Estimation of limestone rock mass deformation modulus using empirical equations

Determining the geomechanical parameters of rock masses at dam sites is a very important task. Different methods of determining these parameters have been proposed, depending on various factors such as the study phase, facilities, budget, and the time available. The deformation modulus is an importa...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin of engineering geology and the environment 2014-05, Vol.73 (2), p.541-550
Main Authors: Ajalloeian, Rassoul, Mohammadi, Mojtaba
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Budgeting
Classification
Concrete dams
Damsites
Deformation
Detention dams
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Environmental risk
Estimating
Experimental methods
Foundations
Geoecology/Natural Processes
Geoengineering
Geological engineering
Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences
Hydraulics
In situ tests
Landslides
Limestone
Load
Nature Conservation
Original Paper
Ratings
Research methodology
Rock
Rocks
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Determining the geomechanical parameters of rock masses at dam sites is a very important task. Different methods of determining these parameters have been proposed, depending on various factors such as the study phase, facilities, budget, and the time available. The deformation modulus is an important input parameter in any analysis of rock mass behavior. In the present study, the deformation modulus of the rock mass at the site of the Khersan II double-arch concrete dam was investigated using different field and experimental methods. The Khersan II Dam is located in the southwest of Lordegan, Chaharmahal Bakhtiary Province, Iran. The predominant formation at the site of the dam is the Upper Asmari limestone. The results of in situ tests such as plate load tests (PLTs) were analyzed to determine the deformation modulus, using the ASTM standard, Unal, and ISRM methods. These results were then compared to one another and interpreted. After that, engineering classification parameters such as RMR, GSI, and Q were evaluated at the same site that the PLTs were performed. Finally, the correlations between these classification ratings and the in situ deformation modulus of the rock mass were assessed, and some formulae for determining the deformation modulus of the rock mass at the Khersan II Dam site were derived. The accuracy and credibility of every formula was evaluated. These formulae for estimating the deformation modulus of the rock mass at the Khersan II Dam site were found to be highly accurate compared to other similar formulae.
ISSN:1435-9529
1435-9537
DOI:10.1007/s10064-013-0530-3