Editorial

4 pages, 198 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses

by Simone Mineo and Giovanna Pappalardo

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1322; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13031322 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1002

Slope instability phenomena are among the most hazardous natural events affecting our society, and therefore the physical–mechanical behavior of rock masses with reference to these is a relevant topic for engineering geological practice, as it conditions the realization and functionality of structures and [...] Read more.

Slope instability phenomena are among the most hazardous natural events affecting our society, and therefore the physical–mechanical behavior of rock masses with reference to these is a relevant topic for engineering geological practice, as it conditions the realization and functionality of structures and infrastructures, as well as the quality of life and economy [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Other

15 pages, 2754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Semiautomated Statistical Discontinuity Analyses from Scanline Data of Fractured Rock Masses

by Christian Zangerl, Matthias Koppensteiner and Thomas Strauhal

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9622; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12199622 - 25 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1692

Abstract

Quantitative statistical discontinuity analysis of fractured rock masses is commonly applied in the fields of engineering geology, rock mechanics, slope stability, and hydrogeology. This study presents a workflow for the semiautomatic determination of basic discontinuity parameters, such as spacing, frequency, trace length, and [...] Read more.

Quantitative statistical discontinuity analysis of fractured rock masses is commonly applied in the fields of engineering geology, rock mechanics, slope stability, and hydrogeology. This study presents a workflow for the semiautomatic determination of basic discontinuity parameters, such as spacing, frequency, trace length, and termination, from scanline surveys written for the open-source software Octave. The aim is to provide theoretical background information and scripts for a quick introduction to all interested parties from academia and consulting, in order to promote the use of widely known and accepted statistical evaluation methods. Data from a study site in granodioritic rock are analyzed in the context of the proposed workflow. These test data and all scripts (m-files) used in the study are provided in order to minimize initial training time. The scripts provided herein are kept short and simple, but can be used as a basis for advanced automation of the workflow and presentation of the results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 22639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Pre-Splitting Blasting Hole Network Parameters and Engineering Applications in Open Pit Mine

by Ziyi Wang, Guiyi Wu and Lang Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(10), 4930; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12104930 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2934

Abstract

In order to optimize the parameters of a pre-splitting blasting hole network, taking an open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia as the engineering background, the numerical models of different pore sizes and hole spacing were established by LS-DYNA software. The stress wave propagation law, [...] Read more.

In order to optimize the parameters of a pre-splitting blasting hole network, taking an open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia as the engineering background, the numerical models of different pore sizes and hole spacing were established by LS-DYNA software. The stress wave propagation law, peak stress change and rock fracture state under various working conditions were analyzed. The optimization formula of a hole network relationship was proposed and verified on site. The results show that the shock wave generated by the explosion propagates rapidly upward from the explosion source and forms a plastic flow zone around the two boreholes. The energy consumption is the largest at this stage. With the propagation of the stress wave, energy dissipates, and its waveform gradually attenuates to a compression wave and seismic wave. In each working condition, a 110 mm aperture first cracked in the stress wave superposition area compared with other working conditions, while a 120 mm aperture delayed evolution to the seismic wave compared with different borehole aperture, and the energy attenuation rate is the slowest. Meanwhile, the fastest energy attenuation rate is with the 130 mm borehole aperture. With the attenuation of the propagation energy of the stress wave, among the four measuring points set at the center of the connection between the two boreholes, the Y-direction stress of the observation points B, C and D is stable between 2.3 and 3.5 MPa, and the Y-direction stress of the observation point A is strenuous between −1.3 and 1.2 MPa. The B, C and D observation points of 90–130 mm aperture conditions showed rock cracking at 7–9 times, 7–9 times, 7–10 times, 7–11 times, and 7–11 times hole spacing, respectively. The cracks of the two boreholes were interconnected. The optimal hole network relationship is obtained by fitting: y = 1.12 + 0.076x, where y is the optimal hole diameter and hole spacing multiple, and x is the hole diameter, which is verified by engineering. After blasting, the slope is smooth and smooth, and the half-hole rate is guaranteed to be above 90%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5885 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Interaction between Rockfalls and Vehicles Studied for Speed Limit Zonation along Mountainous Roads

by Giovanna Pappalardo, Davide Caliò and Simone Mineo

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4096; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12094096 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1399

Abstract

A rockfall risk assessment along the transportation route to a historical village is presented herein with the aim of evaluating the potential of this approach for speed limit zonation. Mountainous roads are often subject to rockfalls, which should be taken into account for [...] Read more.

A rockfall risk assessment along the transportation route to a historical village is presented herein with the aim of evaluating the potential of this approach for speed limit zonation. Mountainous roads are often subject to rockfalls, which should be taken into account for territorial management and planning, especially when dealing with dynamic variables, such as vehicular traffic. Rockfall risk analysis along roads is often aimed at assessing a risk value to plan or prioritize mitigation purposes. Nevertheless, such approaches can also be used to regulate traffic in terms of posted speed limits. Traffic is, indeed, a key variable in rockfall risk analysis due to the spatial and temporal correspondence that a vehicle can have with an either falling or fallen rock block. In order to address this relationship for speed limit zonation purposes, in this paper, a semi-quantitative Rockfall Hazard Rating System was applied to a mountainous road leading to a popular tourist destination in eastern Sicily (Italy), which is characterized by winding paths. This approach, which was chosen for its feasibility and international diffusion, was repeated by taking five different vehicle speed scenarios into account, thus providing an innovative application of the procedure in terms of aims and practical results. The achieved outcomes were used to draft thematic maps, as well as to define a suitable speed limit zonation related to the rockfall risk, highlighting that the road visibility strongly affects the final results. The achieved outcomes demonstrate how a scientific approach can be turned into a practical tool of broad utility, especially in mountainous settings, where winding roads and rockfall problems often condition the viability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 9180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified “Rockfall Hazard Rating System for Pakistan (RHRSP)”: An Application for Hazard and Risk Assessment along the Karakoram Highway, Northwest Pakistan

by Javed Iqbal Tanoli, Ningsheng Chen, Ihsan Ullah, Muhammad Qasim, Sajid Ali, Qasim ur Rehman, Umbreen Umber and Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan Jadoon

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3778; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12083778 - 08 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2572

Abstract

Rockfall is a natural mountain hazard posing a severe threat to people, infrastructure, and vehicles along the transportation corridors. In this research, the standard Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) is slightly modified for the mountainous terrains of Pakistan through the quantification of animal [...] Read more.

Rockfall is a natural mountain hazard posing a severe threat to people, infrastructure, and vehicles along the transportation corridors. In this research, the standard Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) is slightly modified for the mountainous terrains of Pakistan through the quantification of animal activity along the highways. In the modified Rockfall Hazard and Rating System for Pakistan (RHRSP), animal activity is scored based on permanent and random animal tracks, shallow and higher altitudes, and shoulder width. The model is applied along the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which traverses a suture between Besham and Dasu (≈78 km), for Rockfall hazard and risk assessment mapping. An inventory of rockfalls, topples, and debris slides is compiled at 30 stations. Results show that rockfalls are mostly of the wedge and topple type failures. Fifty-seven percent of the area falls under the very-high to high hazard zone, 18% under moderate hazard, and 25% covers the low to very low hazard zone. Sixty-seven percent of the stretch is at very-high to high risk, distributed from Dubair to Dasu. The main reason for this risk is associated with narrow road width and limited shoulder width for vehicles. The RHRSP model is also applicable for other highways with the same geological and morphological settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 8231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bearing Capacity of Footings on Rock Masses Using Flow Laws

by Ana Alencar, Ruben Galindo, Claudio Olalla Marañón and Svetlana Melentijevic

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11829; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112411829 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2459 | Correction

Abstract

The influence of the non-associative flow law on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on rock masses is, in general, a subject that is not discussed in the field of rock mechanics. The calculation methods of bearing capacity usually do not define which [...] Read more.

The influence of the non-associative flow law on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on rock masses is, in general, a subject that is not discussed in the field of rock mechanics. The calculation methods of bearing capacity usually do not define which flow law is adopted and, in some methods, the associative flow rule is assumed without knowing how that hypothesis influences the bearing capacity of the rock mass. In this paper, the study of the influence of the dilatancy angle on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on rock masses is presented. The variation of the bearing capacity with the associative flow law and the non-associative flow law with zero dilatancy angle is studied using the finite difference method and by considering the influence of the self-weight of rock material. The calculations confirm the great influence of the flow law on the bearing capacity and a correction coefficient is proposed, which makes it possible to estimate the variation of the bearing capacity of the rock mass in terms of the function of the flow law for the hypothesis of weightless rock masses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 9132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model Test Study on Stability Factors of Expansive Soil Slopes with Different Initial Slope Ratios under Freeze-Thaw Conditions

by Zhongnian Yang, Jianhang Lv, Wei Shi, Qi Zhang, Zhaochi Lu, Yingying Zhang and Xianzhang Ling

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8480; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11188480 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2225

Abstract

Expansive soil is widely distributed in seasonally frozen areas worldwide. Due to the special expansion and shrinkage characteristics of expansive soil related to water content, there are potential engineering disasters in the subgrade and slope engineering. To investigate the physical and mechanical changes [...] Read more.

Expansive soil is widely distributed in seasonally frozen areas worldwide. Due to the special expansion and shrinkage characteristics of expansive soil related to water content, there are potential engineering disasters in the subgrade and slope engineering. To investigate the physical and mechanical changes within the expansive soil slope, four freeze-thaw cycles tests were performed on expansive soil slope models in an environmental chamber with slope ratios 1:1.5, 1:1 and 1:0.5. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology is used to explain the pore changes in expansive soil during freezing and thawing. Model tests were carried out to monitor the changes in cracks, moisture content, temperature, displacement and soil pressure of the slope model. The results show an increase in the slope ratio may give rise to more intense temperature changes, promote the development of cracks in the model, and increase the temperature gradient and moisture migration rate during freezing and thawing. Following freeze-thaw cycling, the soil structure is destroyed and reassembled, and the soil pressure decreases as the slope ratio increases. Combined with the displacement of slope model and NMR test results, the slope can maintain a stable state after multiple freezing–thawing cycles under a specific moisture content

ω_{s}

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 7664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Characterization Method for Rock Joint Roughness Considering the Mechanical Contribution of Each Asperity Order

by Zhouhao Yuan, Yicheng Ye, Binyu Luo and Yang Liu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6734; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11156734 - 22 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1965

Abstract

The morphology of the joint surface is multi-scale, and it can be divided into first-order asperity (waviness) and second-order asperity (unevenness). At present, the joint roughness characterization formula considers only the morphology contribution of waviness and unevenness components and does not fully consider [...] Read more.

The morphology of the joint surface is multi-scale, and it can be divided into first-order asperity (waviness) and second-order asperity (unevenness). At present, the joint roughness characterization formula considers only the morphology contribution of waviness and unevenness components and does not fully consider their mechanical contribution. At same time, the relationship between the mechanical contribution and the morphology contribution is still unclear. Thus, the characterization formula considering the mechanical contribution of waviness and unevenness needs to be further studied. In this study, the standard joint roughness coefficient (JRC) profiles were first decomposed into waviness and unevenness. Then, three types of joint specimens with different asperity orders (flat, the standard JRC profile, and the profile containing only waviness) were prepared by the 3D engraving technique. Finally, direct shear tests were carried out on 39 sets of red sandstone joint specimens under three normal stresses. The mechanical contributions of waviness and unevenness were studied, the relationship between the mechanical contribution and the morphology contribution of waviness and unevenness was analyzed, and the characterization formula considering the mechanical contribution of waviness and unevenness was established. The results showed that the following: (1) the method combining the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and the critical decomposition level could be used to separate the waviness and unevenness from the joint surface; (2) the mechanical contribution of the waviness and unevenness decreased with the increase in normal stress; (3) the relationship between the mechanical contribution ratio and the statistical parameter ratio of the waviness and unevenness can be describe by power function; and (4) the roughness characterization formula considering the mechanical contribution and morphology contribution was established. This study will enhance the accurate evaluation of the roughness coefficient and shear strength of the joint specimen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research

1 pages, 189 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Alencar et al. Bearing Capacity of Footings on Rock Masses Using Flow Laws. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 11829

by Ana Alencar, Ruben Galindo, Claudio Olalla Marañón and Svetlana Melentijevic

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7637; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13137637 - 28 Jun 2023

Viewed by 310

Abstract

Svetlana Melentijevic was not included as an author in the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses)

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (9 papers)

Editorial

Research

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI