• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.213-222
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• 2024

Determination of jointed rock mass properties plays a significant role in the design and construction of underground structures such as tunneling and mining. Rock mass classification systems such as Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Mass Index (RMi), Rock Mass Quality (Q), and deformation modulus (Em) are determined from the jointed rock masses. However, parameters of jointed rock masses can be affected by the tunnel depth below the surface due to the effect of the in situ stresses. In addition, the geomechanical properties of rocks change due to the effect of metamorphism. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to apply correlation analysis to investigate the relationships between rock mass properties and some parameters related to the depth of the tunnel studied. For this purpose, the field work consisted of determining rock mass parameters in a tunnel alignment (~7.1 km) at varying depths from 21 m to 431 m below ground surface. At the same excavation depths, thirty-seven rock types were also sampled and tested in the laboratory. Correlations were made between vertical stress and depth, horizontal/vertical stress ratio (k) and depth, k and Em, k and RMi, k and point load index (PLI), k and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), Em and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), UCS and PLI, UCS and BTS. Relationships were significant (significance level=0.000) at the confidence interval of 95% (r = 0.77-0.88) between the data pairs for the rocks taken from depths greater than 166 m where the ratio of horizontal to vertical stress is between 0.6 and 1.2. The in-situ stress parameters affected rock mass properties as well as metamorphism which affected the geomechanical properties of rock materials by affecting the behavior of minerals and textures within rocks. This study revealed that in-situ stress parameters and metamorphism should be reviewed when tunnel studies are carried out.

• 한국터널지하공간학회 논문집
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• 제7권1호
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• pp.73-88
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• 2005

본 논문에서는 현재 암반 지하 구조물의 설계에 있어 사용되고 있는 접근법인 정량적 암반분류시스템, 시공중 암반 거동에 근거한 분류시스템 그리고 일반적인 정성적 설계 절차의 특징 및 장단점을 살펴보았으며, 이러한 설계 기법의 단점을 해결하기 위하여 제안된 오스트리아 터널 설계 가이드라인을 소개하고 국내의 경우와 비교하였다. 그 결과 기술적으로 안전하고 경제적인 터널 건설을 위해서는 불확실한 지반조건 및 환경조건에 매우 유연하게 대처할 수 있는 설계 및 시공 기술이 필요하다고 판단되며, 오스트리아 터널 설계 가이드라인에서 이와 관련된 기준을 제시하고 있다. 따라서 국내에서도 안전하고 경제적인 터널 건설을 위하여 시공중 계측 자료를 충분히 활용하여 실제 지반 조건을 예측하고 불확실한 지반 조건에 유연하게 대처할 수 있는 설계 및 시공 기술을 적용하는 것이 바람직하다고 사료된다.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• 제35권5호
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• pp.539-554
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• 2023

This article is dedicated to the pursuit of establishing a robust empirical relationship that allows for the estimation of in-situ modulus of deformations (E_m and G_m) within sedimentary rock slope masses through the utilization of Q_slope values. To achieve this significant objective, an expansive and thorough methodology is employed, encompassing a comprehensive field survey, meticulous sample collection, and rigorous laboratory testing. The study sources a total of 26 specimens from five distinct locations within the South Pars (known as Assalouyeh) region, ensuring a representative dataset for robust correlations. The results of this extensive analysis reveal compelling empirical connections between E_m, geomechanical characteristics of the rock mass, and the calculated Q_slope values. Specifically, these relationships are expressed as follows: E_m = 2.859 Q_slope + 4.628 (R² = 0.554), and G_m = 1.856 Q_slope + 3.008 (R² = 0.524). Moreover, the study unravels intriguing insights into the interplay between in-situ deformation moduli and the widely utilized Rock Mass Rating (RMR) computations, leading to the formulation of equations that facilitate predictions: RMR = 18.12 E_m0.460 (R² = 0.798) and RMR = 22.09 G_m0.460 (R² = 0.766). Beyond these correlations, the study delves into the intricate relationship between RMR and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) with Qslope values. The findings elucidate the following relationships: RMR = 34.05e^0.33Qslope (R² = 0.712) and RQD = 31.42e^0.549Qslope (R² = 0.902). Furthermore, leveraging the insights garnered from this comprehensive analysis, the study offers an empirically derived support system tailored to the distinct characteristics of discontinuous rock slopes, grounded firmly within the framework of the Q_slope methodology. This holistic approach contributes significantly to advancing the understanding of sedimentary rock slope stability and provides valuable tools for informed engineering decisions.