Elastic Wave Propagation in Jointed Rock Mass

절리암반에서의 탄성파 전파 특성

The behavior of jointed rock mass is much different from that of intact rock due to the presence of joints. Similarly, the characteristics of elastic wave propagation in jointed rock are considerably different from those of intact rock. The propagation of elastic waves in jointed rock is greatly dependent on the state of stress. The roughness, filling materials, and spacing of joints also affect wave propagation in jointed rock. If the wavelength of elastic waves is much larger than the spacing between joints, wave propagation in jointed rock mass can be considered as wave propagation in equivalent continuum. A rock resonant column testing apparatus is made to measure elastic waves propagating through jointed rock in the state of equivalent continuum. Three types of wave, i.e, torsional, longitudinal and flexural waves are monitored during rock resonant column tests. Various roughness and filling materials are applied to joints, and rock columns with various spacings are used to understand how these factors affect wave propagation under a small strain condition. The experimental results suggest that the characteristics of wave propagation in jointed rock mass are governed by the state of stress and influenced by roughness, filling materials and joint spacings.