• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.189-197
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• 2002

In recent years, the probabilistic analysis has been used in rock slope engineering. This is because uncertainty is pervasive in rock slope engineering and most geometric and geotechnical parameters of discontinuity and rock masses are involved with uncertainty. Whilst the traditional deterministic analysis method fails to properly deal with uncertainty, the probabilistic analysis has advantages quantifying the uncertainty in parameters. As a probabilistic analysis method, the Monte Carlo simulation has been used commonly. However, the Monte Carlo simulation requires many repeated calculations and therefore, needs much effort and time to calculate the probability of failure. In contrast, the point estimate method involves a simple calculation with moments for random variables. In this study the probability of failure in rock slope is evaluated by the point estimate method and the results are compared to the probability of failure obtained by Monte Carlo simulation method.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.85-101
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• 2020

The estimation of strength parameters is very important for the stability analysis of rock slopes. Various methods for the determination of strength parameters were suggested by various researchers. The number of methods used for the estimation of strength parameters in the stability analysis of rock slopes were investigated based on literature reviews. The frequency of the method determining strength parameters were investigated with respect to failure types. The cohesion and friction angles of the rock and discontinuities are presented with RMR values. The cohesion shows wider range of values relative to those of friction angles according to current studies. Even though RMR does not show any correlation with cohesion values, RMR and the friction angle of the rock clearly shows a positive relationship. Proper methods should be utilized for the determination of strength parameters with consideration for failure types and be proved through literature reviews. The credibility of determining strength parameters is expected to improve if strength parameters data are accumulated from the back analysis performed for failed local rock slopes.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.33-41
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• 2003

The large planar failure has occurred in a rock cut slope of highway construction site in Boeun. This area is considered to be unstable since the discontinuity, whose orientation is similar to the orientation of the failure plane, is observed in many areas. Therefore, several analysis techniques such as SMR, stereographic analysis, limit equilibrium, numerical analysis, which are commonly used in rock slope stability analysis, are adopted in this area. In order to analyze the stress redistribution and nonlinear displacement caused by cut, which are not able to be obtained in limit equilibrium method, DEM and shear strength reduction technique were used in this study. Then the factors of safety evaluated by shear strength reduction technique and limit equilibrium were compared. In addition, the factor of safety under fully saturated slope condition was calculated and subsequently, the effect of the reinforcement was evaluated.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.17 no.1 s.66
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• pp.56-65
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• 2007

A new underground LNG storage concept in the rock mass has been developed by combining underground cavern construction and new ice-ring harrier technologies with the conventional cryogenic insulation system. Technical feasibility of the storage system has been verified through construction and operation of the pilot storage cavern and a full-scale project is expected to start in the near future. One of the most important issues in the LNG storage system is the operational efficiency of the storage to minimize heat loss during a long period of operation due to the cryogenic heat transfer. This paper presents several important results of heat transfer and coupled hydro-thermal analyses by a finite element code Temp/W and Seep/W. A series of heat transfer analyses for full-scale caverns were performed to determine design parameters such as boil-off gas ratio (BOR), insulation thickness and pillar width. The result of the coupled hydro-mechanical analysis showed that BOR for underground storage system remains at about 0.04 %/day during the early stage of the operation. This value could be even much lower when the discontinuities in the rock masses are taken into consideration.

• Explosives and Blasting
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.10-16
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• 2016

Recently, transition from open pit to underground mining in limestone mines is an increasing trend in Korea due to environmental issues such as noise, dust and vibrations caused by crushers and equipment. The severe damages in the surrounding rock mass of underground opening caused by explosive blasting may lead to rock fall hazards or casualties. It is well known that variables which mainly affect blast-induced rock falls in underground mining are: blast vibration level, joint orientation and distribution and shape of the cross sections of underground structures. In this study, UDEC program, which is a DEM code, is used to simulate blast vibration-induced rock fall in underground openings. Variation of joint space, joint angle and joint normal stiffness was considered to investigate the effect of joint characteristics on the blast vibration-induced rock fall in underground opening. Finally, jointed rock mass models considering blast-induced damage zone were examined to simulate the critical blast vibration value which may cause rock falls in underground opening.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.16 no.3 s.62
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• pp.218-231
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• 2006

Anisotropic/heterogeneous rock mass shows various deformation behavior types due to tunnelling because deformation behavior is largely controlled by the spacial characteristics of geological factors such as faults, joints and fractured zone in rock mass. In this paper 2-dimensional numerical analysis on the several influencing factors is performed considering fractured zone located near tunnel. This numerical analysis shows that deformation behavior of tunnel are very different according to the width and the location of fractured zone and supper method. However, 3-dimensional analysis is necessary to consider 3-dimensional geometrical characteristics sufficiently since discontinuity and fractured zone have 3-dimensional geometry. Also flexible design/construction guidelines for tunnelling are required to cope with uncertain ground condition and circumstance for technically safe and economic tunnel construction.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.20-32
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• 2011

Failure aspects of cut-slope, which induce the sequential collapses during the excavation stage, have been analyzed. Slope rock structures are investigated by examining the orientations and positions of discontinuity planes calculated based on the BIPS image inside the boreholes. Drilled core log has been also used to identify the structural defects. Clay minerals of swelling potentials are detected through XRD analysis. Numerical analysis for slope stability has been performed by utilizing the joint shear strength acquired from the direct joint shear test. Cut-slope collapse characteristics have been studied by investigating the posture of failure-prawn joint planes and the stability of tetrahedral blocks of different sizes. Cross-section analysis has been also performed to analyze the cut-slope behavior and to estimate the amount of reinforcement required to secure the stability of cut-slope. Behavior of reinforced cut-slope is also investigated by analyzing the slope monitoring data.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.115-129
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• 2015

The cut-slope of a large-sectional tunnel portal is recognized as a potential area of weakness due to unstable stress distribution and possible permanent displacement. This paper presents a case study of a slope failure and remediation for a large-scale cut-slope at a tunnel portal. Extensive rock-slope brittle failure occurred along discontinuities in the rock mass after 46 mm of rainfall, which caused instability of the upper part of the cut-slope. Based on a geological survey and face mapping, the reason for failure is believed to be the presence of thin clay fill in discontinuities in the weathered rock mass and consequent saturationinduced joint weakening. The granite-gneiss rock mass has a high content of alkali-feldspar, indicating a vulnerability to weathering. Immediately before the slope failure, a sharp increase in displacement rate was indicated by settlement-time histories, and this observation can contribute to the safety management criteria for slope stability. In this case study, emergency remediation was performed to prevent further hazard and to facilitate reconstruction, and counterweight fill and concrete filling of voids were successfully applied. For ultimate remediation, the grid anchor-blocks were used for slope stabilization, and additional rock bolts and grouting were applied inside the tunnel. Limit-equilibrium slope stability analysis and analyses of strereographic projections confirmed the instability of the original slope and the effectiveness of reinforcing methods. After the application of reinforcing measures, instrumental monitoring indicated that the slope and the tunnel remained stable. This case study is expected to serve as a valuable reference for similar engineering cases of large-sectional slope stability.

• 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.

• Journal of Industrial Technology
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• v.23 no.A
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• pp.69-81
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• 2003

Numerical analysis is important for the design, construction and maintenance of large caverns. The rock mass contains generally discontinuities such as faults, joints and fissures. The mechanical behavior and geometric characteristics of these discontinuities would have a significant impact on the stability of the caverns. In this research the Distinct Element Method(DEM) was used to analyze the structural stability of the large cavern. The Barton-Bandis Joint Model (B-B J.M) was used as a constitutive model for the joint. In addition, two different cases 1) analysis with a support system and 2) analysis with no support system, were analyzed to optimize a support system and to investigate reinforcing effects of a support system. The most significant parameters of in-situ stress, JRC of in-situ natural joints, and spatial distribution characteristics of discontinuities were acquired through field investigation. Displacement (horizontal, joint shear), maximum joint opening, maximum and minimum principal stresses, range of relaxed zone, rockbolt axial forces and shotcrete stresses were calculated at each excavation stage. As a result of analysis the calculated values proved to be under the allowable value Rockbolts also proved to be an efficient support measure to control joint shear displacement which had significant effects on extending the relaxed zone. As a consequence, the structural stability of the cavern was assured with an appropriate support system.