• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.33 no.6
• /
• pp.553-565
• /
• 2023

As the structure of broken rock mass is complex, with obvious discontinuity and anisotropy, it is generally necessary to reinforce broken rock mass using grouting in underground construction. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the mechanical properties of broken rock mass after grouting reinforcement with consideration of the characteristics of broken rock mass (i.e., degree of fragmentation and shape) and a range of reinforcement methods such as relative strength ratio between the broken rock mass and cement-based grout stone body (λ), and volumetric block proportion (VBP) representing the volumetric ratio of broken rock mass and the overall cement grout-broken rock mass mixture after the reinforcement. The experimental results show that the strength and deformation of the reinforced broken rock mass is largely determined by relative strength ratio (λ) and VBP. In addition, the enhancement in compressive strength by grouting is more obvious for broken rock mass with spherical shape under a relatively high strength ratio (e.g., λ=2.0), whereas the shape of rock mass has little influence when the strength ratio is low (e.g., λ=0.1). Importantly, the results indicate that columnar splitting failure and inclined shear failure are two typical failure modes of broken rock mass with grouting reinforcement.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.279-285
• /
• 2019

The process of slope stability analysis is one of the most important stages in design of some civil and mining projects. Bimslopes are made from bimrocks (block-in-matrix rocks) where rocky blocks are distributed in a bonded matrix of finer texture. These kind of slopes are often seen in weathered and near-surface depths. Previous studies have shown that VBP (Volumetric Block Proportion) is one of the most significant factors affecting bimrocks strength and consequently the stability of bimslopes. In this paper, the influence of block inclinations on bimslope stability have been investigated. For this purpose, 180 theoretical models have been made with various VBPs, all of them have a specified block size distribution. These bimslopes contain blocks with differing dips relative the slope inclination. Also for each kind of block inclination, 10 different blocks arrangements have been modeled. The Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to analysis the stability of these bimslopes models. The results showed the inclination of blocks has a strong impact on the Safety Factor and stability of bimslopes. When the difference in angle of dip of blocks relative to the slope angle is maximum, the Safety Factor of bimslopes tends to be a maximum compared with the matrix-only state. Furthermore, with increasing VBP of bimslopes stability increases. The graphs obtained from this study could be used for preliminary guidance in the projects design with bimslopes.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.357-364
• /
• 2014

This study aimed to determine effects of the use of water-retention additive, hydrophilic polymer, for extensive green roofs on growth of Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii and Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald and Gold' for woody plants, and Carex kobomugi and Carex pumila for herbaceous plants. Five different contents of hydrophilic polymer including 0% (Control), 1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10% (polymer: medium (w/w), dry weight basis) were added to each of the container filed with a 100 kg of growth medium. Ten of plants were transplanted in each of square container ($1m(L){\times}1m(W){\times}0.3m$ (H)) built on the roof platforms in randomized complete block design in the $20^{th}$ of May, 2013. In results, excessively high volumetric soil water content, about 97-98%, was found in the substrate under elevated hydrophilic polymer concentration of at least 2.5%, during the entire growing period. The moisture content of the substrate containing 1.0% of hydrophilic polymer was higher about 20% in the range between 70% and 80%, compared tho that of Control substrate in the range between 50% and 60%, for 27 days after transplanting prior to abundant rainfall, indicating that the application of hydrophilic polymer to the extensive green roof substrate is effective to eliminate drought condition by retaining water in the substrate. Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald and Gold' and Carex kobomugi resulting in higher plant growth with 2.5% than those of the other treatment plants. Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii was observed the highest growth under 1.0% hydrophilic polymer treatement, and Carex pumila was founded the best growth with Control respectively. Plants that grown in both the 1.0% and 2.5% hydrophilic polymer survived all, while the plants that grown in the 5.0% and 10% hydrophilic polymer died after 3 months. These results suggest that advantage of the addition of hydrophilic polymer may be greater in drought-tolerant plants, but the mixture proportion of hydrophilic polymer should be determined according to the different features of the plant species being grown.