10/9/2015

ROCK MECHANICS (Mekanik Batuan)

7.0Principles of rock mechanics that are
related to Civil Engineering (Prinsip-prinsip
mekanik batuan yang berkaitan dengan
pembinaan Kej. Awam).

8.0Civil engineering structures & construction

activities in rock mass (Binaan Kej. Awam &
aktiviti pembinaan dalam massa batuan).

9.0Rock mass classification: RQD, RMR & Q-

system (Pengkelasan massa batuan)

10.0: Basic design parameters for rock slope

and underground excavation: geometry &
weakness planes in rock (Parameter asas
rekabentuk cerun & terowong; geometri &
satah-satah kelemahan dlm. batuan).

11.0: Reinforcement and support system for

rock masses - principles & methods
(Penstabilan & pengukuhan massa batuan -
prinsip & kaedah).

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Part 7: Principles of rock mechanics that are related to

Civil Engineering
Rock mechanics – A branch in engineering that applies the
principles of mechanics in studying the behaviours &
characteristics of geological materials (rock, discontinuities
& related structures) & reaction of these materials to
loading.

This engineering knowledge is essential:

- Rocks are important construction materials (gabion,
cement aggregates & road surfacing & coastal).
- Rocks may act as major components for engineering
structure (structure foundation, slopes & tunnels).

Rock as parts/components of civil engineering structures –

rock as foundation, rock slope & tunnel in rock

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Stability of slopes & tunnels excavated in rock

greatly depends on:

*Strength & characteristic of intact rock

*Structural weakness & discontinuities in rock.
*Weathering degree that affects rock physically.

Therefore, characteristics, strength & weak

structures in rock are the basic parameters
required for designing any engineering structures
in rock.

Important scopes in rock mechanics:

Understanding of rock properties & characteristics

that are important for civil construction.

Measuring the behaviour & characteristics of mass

& material properties of rock using laboratory & field
testing methods.

Application of measured properties into design, with

due consideration on differences between mass &
material properties.

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Effect of number of discontinuities in rock mass on

size of samples

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Important scopes in rock mechanics:

Essential stabilisation methods for rock engineering

structures and consideration on change of design.

Measuring & monitoring of changes of rock

properties using instrumentations during
construction.

Basic construction & excavation methods of rock

engineering structures.

Presence structural discontinuities (joints) may weaken

the rock & expedite weathering.

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Joints are weakness planes that may trigger sliding &

consequently lead to instability of the whole rock mass

Intensive weathering of rock surface (onion peeling) –

indication of rock is being weathered, weakening of both
mass & material strength

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Cut slope in soils (Zone 6 – 3): slope profile is

generally 1 in 1.5