several gypsum blocks containing planar non-persistent open joints with dimensions of $15{\times}15{\times}15cm$ were build. The rock bridges occupy 45, 90 and $135cm^2$ of total shear surface ($225cm^2$), and their configuration in shear plane were different. From each model, two similar blocks were prepared and were subjected to shearing under normal stresses of 3.33 and $7.77kg/cm^{-2}$. Based on the change in the configuration of rock-bridges, a factor called the Effective Joint Coefficient (EJC) was formulated, that is the ratio of the effective joint surface that is in front of the rock-bridge and the total shear surface. In general, the failure pattern is influenced by the EJC while shear strength is closely related to the failure pattern. It is observed that the propagation of wing tensile cracks or shear cracks depends on the EJC and the coalescence of wing cracks or shear cracks dominates the eventual failure pattern and determines the peak shear load of the rock specimens. So the EJC is a key factor to determine the sliding direction in rock slopes containing planar non-persistent open joints.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.93-104
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• 2013

The use of rock wool waste, an industrial by-product, in cement-based composites has positive effects on the environment because it reduces the problems associated rock wool disposal. The experiments in this study tested cement-based composites using various rock wool waste contents (10, 20, 30 and 40% by weight of cement) as a partial replacement for Portland cement in mortars. The pozzolanic strength activity test, flow test, compressive strength test, dry shrinkage test, absorption test, initial surface absorption test and scanning electron microscope observations were conducted to evaluate the properties of cement-based composites. Test results demonstrate that the pozzolanic strength activity index for rock wool waste specimens is 103% after 91 days. The inclusion of rock wool waste in cement-based composites decreases its dry shrinkage and initial surface absorption, and increases its compressive strength. These improved properties are the result of the dense structure achieved by the filling effect and pozzolanic reactions of the rock wool waste. The addition of 30% and 10% rock wool wastes to cement is the optimal amount based on the results of compressive strength and initial surface absorption for a w/cm of 0.35 and 0.55, respectively. Therefore, it is feasible to utilize rock wool waste as a partial replacement of cement in cement-based composites.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.151-159
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• 2018

Annually, the global production of construction aggregates reaches over 40 billion tons, making aggregates the largest mining sector by volume and value. Currently, the aggregate industry is shifting from sand to hard rock as a result of legislation limiting the extraction of natural sands and gravels. A major implication of this change in the aggregate industry is the need for understanding rock fragmentation and energy absorption to produce more cost-effective aggregates. In this paper, we focused on incorporating dynamic rock and soil mechanics to understand the effects of loading rate and water saturation on the rock fragmentation and energy absorption of three different sandstones (Red, Berea and Buff) with different pore sizes. Rock core samples were prepared in accordance to the ASTM standards for compressive strength testing. Saturated and dry samples were subsequently prepared and fragmented via fast and dynamic compressive strength tests. The particle size distributions of the resulting fragments were subsequently analyzed using mechanical gradation tests. Our results indicate that the rock fragment size generally decreased with increasing loading rate and water content. In addition, the fragment sizes in the larger pore size sample (Buff sandstone) were relatively smaller those in the smaller pore size sample (Red sandstone). Notably, energy absorption decreased with increased loading rate, water content and rock pore size. These results support the conclusion that rock fragment size is positively correlated with the energy absorption of rocks. In addition, the rock fragment size increases as the energy absorption increases. Thus, our data provide insightful information for improving cost-effective aggregate production methods.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.307-322
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• 2023

Rock-mass grouting plays a crucial role in the construction of dams and deep caverns, effectively preventing seepage in the foundations, enhancing stability, and mitigating hazards. Most rock grouting is affected by hydrogeological and rock engineering indices such as rock quality designation (RQD), rock mass quality (Q-value), geological strength index (GSI), joint spacing (Js), joint aperture (Ap), lugeon value (Lu), secondary permeability index (SPI), and coefficient of permeability (K). Therefore, accurate geological analysis of basic rock properties and guidelines for grouting construction are essential for ensuring safe and effective grouting design and construction. Such analysis has been applied in dam construction sites, with a particular focus on the geological characteristics of bedrock and the development of prediction methods for grout take. In South Korea, many studies have focused on grout injection materials and construction management techniques. However, there is a notable lack of research on the analysis of hydrogeological and rock engineering information for rock masses, which are essential for the development of appropriate rock grouting plans. This paper reviews the current state of research into the correlation between the grout take with important hydrogeological and rock engineering indices. Based on these findings, future directions for the development of rock grouting research in South Korea are discussed.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.411-434
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• 2022

In deep geological disposal concept for spent nuclear fuel, it is well-known that rock mass at near-field experiences the thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) coupled behavior. The mechanical properties of rock changes during the coupled process, and it is important to consider the changes into the analysis of numerical simulation and in-situ tests for long-term stability evaluation of nuclear waste disposal repository. This report collected the previous studies on indirect coupled behaviors of rock. The effects of water saturation and temperature on some mechanical properties of rock was considered, while the change in hydraulic conductivity of rock due to stress was included in the indirect coupled behavior.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.215-227
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• 1994

Rock Mass classifications have been developed in many European countries. The most widely used classification methods are the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) system proposed by Bieniawski(1973) and the Q-system developed By Barton et al. (1974). These methods are also adopted at many mountain tunnels and subway sites in our country. Here, a geomechanical classification for slopeds in rock, the "Slope Mass Rating"(SMR) is presented for the preliminary assessment of slope stabiliyt. This method can be applied to excavation and support design in the front part of tunnel and cutting area as a guide line and recommendation on support methods which allow a systemmetic use of geomechanical classification for rock slopes.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2002.03a
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• pp.79-86
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• 2002

Rock mass classifications form the back bone of the empirical design approach and are widely employed in rock engineering. In this paper the inter-relations were discussed among RMR, Q-system, RCR, N, M-RMR, RMi, and L-RMR. Several relationships for the assessment of the modulus of deformation of rock mass, Poisson's ratio, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, cohesion and internal friction angle were also analysed and suggested.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2005.03a
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• pp.521-528
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• 2005

The evaluation process of rock mass properties intrinsically contains some uncertainty due to the inhomogeneity of rock mass and the measurement error. Although various empirical methods for the determination of rock mass properties were suggested, there is no way of integrating various information on rock mass properties except averaging. For these reasons, this research introduces evidence theory which can model epistemic uncertainty and yield reasonable rock mass properties through combining various information such as empirical equations, in-situ test results, and so on. Through the application of evidence theory to the real site investigation and in situ experiment results, an interval of deformation modulus, cohesion and friction angle of rock mass were obtained. The ratios between lower and upper bound of those properties ranges from 1.6 to 3.6. Numerical analyses of circular hole using the properties for TYPE-2 rock mass were carried out. The magnitude or size of plastic region and radial displacement in case of lower bound properties is about 4 times larger than that of upper bound properties.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.29-37
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• 2016

This study examined the magnitude and distribution of earth pressure on the support system in a jointed rock mass due to the different joint spacing as well as varying the rock type and joint condition (joint shear strength and joint inclination angle). Based on a physical model test and its numerical simulation, a series of numerical parametric analyses were conducted using a discrete element method. The results showed that the magnitude and distribution of earth pressure were strongly affected by the different joint spacing as well as the rock type and joint condition. In addition, the study results were compared with Peck's earth pressure for soil ground, which indicated that the earth pressure in a jointed rock mass could be considerably different from that in soil ground. The study suggests that the joint spacing as well as the rock type and joint condition are important factors affecting the earth pressure in a jointed rock mass and they should be considered when designing a support system in a jointed rock mass.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.535-546
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• 2020

The stress environment of deep rock masses is complex. Under the action of earthquakes or blasting, the strength and stability of anchored rock masses in fracture zones or faults are affected. To explore the variation in anchored rock masses under creep-fatigue loading, shear creep comparative testing of anchored marble specimens with or without fatigue loading is performed. Considering the damage variable of rock under fatigue loading, a rheological model is established to characterize the whole shear creep process of anchored rock masses under creep-fatigue loading. The results show that (1) the overall deformation of marble under creep-fatigue loading is larger than that under only shear creep loading, and the average deformation is increased by 18.3%. (2) By comparing the creep curves with and without fatigue loading, the two curves basically coincide when the first level stress is applied, and the two curves are stable with the increase in stress level. The results show that the strain difference among the specimens increases gradually in the steady-state stage and reaches the maximum at the fourth level. (3) The shear creep is described by considering the creep mechanical properties of anchored rock masses under fatigue loading. The accuracy of this creep-fatigue model is verified by laboratory tests, and the applicability of the model is illustrated by the fitting parameter R2. The proposed model provides a theoretical basis for the study of anchored rock masses under low-frequency earthquakes or blasting and new methods for the stability and reinforcement of rock masses.