Rock Mass Characterization

Geological and geotechnical data

collection
 Purpose
• To obtain representative and
unbiased information:
– Location of major geological
features
– Discontinuity orientation,
frequency, size, shear strength
– Information to carry out a
rock mass classification
– Intact rock strength
– Ground water
– Joint condition
 Concepts
• Rock mass can be thought of as an assembly of potential
blocks, which can be disaggregated by an excavation
process

• Geotechnical domains: regions of similar engineering

behaviour that can be delineated within a rock mass.

• Structural domains: regions comprising similar sets of

geological structures that can be delineated within a rock
mass

• Systematic collection of geotechnical information is

essential for accurate characterization
 Concepts

• Rock mass behavior is controlled by the nature of

geological discontinuities and the physical properties of
the rock material bridges (intact rock bridges)

• Large scale geological discontinuities are often low in

shear strength and continuous, and can be seismically
active. They are often defined during orebody delineation

• Minor scale jointing – stochastic joint set characteristics,

sampling techniques required
 Types of Data Collected

• Rock Name (Type)

• Rock Material Properties
– Colour
– Grain size and shape
– Texture
– Other textural features and fabric
– State of weathering
– State of alteration
– Strength
 Types of Data Collected
• Alteration & weathering
– Affects both rock & discontinuities

– Alteration may enhance rock strength

– Weathering will always reduce rock strength

– Multiple weathering schemes have been suggested including

Dearman (1986) and Stapleton ,1976
Types of Data Collected
 Types of Data Collected
• Strength
– Via laboratory testing
• Uniaxial Compressive Tests
• Triaxial Tests
– Field Tests
• Point load Index
• Schmidt Hammer
– Discontinuity wall strength Grades
• See next slide
Types of Data Collected
 Source of Data
• Core Logging
• Borehole geophysical logging
• Outcrop and spot mapping
• Systematic face mapping
– Scanline mapping
– Window mapping
– Photographic scanning
– Steropsis
Source of Data
 Geotechnical core log
• Comprises:
– Header (hole number, project, rig, core size, bit type, plunge and
bearing of hole, collar coordinates)
– Depth (from - to)
– Rock material description
– Degree of weathering
– Field estimate of rock strength
– Graphic log
– Defect description and angle relative to core axis
• – Location of samples taken for testing
• – Rock Quality Designation
• – Core recovery
• – Water return
• – Packer test results
• – Casing details
 Oriented Core Log
• Augments data from the simple geotechnical log and
includes additional information on:
– alpha and beta angles for the defect

– defect roughness and planarity

– infill characteristics (type and thickness)

– actual fracture spacing

 Oriented Core Log

Core orientation
device [after Hoek & Bray]
Oriented core log
 GEOTECHNICAL CORE LOGGING SHEET

Project : _______________________________________ Job No. : ______________ Hole ID No.: ____________

Location : ___________________________________________ Page __________ of _______

Logged By: ______________
Date : ___________________

North is true_____ grid_____ or mag______: Hole Collar : Hole Depth : ___________ (m)

Angle / Azimuth : ___________________________ _______ N (m) ___________ E (m) ___________ RL (m)

Reference line on top_____ or bottom _____ of core

Interval data; Collect for all of prescribed section of Basic Data Rock Fabric Rock Mass Comments
hole (do not limit to orientated sections)
Basic Detailed Structural Data Comments
Basic Rock Fabric Rock Mass Comments Data
Data

Depth (m)

Core Circumference (mm)

Structure Type
Surface
Orientation
condition
From (m)

To (m)

Recovery

Rock type

Weathering

RQD (%)

No. Structure Sets

"Fracture Frequency (/m)"

Strength

Depth of orient mark used

Alpha angle

Beta angle
Planarity
Roughness

Infill Type
Width (mm)
Oriented core log
 Oriented Core Log

code Planarity class Fracture profile

planar
1

2 slightly curved/undulating

3 curved/undulating

4 stepped

5 irregular