• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제14권5호
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• pp.491-498
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• 2018

The Earth Mechanics Institute (EMI) was established at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) in 1974 to develop innovations in rock mechanics research and education. During the last four decades, extensive rock mechanics research has been conducted at the EMI. Results from uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), point load index (PLI), punch penetration (PP), and many other types of tests have been recorded in a database that has been unexamined for research purposes. The EMI database includes over 20,000 tests from over 1,000 different projects including mining and underground construction, and analysis of this database to identify relationships has been started with preliminary results reported here. Overall, statistically significant correlations are identified between bulk density and mechanical strength properties through UCS, BTS, PLI, and PP testing of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. In this paper, bulk density is considered as a surrogate metric that reflects both mineralogy and porosity. From this analysis, sedimentary rocks show the strongest correlation between the UCS and bulk density, whereas metamorphic rocks exhibit the strongest correlation between UCS and PP. Data trends in the EMI database also reveal a linear relationship between UCS and BTS tests. For the singular case of rock coral, the database permits correlations between bulk density of the core versus the deposition depth and porosity. The EMI database will continue under analysis, and will provide additional insightful and comprehensive understanding of the variation and predictability of rock mechanical strength properties and density. This knowledge will contribute significantly toward the increasingly safe and cost-effective geostructures and construction.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제35권5호
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• pp.487-497
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• 2023

Penetration rate (PR) and penetration depth (Pe) are crucial parameters for estimating the cost and time required in tunnel construction using tunnel boring machines (TBMs). This study focuses on investigating the impact of rock strength on PR and Pe through full-scale experiments. By conducting controlled tests on rock-like specimens, the study aims to understand the contributions of various ground parameters and machine-operating conditions to TBM excavation performance. An earth pressure balanced (EPB) TBM with a sectional diameter of 3.54 m was utilized in the experiments. The TBM excavated rocklike specimens with varying uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), while the thrust and cutterhead rotational speed were controlled. The results highlight the significance of the interplay between thrust, cutterhead speed, and rock strength (UCS) in determining Pe. In high UCS conditions exceeding 70 MPa, thrust plays a vital role in enhancing Pe as hard rock requires a greater thrust force for excavation. Conversely, in medium-to-low UCS conditions less than 50 MPa, thrust has a weak relationship with Pe, and Pe becomes directly proportional to the cutterhead rotational speed. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between Pe and cutterhead torque with a determination coefficient of 0.84. Based on these findings, a predictive model for Pe is proposed, incorporating thrust, TBM diameter, number of disc cutters, and UCS. This model offers a practical tool for estimating Pe in different excavation scenarios. The study presents unprecedented full-scale TBM excavation results, with well-controlled experiments, shedding light on the interplay between rock strength, TBM operational variables, and excavation performance. These insights are valuable for optimizing TBM excavation in grounds with varying strengths and operational conditions.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제32권5호
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• pp.465-474
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• 2023

The point load test (PLT) is a widely-used alternative method in the field to determine the uniaxial compressive strength due to its simple testing machine and procedure. The point load test index can estimate the uniaxial compressive strength through conversion factors based on the rock types. However, the mechanism correlating these two parameters and the influence of the mechanical properties on PLT results are still not well understood. This study proposed a theoretical model to understand the mechanism of PLT serving as an alternative to the UCS test based on laboratory observation and literature survey. This model found that the point load test is a self-confined compression test. There is a compressive ellipsoid near the loading axis, whose dilation forms a tensile ring that provides confinement on this ellipsoid. The peak load of a point load test is linearly positive correlated to the tensile strength and negatively correlated to the Poisson ratio. The model was then verified using numerical and experimental approaches. In numerical verification, the PLT discs were simulated using flat-joint BPM of PFC3D to model the force distribution, crack propagation and BPM properties' effect with calibrated micro-parameters from laboratory UCS test and point load test of Berea sandstones. It further verified the mechanism experimentally by conducting a uniaxial compressive test, Brazilian test, and point load test on four different rocks. The findings from this study can explain the mechanism and improve the understanding of point load in determining uniaxial compressive strength.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.157-164
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• 2019

The effect of electrochemical modification of the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone from Paleozoic coal measure strata was investigated by means of liquid nitrogen physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests using purified water, 1 mol/L NaCl, 1 mol/L $CaCl_2$ and 1 mol/L $AlCl_3$ aqueous solution as electrolytes. Electrochemical corrosion of electrodes and wire leads occurred mainly in the anodic zone. After electrochemical modification, pore morphology showed little change in distribution, decrease in total pore specific surface area and volume, and increased average pore diameter. The total pore specific surface area in the anodic zone was greater than in the cathodic zone, but total pore volume was less. Mineralogical composition was unchanged by the modification. Changes in UCS were caused by a number of factors, including corrosion, weakening by aqueous solutions, and electrochemical cementation, and electrochemical cementation stronger than corrosion and weakening by aqueous solutions.

• 지질공학
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.273-285
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• 2004

본 연구에서는 전라남도 고흥군 일대에 분포하는 중생대 백악기 응회암을 대상으로 실내 시험을 통하여 역학적 특성을 파악하였다. 고흥군 일대에 분포하는 응회암(고흥응회암, 팔영산 용결응회암)은 성분상 glass성분이 우세한 유리 질응회암(vitric tuff)에 해당된다. 응회암의 물리적 특성인 비중, 건조밀도, 함수율, 공극율 및 흡수율의 평균값은 각각 2.51, $2.52(g/cm^2)$, 0.12($\%$), 4.51($\%$) 및 1.91($\%$)이다. 공극율의 증가에 따라 건조밀도는 낮아지는 경향을 보이며, 흡수율과 공극율은 밀접한 상관관계를 보인다. 일축압축강도(UCS) 범위는 80.4$\~$208(MPa), 평균 141.1(MPa)로서 Deere & Miller(1966)에 의한 신선한 암의 공학적 분류에 의하면 high strength에 해당이 된다. 축방향의 점하중 강도지수($Is_a$)는 평균 4.2(MPa)이며, 직경방향 점하중 강도지수($Is_d$)는 평균 2.2(MPa)으로, 점하중강도 이방성지수($Ia_{(50)}$)는 1.93이다. 일축압축강도와 축방향 점하중 강도지수($Is_{(50)}$)는 밀접한 선형관계를 보이며, 관계식은 UCS=22 $Is_{(50)}$ +49 (MPa) (r=0.95) 로 나타낼 수 있다. 이 식은 고흥 지역 응회암에 대한 일축압축강도를 예측하는데 유용하게 사용할 수 있다.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.29-42
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• 2018

This paper presents the results of an empirical study in which square rock-like blocks containing two parallel pre-existing rough non-persistent joints were subjected to uniaxial compression load. The main purpose of this study was to investigate uniaxial compressive strength and deformation modulus of jointed specimens. Response Surface Method (RSM) was utilized to design experiments and investigate the effect of four joint parameters, namely joint roughness coefficient (JRC), bridge length (L), bridge angle (${\gamma}$), and joint inclination (${\theta}$). The interaction of these parameters on the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and deformation modulus of the blocks was investigated as well. The results indicated that an increase in joint roughness coefficient, bridge length and bridge angle increased compressive strength and deformation modulus. Moreover, increasing joint inclination decreased the two mechanical properties. The concept of 'interlocking cracks' which are mixed mode (shear-tensile cracks) was introduced. This type of cracks can happen in higher level of JRC. Initiation and propagation of this type of cracks reduces mechanical properties of sample before reaching its peak strength. The results of the Response Surface Methodology showed that the mutual interaction of the joint parameters had a significant influence on the compressive strength and deformation modulus.

• 한국지반공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국지반공학회 2008년도 춘계 학술발표회 초청강연 및 논문집
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• pp.863-874
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• 2008

We have to judge engineering properties of rock accurately in order to design and construct rock structure safely and economically. Among the rock tests, the test result of UCS(Uniaxial Compressive Strength) is very important factor used in the variety ways for designing and construction of underground structures, rock slope and foundation analysis. But the UCS test has some disadvantages of intact sample preparation such as because the shape of sample has to be regular cylindrical, cube or rectangular. In order to solve those problem, indirect tests are used such as point load test, schmidt hammer test, absorption test, dry density to predict UCS of rock. Those tests are easy to prepare sample and convenient to carry out the tests, so it is simple and costs less. Schmidt hammer test are frequently used in the construction site, because it is handy and easy to use, but there is concern of misuse without classifying the specification of each schmidt hammer. Thus, this study suggested presumptive numerical formula related on each specification of schmidt hammer test, point load test, absorption test and dry density also. We compared presumptive numerical formula and R-square through schmidt rebound assessment method already brought up. Also, through the test we offer the extent of weathering index according to the weathering grade.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.281-291
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• 2022

Surmounting complexities in analyzing the mechanical parameters of concrete entails selecting an appropriate methodology. This study integrates a novel metaheuristic technique, namely satin bowerbird optimizer (SBO) with artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of concrete. For this purpose, the created hybrid is trained and tested using a relatively large dataset collected from the published literature. Three other new algorithms, namely Henry gas solubility optimization (HGSO), sunflower optimization (SFO), and vortex search algorithm (VSA) are also used as benchmarks. After attaining a proper population size for all algorithms, the Utilizing various accuracy indicators, it was shown that the proposed ANN-SBO not only can excellently analyze the UCS behavior, but also outperforms all three benchmark hybrids (i.e., ANN-HGSO, ANN-SFO, and ANN-VSA). In the prediction phase, the correlation indices of 0.87394, 0.87936, 0.95329, and 0.95663, as well as mean absolute percentage errors of 15.9719, 15.3845, 9.4970, and 8.0629%, calculated for the ANN-HGSO, ANN-SFO, ANN-VSA, and ANN-SBO, respectively, manifested the best prediction performance for the proposed model. Also, the ANN-VSA achieved reliable results as well. In short, the ANN-SBO can be used by engineers as an efficient non-destructive method for predicting the UCS of concrete.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제33권5호
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• pp.573-594
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• 2024

This article presents a research study, with both laboratory and field tests, of a deep foundation in a markedly anisotropic medium. Particularly it has focused on the evaluation of the behavior of a pile, one meter in diameter, embedded in a rocky environment with difficult conditions, in the Flysch of the Spanish city of San Sebastián. To carry out the research, the site of a bridge over the Urumea River was chosen, which was supported by pre-excavated reinforced concrete piles. 4 borings were carried out, by the rotation and washing method, with continuous sampling and combined with flexible dilatometer tests. In the field, an Osterberg load test (O-cell) was performed, while in the laboratory, determinations of natural moisture, natural unit weight, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load strength (PLS), compressive wave propagation velocity (V_c) and also triaxial and direct shear tests were carried out. The research results indicate the following: a) the empirical functions that correlate the UCS with the PLS are not always linear; b) for the studied Flysch it is possible to obtain empirical functions that correlate the UCS with the PLS and with the V_c; c) the bearing capacity of the studied Flysch is much greater than if it is evaluated by different load capacity theories; d) it is possible to propose an empirical function that allows evaluating the mobilized shear strength (τ_m), as a function of the UCS and the displacement relative of the pile (δ_r).

• 지질공학
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.101-110
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• 2014

이 연구에서는 국내에 분포하는 화강암에 대한 점하중강도($I_{s(50)}$) 와 일축압축강도(UCS) 사이의 상관관계를 선형회귀분석을 통하여 구하였다. 이를 위하여 암석시료의 물리적 물성에 근거하여 화강암 시료를 재분류하여 세 경우에 대한 회귀분석을 수행하였다. 첫째로, 풍화등급에 따른 원점회귀분석을 수행하여 풍화에 따른 상관관계를 구하였으나 풍화등급별 시료의 개수가 부족하여 만족할만한 신뢰수준의 회귀분석결과를 얻지 못하였지만, 풍화가 진행될수록 회귀직선의 기울기가 급해지는 경향을 파악할 수 있었다. 두 번째, 전체 화강암에 대한 회귀분석을 수행하기 위하여 단순선형회귀분석과 신뢰도 및 정확도를 향상시키기 위하여 부트스트랩 리샘플링법을 이용한 단순선형회귀분석을 통하여 두 강도간의 상관관계를 구하였다. 세번째로는 유사한 물리적 물성을 지닌 화강암 시료들의 평균강도에 대한 선형회귀분석을 수행하여 상관관계를 구하였다. 이 방법들을 사용하여 구한 회귀직선방정식의 기울기는 14 내외의 값을 보이고 작은 편차를 지니고 있으며 국내 화강암에 대하여 수행한 기존 연구와 유사한 값을 보이고 있었다. 그러나 16에서 43의 범위를 지닌 y-축 절편은 큰 편차를 보이기 있었기 때문에, 점하중강도로 일축압축강도를 추정할 때에는 이러한 회귀방정식의 오차범위를 고려하여야 할 것으로 판단된다.