Rock Mechanics Assignment 1

A 6 m diameter tunnel is to be constructed at a depth of 500 m in a rock mass composed of rhyolite. The
estimated horizontal stresses are about 2.2 times the vertical stress.
Lab tests on rhyolite core give an average uniaxial compression strength of 185 MPa, based on 23 samples,
with a standard deviation of 35 MPa. Testing of 276 samples of N-size core gives an average point load index
of 7.2 MPa, with a standard deviation of 2.3 MPa. Generally, the rock mass is expected to be of high quality
with widely spaced joints, and the drilling results seem to confirm this view as RQD values are consistently in
the range of 85% to 95% with fresh, unweathered, relatively rough joint faces. However, the drift is expected
to cross two zones (Zone A and Zone B) of lower quality rock; each zone is about 200 m wide.
ZONE A: When excavating through the Zone A, water inflow under moderate pressure is expected, entering
through joints spaced at about 1.2 to 1.5m on average and with some rather soft, weathered material at the
faces of the joints. Downhole inspection using a borehole camera suggests that the joints are only slightly
open, and moderately rough. Drilling has been done through this zone with N-size equipment and each
separate core run has been carefully logged. Overall, the drilling succeeded in recovering only 73 m of core
from a 100 m length of drilling, and of the 73 m that were recovered, the total length of core pieces greater
than 100 mm in length was 46 m.
ZONE B: Zone B was found by a different engineering geologist, who reports that pretty poor ground
conditions should be expected in this area, associated with the presence of a fault zone. She expects that at
least four or five intersecting joint sets will be present, with some zones of completely crushed fault gouge.
Previous shearing of the fault zone has formed slickensides along the flat joint surfaces, which are coated with
chlorite. The zone contains high-pressure water that can be expected to flow into the tunnel as it is excavated.
Overall, she says she would characterize this area as representing an extensive single zone of weakness
containing some chemically disintegrated rock.
(a)
(b)
(c)

(d)
(e)

From the information provided, summarize values of both RMR (Rock Mass Rating) and Q
(Tunnelling Quality) that you estimate to be valid within the three rock mass "zones".
Use the rock mass classifications to estimate the standup time for an unsupported tunnel and also
estimate support requirements, if needed.
For the purposes of preliminary design, you have been asked to develop estimates of the strength
envelopes for the three rock mass conditions around the drift, i.e., representing the "normal"
conditions as well as the conditions in the two zones of poorer quality rock which the exploration
drilling has identified. Show all three estimated strength envelopes on an appropriate plot.
Use Kirsch equations or Phase2 to predict the elastic stresses over radial distances of 0 to 4 m from
the top and from the side of the tunnel.
Combine (c) and (d) on an appropriate plot(s) and comment on your findings.

Submit a short report in memo format. Clearly presents your main rock mass strength and tunnel
performance recommendations/concerns in the three rock masses, with accompanying logic. This report
should also include your plots. (5-page maximum)