• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.141-149
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• 2023

Recently, as the demand for urban underground space increases, urban tunnel planning is actively progressing. In particular, the application of the roadheader excavation method, which has favorable applicability to urban tunnel, is increasing. However, it is known that the roadheader excavation method has a limitation in that excavation efficiency for high strength rock with a Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) of 100 MPa or more is lowered. In this study, The pre-cracked method was presented as a method to improve the excavation efficiency of roadheader for high strength rock and its applicability was evaluated. The net cutting rate was evaluated using the Bilgin prediction formula, which can calculate the net cutting rate by considering the UCS and RQD (Rock Quality Designation). It was found that the net cutting rate increased as the RQD decreased under the rock condition with the same UCS. This is judged to increase the excavation efficiency of the roadheader in the jointed high strength rock. Additionally, the field applicability of the pre-cracked method for high strength rock was verified through field tests. It was confirmed that the crack zone was formed around the charging hole, and it is considered that the pre-cracked method can be applied to the high strength rock.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.5
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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.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.465-479
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• 2008

For the quantitative identification of rock behavior in shallow tunnels, we recommend using the rock behavior index (RBI) by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the Rock Engineering Systems (RES). AHP and RES can aid engineers in effectively determining complex and un-structured rock behavior utilizing a structured pair-wise comparison matrix and an interaction matrix, respectively. Rock behavior types are categorized as rock fall, cave-in, and plastic deformation. Seven parameters influencing rock behavior for shallow depth rock tunnel are determined: uniaxial compressive strength, rock quality designation (RQD), joint surface condition, stress, pound water, earthquake, and tunnel span. They are classified into rock mass intrinsic, rock mass extrinsic, and design parameters. An advantage of this procedure is its ability to obtain each parameter's weight. We applied the proposed method to the basic design of Seoul Metro Line O and quantified the rock behavior into RBI on rock fall, cave-in, and plastic deformation. The study results demonstrate that AHP and RES can give engineers quantitative information on rock behavior.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.453-458
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• 2018

Geomechanical parameters are important factors for engineering projects during design, construction and support stages of tunnel and dam projects. Geostatistical estimation methods are known as one of the most significant approach at estimation of Geomechanical parameters. In this study, Azad dam headrace tunnel is chosen to estimate Geomechanical parameters such as Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) by ordinary kriging as a geostatistical method. Also Rock Mass Rating (RMR) distribution is presented along the tunnel. Main aim in employment of geostatistical methods is estimation of points that unsampled by sampled points.To estimation of parameters, initially data are transformed to Gaussian distribution, next structural data analysis is completed, and then ordinary kriging is applied. At end, specified distribution maps for each parameter are presented. Results from the geostatistical estimation method and actual data have been compared. Results show that, the estimated parameters with this method are very close to the actual parameters. Regarding to the reduction of costs and time consuming, this method can use to geomechanical estimation.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2011

To clarify the distribution of joints and fracture zones in the Cheongju granitic mass, we analyzed drill-core and geophysical well-logging data obtained at two boreholes located 30 m from each other. Lithological properties were investigated from the drill-core data and the samples were classified based on the rock mass rating (RMR) and on rock quality designation (RQD). Subsurface discontinuities within soft and hard rocks were examined by geophysical well-logging and cross-hole seismic tomography. The velocity structures constructed from seismic tomography are well correlated with the profile of bedrock depth, previously mapped from a seismic refraction survey. Dynamic elastic moduli, obtained from full waveform sonic and ${\gamma}-{\gamma}$ logging, were interrelated with P-wave velocities to investigate the dynamic properties of the rock mass. Compared with the correlation graph between elastic moduli and velocities for hard rock at borehole BH-1, the correlation points for BH-2 data showed a wide scatter. These scattered points reflect the greater abundance of joints and fractures near borehole BH-2. This interpretation is supported by observations by acoustic televiewer (ATV) and optical televiewer (OTV) image loggings.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.236-247
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• 2009

Overpopulation has significantly increased the use of underground spaces in urban areas, and led to the developments of shallow-depth underground space. Due to unexpected rock fall, however, it is very necessary to understand and categorize the rock mass behaviors prior to the tunnel excavation, by which unnecessary casualties and economic loss could be prevented. In case of cave-in, special attention should be drawn since it occurs faster and greater in magnitude compared to rock fall and plastic deformation. Types of cave-in behavior are explained and categorized using seven parameters - Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS), Rock Quality Designation (RQD), joint surface condition, in-situ stress condition, ground water condition, earthquake & ground vibration, tunnel span. This study eventually introduces a new index called Cave-in Behavior Index (CBI) which explains the behavior of cave-in under given in-situ conditions expressed by the seven parameters. In order to assess the mutual interactions of the seven parameters and to evaluate the weighting factors for all the interactions, survey data of the experts' opinions and Rock Engineering Systems (RES) were used due to lack of field observations. CBI was applied to the tunnel site of Seoul Metro Line No. 9. UDEC analyses on 288 cases were done and occurrences of cave-in in every simulation were examined. Analyses on the results of 288 cases of simulations revealed that the average CBI for the cases when cave-in for different patterns of tunnel support was estimated by a logistic regression analysis.

• KEPCO Journal on Electric Power and Energy
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.305-313
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• 2020

The use of cable tunnels for electric power transmission as well as their construction in difficult conditions such as in subsea terrains and large overburden areas has increased. So, in order to efficiently operate the small diameter shield TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine), the estimation of advance rate and development of a design model is necessary. However, due to limited scope of survey and face mapping, it is very difficult to match the rock mass characteristics and TBM operational data in order to achieve their mutual relationships and to develop an advance rate model. Also, the working mechanism of previously utilized linear cutting machine is slightly different than the real excavation mechanism owing to the penetration of a number of disc cutters taking place at the same time in the rock mass in conjunction with rotation of the cutterhead. So, in order to suggest the advance rate and machine design models for small diameter TBMs, an EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) shield TBM having 3.54 m diameter cutterhead was manufactured and 19 cases of full-scale tunneling tests were performed each in 87.5 ㎥ volume of artificial rock mass. The relationships between advance rate and machine data were effectively analyzed by performing the tests in homogeneous rock mass with 70 MPa uniaxial compressive strength according to the TBM operational parameters such as thrust force and RPM of cutterhead. The utilization of the recorded penetration depth and torque values in the development of models is more accurate and realistic since they were derived through real excavation mechanism. The relationships between normal force on single disc cutter and penetration depth as well as between normal force and rolling force were suggested in this study. The prediction of advance rate and design of TBM can be performed in rock mass having 70 MPa strength using these relationships. An effort was made to improve the application of the developed model by applying the FPI (Field Penetration Index) concept which can overcome the limitation of 100% RQD (Rock Quality Designation) in artificial rock mass.