• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.52-74
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• 2000

The basement rock of upper stream of Keum River Valley consists of Precambrian gneiss which is resistant to weathering. That of mid and lower stream valley, however, is mainly composed of Mesozoic granites which are vulnerable to weathering. The upstream part of Geum River Basin is typified by the deeply-incised and steep meandering streams, whereas mid and lower part is characterized by wide floodplain and gently dipping river bottom toward the Yellow Sea. In particular flooding deposits, in which are imprinted a number of repetitions of erosion and sedimentation during the Holocene, are widely distributed in the lower stream of Geum River Basin. For understanding of erosions in the mid and lower stream of Geum River Basin, the rate of erosion of each small basins were estimated by using the data of field survey, erosional experiments and GIS ananlysis. It was revealed that erosion rate appeared highest in granite areas, and overall areas, in this field survey were represented by relatively high erosion rates. By implemeatation of remote sensing and imagery data, the temporal changes of river bed sediments for about last 11 years were successfully monitored. Observed as an important phenomenon is that the river bed has been risen since 1994 when an embankment (Dyke) was constructed in the estuarine river mouth. From the results derived from the detailed river bed topographical map made in this investigation, the sedimentation of the lower river basin is considered to be deposited with about 5 cm/year for the last 11 years. Based on this river bed profile analysis by HEC-6 module, it is predicted that Geum River bed of Ganggyeong area is continuously rising up in general until 2004. Although extraction of a large amount of aggregates from Gongju to Ganggyung areas, the Ganggyung lower stream shows the distinct sedimentation. Therefore, it is interpreted that the active erosions of tributary basins Geum drainage basins can affect general river bed rising changes of Geum River.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.89-100
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• 2010

Although various methods for determination of damage threshold in rock have been suggested, clear damage thresholds were determined by some methods, but different thresholds were measured by other methods. We determined the damage thresholds in Hangdeung granite using all the methods suggested, and investigated the best methods, applicability and errors of each method. The crack initiation threshold and the crack damage threshold which are important in investigation of characteristics of crack development and failure were verified by field strength ratio method and long-term constant load test. The crack closure stress and the crack initiation stress were 57.5 MPa and 77.6 MPa, and the most exact values were yielded by crack volumetric strain. The secondary crack initiation stress was 90.6 MPa and AE event count and AE event count rate were the effective methods. The volumetric stiffness, AE event count and AE event count rate were the most effective methods for determination of crack coalescence threshold and crack coalescence stress was 110.3 MPa. The crack damage stress was 127.5 MPa and was measured correctly by volumetric stiffness and AE event count rate. The ratio between crack initiation stress and uniaxial compressive strength was 0.47 which was very similar with the FSR value of 0.46. The ratio between crack damage stress and uniaxial compressive strength was almost the same as the ratio between long-term strength and uniaxial compressive strength, indicating that the crack initiation stress and the crack damage stress measured were correct.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.183-199
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• 2008

This study is focused on characterization of the physio-chemical and mineralogical properties, investigation of their vertical changes in the tailing profile of the Guryoung mining area, classification of the profile into distinct zones, and condition conceptual model of physio-chemical conditions and phases-water relationships controlling the element behaviors in the tailings. The upper part of the groundwater is characterized by the high contents of $Fe_2O_3$ and $SO_3$ for whole rock analysis, low pH, and the occurrence of jarosite, schwertmannite and Fe-oxyhydroxide as the secondary mineral phases. The tailing profile can be divided into the covering soil, jarosite zone, Fe-sulfate zone, Fe-oxyhydroxide and gypsum-bearing pyrite zone, calcite-bearing pyrite zone, soil zone, and weathered zone on the based of the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics. The profile can be sampled into the oxidized zone and the carbonate-rich primary zone with the dramatic changes in pH and the secondary mineral phases. The conceptual model proposed for the tailing profile can be summarized that the oxidation of pyrite is the most important reaction controlling the changes in pH, the dissolution of the primary silicates and carbonates, the precipitation of secondary mineral phases, acid-neutralizing, and heavy metal behaviors through the profile.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.41-55
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• 2005

This research is aimed at investigating the ground characterization of the Cheongju granite area using the geophysical methods. Test site was chosen from the building site in Chungbuk University, Chongju, Chungbuk province. Furthermore, geophysical methods are employed on the outcrops in the east to map the distribution of fault and intrusion and reveal the degree of weathering. The subsurface structure mapped from seismic re-fraction survey mainly consists of two units of weathered soil and rock. Threshold of the units were determined on the basis of seismic velocity of 800 m/s, supported from the standard classification table. From the results of standard penetrating test(SPT), these units are found to show medium-high and high density, respectively. Weathering soil is subdivided in unsaturated layer and saturated layer with thresholds of seismic velocity (500 m/s) and resistivity (200 ohm-m). In particular, unsaturated layer is again classified into dry and wet portions using the GPR section. The boundary between unsaturated and saturated weathering soils corresponds to the groundwater table at depth of approximately 5～6.2 m, which is well correlated with the one from drill-core data. However, bedrock is not delineated by geophysical methods. In the GPR section, fault and intrusion observed on the outcrop are revealed not to extend to the building site. With respect to weathering degree, the outcrop characterized by low resistivity and velocity corresponds to the grade of 'completely weathered' from the geotechnical investigations.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.313-322
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• 2011

On September 2007, numerous slopes at Jeonranam-Do collapsed as a result of rainfall related to Typhoon Nari. Failure occurred at a road cut-slope on the ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ detour road, damaging transport infrastructure. This study aims to determine the cause of failure based on field investigations, the geotechnical properties of soil, clay mineral composition, and quantitative analysis. The studied cut slope consists of weathered soil that originated from volcanic rocks, and minor faults and a mafic dyke. Surface water tends to seep into the soil because the roadway is not sealed and because of poorly installed drainage. Sieve and XRD analyses indicate that soils in the failure zone are ML and CH, which are prone to swelling due to the presence of clay minerals such as smectite and vermiculite. The slope failed due to the improper construction of drainage facilities, the presence of geological weak zones, and high soil contents of swelling clay.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.511-516
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• 2007

Active method MASW(Multi channel Analysis of Surface Waves), which is one of the surface wave exploration methods, has the difficulties to supply enough shear wave velocity log, caused by short spread length and lack of low frequency energy. To make up this defect, the passive method MASW survey is taked and analysised in Daeku subway construction site, Jungpyung-dong Gyeongsan city. The passive method MASW using the microtremor, improve the quality of the overtone record by applying the azimuth correction caused offline sources. And combing with active overtone record which is acquired by same geometry has the benefits of improve shallow depth resolution and extend possible investigation depth. To take the optimized acquisition parameters, the 2m, 4m, and 6m geophone spacing is tested. And 2m spacing overtone image could make the reliable shear wave velocity log.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.563-574
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• 2007

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a recently developed analytical technique that is based upon the measurement of emission lines generated by atomic species close to the surface of the sample, thus allowing their chemical detection, identification and quantification. With powerful advantages of LIBS compared to the conventional analytical methodology, this technique can be applied in the detection of heavy metals in the field. LIBS allows the rapid analysis by avoiding laborious chemical steps. LES have already been applied for the determination of element concentration in a wide range of materials in the solid, liquid and gaseous phase with simplicity of the instrument and diversity of the analytical application. These feasibility of rapid multi elemental analysis are appealing proprieties for the in-situ analytical technique in geochemical investigation, exploration and environmental analysis. There remain still some limitations to be solved for LIBS to be applied in soil environment as an in-situ analytical technology. We would like to provide the basic principle related to the plasma formation and laser-induced breakdown of sample materials. In addition, the matrix effect, laser properties and the various factors affecting on the analytical signal of LIBS was dealt with to enhance understanding of LIBS through literature review. Ultimately, it was investigated the feasibility of LIBS application in soil environment monitoring by considering the basic idea to enhance the data quality of LIBS including the calibration method for the various effects on the analytical signal of LIBS.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.207-221
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• 2016

As greater numbers of fill dams and reservoirs become old, the risks of damage or embankment collapse increases. However, few studies have considered the deterioration and hazard classification of the internal core layers of fill dams. This study reports the results of geotechnical investigations of 13 earth-cored fill dams in Korea, based on no-water borehole drilling, Standard Penetration Test, and 2D and 3D electrical resistivity surveys along with in situ and laboratory testing. High-capacity no-water boring minimized core layer disturbance while providing continuous core sample recovery. The results allow the classification of potential hazards related to the existing core layers based on both visual inspection of the recovered samples and the results of engineering surveys and tests. Four types of potential hazard are classified: locally fluidized core with a high water content, rapid water inflow to a borehole, cores with granular materials, and relatively low stiffness of core. Among these, the locally fluidized core is the most critical hazard that requires remedial action because it is related to the potential internal flow path and internal erosion. The other three hazard types are of medium importance and require careful monitoring and regular inspection. Of note, there was no correlation between age and core deterioration. The results are expected to aid the safe management and potential upgrading of aging cored fill dams.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.425-434
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• 2007

In this paper, the stability standards of slopes reclaimed by soils mixed with stone dust were proposed to manage the stone dust as recovery soils. First of all, the mixed ratio between stone dust and natural soil is classified into 5 groups, and a series of soil test was performed in each group. As the results of tests, the shear strength and the maximum dry unit weight were increased in decrease of the mixed ratio of stone dust. On the basis of the investigation to the safety factor standards of embankment slopes in and outside the country, a slope stability rank of slopes reclaimed by mixed soils were divided into 3 stages such as unstable stage, attention stage and stable stage. The slope angle, the slope height and the mixed ratio with stone dust were proposed by the result of stability analysis of slopes reclaimed by mixed soils. As the result of slope stability analysis, the slope angle of 1 : 1.8 at the reclaimed slope should be constructed in case of the slope height of 10 m. Also, the slope angle of 1 : 1.8 and the mixed ratio of stone dust less than 50% should be constructed in case of the slope height of 15 m. The analysis result of reclaimed slope constructed inside the quarry is similar to that of reclaimed slope constructed on the open ground in same conditions of the slope angle, the slope height and the mixed ratio with stone dust. The proposed stability standards of slopes reclaimed by soils mixed with stone dust can be used practically at the quarrying site.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.239-256
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• 2017

In the process of site selection for a radioactive waste disposal, site characterization must be carried out to obtain input parameters to assess the safety and feasibility of deep geological repository. In this paper, methodologies of site characterization for radioactive waste disposal in Korea were suggested based on foreign cases of site characterization. The IAEA recommends that site characterization for radioactive waste disposal should be performed through stepwise processes, in which the site characterization period is divided into preliminary and detailed stages, in sequence. This methodology was followed by several foreign countries for their geological disposal programs. General properties related to geological environments were obtained at the preliminary site characterization stage; more detailed site characteristics were investigated during the detailed site characterization stage. The results of investigation of geology, hydro-geology, geochemistry, rock mechanics, solute transport and thermal properties at a site have to be combined and constructed in the form of a site descriptive model. Based on this site descriptive model, the site characteristics can be evaluated to assess suitability of site for radioactive waste disposal. According to foreign site characterization cases, 7 or 8 years are expected to be needed for site characterization; however, the time required may increase if the no proper national strategy is provided.