GEOLOGICAL MAPPING & SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS

FOR PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF

AL FUJAIRAH ROAD (CMW-2016-N015)
FUJAIRAH – U.A.E

Report No. SS17000035

Revision No. Rev.00
Status Final Report
Date 29th May 2017

PREPARED FOR
M/S. AL SAHRAA GROUP
ABU DHABI- U.A.E

Revision History

For Review /
Rev.00 29th May 2017 SAV KUR ABO MJA
Approval
Rev.00 28th May 2017 Draft final SAV KUR ABO MJA
Revisio
Date Description Prepared Checked QA Check Approved
n No.
Messrs.: AL SAHRAA GROUP Ref.: SS17000035-Rev.0
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E Date: 29th May 2017

Subject: Geological Mapping & Slope Stability Analysis

for Proposed Construction of Al Fujairah Road (CMW-2016-N015),
Fujairah –U.A.E.

Dear Sirs,

Arab Center for Engineering Studies (ACES) is pleased to submit this Proposed Construction
of Al Fujairah Road (CMW-2016-N015) in, Fujairah, U.A.E. This investigation was carried out
according to our proposal Ref. No. PS17000275-Rev 03 dated 30th April 2017 and in accordance
with the Client’s Local Purchase Order (LPO) ref.no. 7759, dated 30th April 2017.

This report presents the findings of the field investigations, slope stability analysis and
interpretation of the findings, conclusion and recommendation to aid in the design and
construction of rock cut slopes for the proposed project at site D (with HT Tower in position).

In the event that additional information or clarifications are required, please contact our office at
your convenience. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your confidence and
look forward to be of service to you in the near future.

Sincerely yours,
ARAB CENTER FOR ENGINEERING STUDIES (ACES)

Eng. Mohammad J. Ahmed

Geotechnical Manager
ACES - Dubai
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 PURPOSE OF STUDY............................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 SCOPE OF WORKS................................................................................................................................ 2
1.3 STANDARDS AND CODES OF PRACTICE................................................................................................... 2
2.0 PROJECT AND SITE DESCRIPTION.................................................................................2
3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................ 2
4.0 WEATHER CONDITIONS...................................................................................................2
5.0 FIELD WORK...................................................................................................................... 2
5.1 DRILLING.............................................................................................................................................. 2
5.2 LABORATORY TESTING........................................................................................................................... 2
5.3 JOINT DATA COLLECTION........................................................................................................................ 2
6.0 GEOLOGY........................................................................................................................... 2
6.1 REGIONAL GEOLOGY............................................................................................................................. 2
6.2 STRUCTURE.......................................................................................................................................... 2
6.3 QUATERNARY SEDIMENTS/ DEPOSITS..................................................................................................... 2
6.4 SITE GEOLOGY..................................................................................................................................... 2
7.0 ROCK MASS DESCRIPTION..............................................................................................2
7.1 ROCK MASS PARAMETERS.................................................................................................................... 2
7.2 JOINT / DISCONTINUITY PARAMETERS...................................................................................................... 2
7.3 ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION OF WEATHERING GRADE...........................................................................2
7.4 ROCK MASS WEATHERING AT SITE.......................................................................................................... 2
7.5 SHEAR STRENGTH PARAMETERS........................................................................................................... 2
8.0 CUT SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS..................................................................................2
8.1 STABILITY OF ROCK CUT SLOPES.......................................................................................................... 2
8.1.1 Modes of Slope Failure................................................................................................2
8.1.2 Methodology of Analysis..............................................................................................2
9.0 THE STABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED ROCK CUT SLOPES:........................2
9.1 EMPIRICAL / KINEMATIC ADMISSIBILITY CHECK......................................................................................... 2
9.2 ANALYTICAL CHECK:.............................................................................................................................. 2
**** Ext load corresponds to bearing pressure of 250 Kpa...............................................................2
10.0 CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................... 2
11.0 RECOMMENDATIONS:......................................................................................................2
12.0 FINAL NOTES..................................................................................................................... 2
13.0 SOFT COPY........................................................................................................................ 2
14.0 REFERNCES....................................................................................................................... 2

LIST OF TABLES:

Table 1: Summary of Borehole Information....................................................................................2

Table 2: Summary of results of direct shear tests..........................................................................2
Table 3: Summary of discontinuity/ Joint Data...............................................................................2
Table 4: Summary of Joint sets identified......................................................................................2
Table 5: Typical Summary of in-put parameters for SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis.............2
Table 6: Summary of out put/ results of SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis...............................2
Table 7: Typical Summary of in-put parameters for SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis.............2
Table 8: Summary of out put/ results of SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis...............................2

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LIST OF FIGURES:

Figure 1: The general view of the existing hill slope.......................................................................2

Figure 2: View of the existing cut slopes in sheared rock...............................................................2
Figure 3: A view of the exposed talus material...............................................................................2
Figure 4: A typical view of the exposed weathered mass...............................................................2
Figure 5: A typical view of the exposed rock mass.........................................................................2
Figure 6: Main types of failure and stereo plots of structural conditions likely to give rise to these
failures (after E.Hoek and J.Brey 1991).........................................................................................2
Figure 7: Typical Plane failure........................................................................................................2
Figure 8: Typical Plane failure else where.....................................................................................2
Figure 9: Typical wedge failure......................................................................................................2
Figure 10: Plane-cum-Wedge failure else where near project site.................................................2
Figure 11: Limiting equilibrium condition for toppling and for sliding of the blocks else where.......2
Figure 12: Typical circular failure...................................................................................................2
Figure 13: Typical Plots of joint data analysis/ kinematic admissibility check (DIPs 6)...................2
Figure 14: Contour diagram showing the dominant joint sets.........................................................2
Figure 15: Stereogram showing planar mode of failure..................................................................2
Figure 16: Stereogram showing wedge mode of failure.................................................................2

LIST OF APPENDICES:

Appendix No. Appendix Details

Appendix A : Site Plan

Appendix B : Geological Map of the Area

Appendix B.i : Geological Sections

Appendix C : Joint Data (Field Sheets)

Appendix D : Rock Science Analysis

Appendix D1 : Wedge Analysis

Appendix D2 : Planar Analysis

Appendix D3 : Analysis Information Data

Appendix E : Log of Boring and Cross Section Geological Profile

Appendix E1 : Log of Boring

Appendix E2 : Cross Section Geological Profile

Appendix F : Laboratory Test Results From Borehole

Appendix G : Core Sample Photographs

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of the geotechnical investigation, geological Mapping & Slope
stability analysis for the ongoing Proposed Construction of Al Fujairah Road (CMW-2016-N015)
in Fujairah, U.A.E.

1.1 Purpose of Study

The purpose of the geological study was to study the character and distribution of geologic materials
and structure along the site under construction for use in the design of excavation of slopes and
protection/ treatment measures. The main objectives of the study are to:

 Assess the stability of the cut slope, in general, the influence of the construction works and to
provide the design engineers with the required measures to design a cut slope angle and enhance
the stability and safety of the site and overhead tower package D.

 Define and describe the materials within the site, to assist in evaluating the stability of the cut
slopes.

1.2 Scope of Works

The geological study/ investigation consisted of field studies and laboratory analysis. The field portion
of the investigation employed the following:

The scope of works consists of the following:

 Collecting information and maps particular to the site.

 Making inspection visits to the site to collect information about the surface topography,
geological features and surface drainage.
 Carrying out structural geological mapping of the excavated rock cuts and joint data
collection.
 Drilling of one (01) borehole upto a depth of 25.0m and collecting disturbed and
undisturbed samples.

 Performing the required laboratory tests on rock samples.

 Performing analysis of field data and engineering geological interpretations.

 Preparing the interpretative report, on the slope stability studies with recommendations on the
proposed cut slope angles and slope protection measures for Overhead tower (OHT).

1.3 Standards and Codes of Practice

Unless otherwise specified in this document, all equipment, materials and procedures associated
with this work comply with current editions of following relevant Standards and Codes of Practice.

 International Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM) – Suggested Methods, various

publications
 Engineering Geological Mapping, W.R. Dearman (1991)
 Rock Mechanics Principles and Application – J.A. Hudson, J.P. Harrison (1992)
 Foundations of Engineering Geology- Waltham (2009)
 Rock Slope Engineering- Evert Hoek and John Bray, revised 3rd edition (1981)

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2.0 PROJECT AND SITE DESCRIPTION

The project includes the Geological Mapping & Slope Stability Design for proposed Construction &
Supervision of FOIZ Road – CMW-2016-N015. The cut slope heights of 10 – 20 m are expected to
be generated by the excavation.

The report covers the study and analysis from the existing cut slopes along the road section and the
out crops at higher levels of the existing natural hill slope, to check the stability of the proposed cut
slopes globally up to 20 m and locally up to 10 m height, and identify the requirement of any slope
stabilization/ protection measure also. Some general photographs of the site were also taken. A
general photograph is shown below.

A HT tower is in position at a distance of about 7 - 8 m from the proposed cut edge of the slope. The
analysis has been carried out considering the external loads (please see table ) of the tower.

Existing road

Figure 1: The general view of the existing hill slope

3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION

The site location is shown in Appendix A. At the time of investigation, the site was easily accessible.
General Photographs of the existing cut slopes were taken and the joint data from the exposed rock
surfaces were collected on the data sheet format (Appendix C). Ground levels are related to
Fujairah Municipality Datum & co-ordinates are related as per WGS84, Zone UTM 40.

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4.0 WEATHER CONDITIONS

The site is situated close to Fujairah beach where a hot arid climate prevails. This climate regime
produces characteristic hot rocky terrains. Average annual rainfall may only be a few centimeters
(even only a few millimeters in some parts) which usually occurs seasonally and can occur from a
single heavy cloudburst. Summer shade temperatures are frequently in excess of 40°C and humidity
varies between 40 to 70%. The contrast between maximum night and day temperatures is often
large. Strong persistent winds are normal in many areas.

5.0 FIELD WORK

5.1 Joint data collection

The discontinuity data azimuthal directions, dip amount, dip direction and joint/ surface parameters
were measured from the cut slopes by global method, with the help of the geological compass, comb
profilograph and Schmidt’s hammer etc. Details of the slopes like lithology/ rock type, contact zones,
joint traces, weak seams/ veins, fractured zones, over break zones, etc. were observed and
recorded in the table below. Table 1 presents joint data collected from the site.

Table 1: Summary of discontinuity/ Joint Data

Dip Dip Spacin Persistenc
Sl. Dip Joint Aperture
Ref Directio Surfac g e
No Amount Filling (mm) Weathering
. n e (cm) (m)
.
1 J1 170 76 Rg-Un Si. 50 2.0 Tg,Po V
2 J2 240 74 Rg Si 40 2.0 Tg,Po V
3 J3 212 60 Rg-Un Si,Ca 40 2.0 Tg,Po IV
4 J4 44 30 Rg-Un Si 30 1.0 Tg V
5 J5 96 14 Rg Si 30 1 Tg,Po VI
6 J6 310 60 Rg Si,Ca 30 2.0 Tg,Po VI
7 J7 28 54 Rg Si 30 3.0 Tg VI
8 J8 356 64 Rg-Un Si,Ca 40 3.0 Tg IV

6.0 GEOLOGY
The following descriptions on the geology are based on the available publications from the ministry
of energy, UAE, various sources on the internet and the field studies carried out during the
investigation.

6.1 Regional Geology

The UAE is located on the northern part of the relatively stable Arabian platform. The platform
occupies Arabian land and the gulf- an extension of the Arabian sea in the form of a shallow sea.
With the plate tectonic movements, about 25 million years ago, the present day Arabian plate
separated from the Afro-Arabian plate along the Red sea. The palaeozoic plate-tectonic movements
have rendered the UAE a phase of glaciation and exposure to humid tropical climate.

The ancient shallow sea, once covering the whole region of UAE, rose and fell, influenced by major
world climatic changes, and deposited its sediments for at least 500 million years (from Cambrian
age). The layer of rocks was thus formed, in places several kilometers thick, in pockets of the
ancient sea-bed. The processes of decomposition created oil and gas reserves, which provide the
means for the present day man to transform the modern landscape. Earth movements folded and
tilted these once horizontal layers during the mid-Tertiary, creating in the process scenic mountains

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such as Jebel Hafeet. This, and several other outcrops, including Jebel Howayyah (popularly known
as ‘Fossil Valley’, near Al Ain) have been formed by erosion of an arched fold of sedimentary rocks.

Cutting deep into the sedimentary series, erosion has exposed Upper Cretaceous (’Simsima’)
limestone; the remains of an offshore reef, where forms of sea-life once flourished.

An interesting feature which observers sometimes find difficult to explain is the existence of various
rocks and minerals in the midst of a limestone series. These may consist of lavas, gypsum of various
colours, hematite iron ore and mauve or green shales. Origins of these are clearly separate from the
biotic limestone. The explanation lies in the upsurges of the Cambrian salt deposits from beneath (as
deep as 6000 m) the Permian limestone layers: extreme pressure on these, caused by overlying
rocks, squeezed them up towards the surface through weakness planes or cracks, dragging with
them rocks from deep within the crust, sometimes from 6,000 meters down. When the salt rock
pierces the surface it is quite rapidly eroded, depositing the boulders and debris it has brought up
with it. Current examples of this phenomenon is seen at Jebel Dhanna, Sir Bani Yas, Das, Zirku and
on several other islands.

Unlike the Asir mountains along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, which have
dominated the landscape for hundreds of millions of years, the Hajar range is a relatively recent
phenomenon, only 15 to 20 million years old. It is a geologically distinct feature, separate from the
sabkah, desert and low jebels discussed above.

The tall NE – SW trending mountains on the east, forming a natural boundary between Oman and
UAE, are of great interest since they offer a relatively rare opportunity to examine oceanic (ophiolite
suit) rocks, such as basalts, lavas and oozes, formed at the site of a mid-oceanic ridge more than
seventy million years ago.

During the Cretaceous period the movement of oceanic plates resulted in this segment of the earth’s
crust being dragged towards Arabia and eventually got pushed onto the edge of the peninsula. Great
pressures were clearly involved in the process, altering crustal rocks and lavas into green-grey
ophiolite and dark brown gabbros which we see today on the majestic craggy peaks south of Dibba
and Masafi. At first this movement did not necessarily entail uplift of the oceanic rocks above sea-
level, and they did in fact form a new sea-bed on top of which other sediments were deposited. This
may be observed from the road to Hatta, and through Jebel Faiyah, where Upper Cretaceous
limestones are resting on top of an older sea-bed of lavas.

Today’s scenery is primarily a relic of the Ice Age during which a much wetter climate resulted in
large rivers tearing down the mountains, cutting into their sides, and carrying vast quantities of
gravel, pebbles and boulders. Once washed out, they formed huge alluvial fans, filling-up the valleys
and extending on to the surrounding plains. Since then, sun and wind have continued to weather
rock surfaces while flash-floods still result in alluvial deposits.

The rocks of Permian, cretaceous and quaternary age are exposed in the main land. The
autochthonous sediments of quaternary age are mostly confined towards the north eastern part of
the country. Most of the rocks in the sabkah desert reach are the deep to shallow sea bed deposits
characterized by the calcareous sand stones/ arenites, gravely calcareous siltstones/ calcisiltite with
interbeds of polymictic conglomerates. The depth of the gravelly siltstones is established up to +150
m. The allocthonous sedimentary group of rock like limestone of Permian to Cretaceous age is
associated with the ophiolite suit of rocks and are exposed in the coastal hill ranges on the eastern
and north eastern parts of the country. The dense flow rocks are of basaltic to dunitic to gabbroic to
amphibolitic in composition, with olivine rich pockets (Herzburgite). The rocks are intensely folded,
faulted / thrusted and subsequently injected with the basic, acidic and calcareous intrusives.

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6.2 Structure

Two major tectonic units are discernible in the area. From top to bottom they are:

1. The Hawasina Nappe with bathyal sedimentary and volcanic rock over-thrusting the Arabian
platform.

2. The Samail Nappe, a fragment of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere, over thrusting the
Hawasina Nappes and the northern edge of Arabian platform.

The present day structures in rocks are as a result of the above two tectonic events, the Eoalpine
movement’s of late cretaceous and the Alpine movements of Miocene. The deformations have
resulted in many compressional structures including thrusts, reverse and transcurrent faults,
generally trending in N-S direction. The tectonics events resulted in the upliftment of the Oman
Mountains.

6.3 Quaternary sediments/ Deposits

The 10 – 35 km wide plains (Batinah coastal plains) between the piedmont of Oman Mountains on
the west and the gulf coast (Gulf of Oman) on the east, stretching over a length of 200 Km along the
coast, are occupied by three distinct generations of alluvial terraces and fan deposits of sand,
boulder and gravel. These substantially thick quaternary deposits consist of the ancient, sub-recent
and recent alluvial deposits. The ancient deposits occur as relics of the alluvial terraces and fans
along the eastern piedmont of Oman Mountains, and consist of poorly sorted well rounded to sub-
rounded cobbles to pebbles and sand cemented with carbonate rich matrix. These deposits are 10 –
40 m thick and are noticed between elevations El. 100 and 500 m. in the piedmont areas/ foothills of
the mountain range.

The sub-recent alluvial deposits consist of uncemented/ loose sub-rounded gravel and sand with
some silt and local graded gravel beds which are characteristic of these deposits. The sub-recent
alluvial deposits noticed on the eastern side, along the Batinah plains consist of silt and clay deposits
(khabra), which are a result of accumulations of the flood basins behind natural barriers and
depressions. The Khabras form a continuous belt bordering either the beach sediments or sabkah
along the coast.

The latest period of uplift of the Oman mountain range led to the increased down cutting/ incising of
the wadi beds, in the mountains and the sub-recent to recent alluvial deposits in the piedmont and
plain areas, by the torrential streams/ rivers flowing towards east to meet the sea The resulting
alluvium generated consist of poorly sorted gravel and sand derived from the network of ancient and
sub recent alluvium. These recent deposits form the fans with increasing width towards east, in the
Batina coastal plains. The deposits are tens of meters thick.

The annual rain fall being <300 mm/ year no perennial flows are noticed in the Wadis. The recent
and sub-recent alluvial deposits form good aquifers which are recharged by the underground
seepages from the mountain range. The main alluvial aquifers are located in the eastern Piedmont in
the Batinah plains where alluvial deposits are several hundred meters thick with good permeability.

6.4 Site Geology

The site, located with-in the Eastern hill ranges of UAE in Fuajairah is characterized by a rugged hilly
terrain with sub-rounded to sharp crested hills, and deep intervening valleys. The elevations in the
study area range between ±250 m and ± 850.00 m.

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Figure 2: View of the existing cut slopes in Figure 3: A view of the exposed talus material
sheared rock

Figure 4: A typical view of the exposed weathered Figure 5: A typical view of the exposed rock mass
mass
The drainage in the area is structure controlled/ aligned along major joints/ fractures. The general
drainage flow is towards West (W) at the site.

The hills are barren with very scanty vegetation cover in the higher reaches. The slopes are covered
with thin slope wash material, consisting of silty sand with boulders and gravels of gabbro. The flow
rocks manifest a general foliation/ structural trend of NNE – SSW with ENE (060o) dips of 36 - 40 o,
conforming to the regional structural trend of the hill ranges with flow rocks- ophiolite.

The Gabbroic flow rocks are exposed at the site. The rock mass is slightly weathered (Gr. II), under
a 0.5 – 1.0 m thick slope wash material on the higher reaches, below which unweathered rock mass
(Gr.I) is noticed up to the excavated depth of 10 - 20 m.

7.0 ROCK MASS DESCRIPTION

The highly jointed flow rocks are light to dark greenish grey in colour with interlayers of relatively
weak serpentine and calcite veins. Four to six sets of joints are noticed at the site. The dominant
joint sets with the joint surface characteristics are given in the tables for respective slopes in
Appendix C.

7.1 Rock Mass Parameters

The following rock mass parameters were assessed during the scan line measurements carried out
at three different locations around the site, for the characterization of discontinuities and the rock
mass for further geotechnical assessments. The standards of International Association of
Engineering Geology and Environment (IAEG) 1981 have been adopted to assess the rock mass
parameters.

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 Weathering Grade
 Rock mass / intact strength
 Joint volume
 Rock Quality Designation
 Joint parameters

o Joint spacing
o Persistence
o Aperture
o Filling
o Roughness
o Joint compressive strength (JCS)

Weathering Grade: The engineering classification of weathering grades, for hard rocks (Approach 2)
after BS 5930:1999 has been adopted for describing the weathering of the rock mass at site. The
dense grey to dark greenish grey gabbro is slightly weathered up to a depth of 5m, to unweathered
(Gr.I/II) below 5 m depth.

Joint volume (Jv): The joint volume is the number of joints per cubic meter of rock mass. Sample
measurements in the rock mass were taken to assess the joint volume. The measured joint volume
for the Gr. I/ II rock types ranges between 8 and 10 (joints/ m 3), indicating the rock mass to be
blocky, with small blocks.

7.2 Joint / discontinuity parameters

The joint parameters measured and assessed during the joint survey/ measurements carried out, are
as follows:
 Joint orientation: The orientation of each joint set was measured with respect to North
and expressed in dip direction (azimuth) and dip amount to assess the influence of the joints
on the cut slopes and foundations for the proposed structure.

 Joint persistence: The continuity of each joint set was measured to assess the degree
of potentiality of the blocks with respect to cuts for slopes and foundations. The persistence of
the joints vary from low (1 – 3 m) to medium persistence (3 – 10 m).

 Joint Spacing (Js): The spacing of each joint set was measured to assess the blocky
nature of the rock mass which greatly influence the nature of failure and permeability in the
rock mass. The spacing of joints in the area vary from very close (20 - 60 mm) to medium (200
– 600 mm).

 Aperture: The extent of opening, normal distance between the two walls of the
discontinuity, of the joint and shear joints were measured to assess the influence on the
stability of the rock mass. The filled in joints have been locally washed away to leave the
opening. The range of apertures of joints vary from tight to wide (>10 mm) in washed away
joints.

 Joint surface: The nature of the joint planes was measured in terms of the surface
profile to assess the roughness of the surface which influences the shear strength along the
discontinuities. The joint surface is planar rough to undulating rough to undulating smooth
(where surfaces are with slickenside/ striations). The surface of most potential J1 set is mostly
undulating rough which improves the shear strength along the joint.

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 Joint filling/ alteration (Ja) or infilling: The joints are mostly filled in with serpentine,
talc, calcite or silica veins. The joints in the upper weathered, fractured zone are filled with clay/
silt or altered in filled material of serpentine.
 Joint roughness (JRC): The roughness profiles of the walls of the discontinuities
substantially influence the shear strength along the discontinuities/ joints. Roughness was
assessed empirically in the field for each set. The Joint Roughness Co-efficient (JRC) for the
different sets varies from 4 – 8 (Choube and Barton 1973).

 Joint Shear strength (JCS): The compressive strength of the in filled material
influencing the shear strength properties along the joint. The shear strength parameters of the
different joint sets (sub-horizontal bedding joints to steep dipping joints (+50 o) were determined
from the direct shear tests carried out in the laboratory.

 Joint water (Jw): The seepages through the joints play an important factor in the
stability of the rock mass. As such no seepage or dampness was observed along the joints
during the field work. However, keeping in view the possibilities of rains 100% water filled
tension cracks have been considered in the analysis.

For a common understanding and facilitate communication amongst the engineers and engineering
geologists the rock mass of the project area were categorized in to the following.

7.3 Engineering classification of weathering grade

The engineering classification of weathering grades (BS 5930:1999) has been adopted for
describing the weathering conditions of the rock mass (Approach 2- for strong rocks). The summary
of the classification is as follows:

G.I – Fresh rock mass

G.II – Slightly weathered rock mass
G.III – Moderately weathered rock mass
G.IV – Highly weathered rock mass
G.V – Completely weathered rock mass
G.VI – Residual soil

7.4 Rock mass weathering at site

The process of physical weathering at the site is clearly discernible in the surrounding area, which is
mainly due to the distressing/ pressure releases on the slopes and due to erosional effects. The
development of the random set of joints/ fractures parallel to the slope/ surface, gapping/opening of
cracks/ joints is a manifestation of the process of physical weathering due to pressure release/ relief.

Chemical weathering process in the gabbro rock mass is manifested at the site by the alteration and
subsequent weakening of the rock mass in general. These weathering effects are from the
groundwater interaction, change in atmospheric temperatures, percolating rain water etc. over a
prolonged span of time, in hundreds of years (in the geologic time scale).The RM.II rock mass of
moderately to highly weathered (G.III/ IV) gabbro mass is a product of chemical weathering.

7.5 Shear Strength Parameters

At this site, the strength parameters (c & Ø) of joint planes were considered based on the experience
& available data near by the site.

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8.0 CUT SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS

The slope stability analysis was carried out for the following cut slope categories:

Sr. Description Method Height Range

Up to 10 and 20 m wedge height/ slope
01 Stability of rock cut slopes Wedge & planar
height

8.1 Stability of Rock Cut Slopes

The stability of rock cut slopes depends on the discontinuities in the rock mass such as bedding
planes, joints, faults and their surface characteristics. In fact, the orientation and inclination of the
planes of discontinuities are the controlling factors in the slope stability problems.

8.1.1 Modes of Slope Failure

When these discontinuities are vertical or horizontal, simple sliding cannot take place and the slope
failure will involve fracture of intact blocks of rock as well as movement along some of the
discontinuities. Obviously, it is the inclination and orientation of discontinuities which controls rock
slope stability. The method of limiting equilibrium is used in analyzing the slope failures.

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Figure 6: Main types of failure and stereo plots of structural conditions likely to give rise to these
failures (after E.Hoek and J.Brey 1991)
Plane Failure: plane failure occurs when a geological discontinuity, such as a bedding plane, strikes
parallel to the slope face and dips into the excavation at an angle greater than the angle of friction.
The calculation of the factor of safety follows precisely the same pattern as that used for the single
block.

In order that sliding should occur on a single plane the following geometrical condition must be
satisfied:

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é Z
Zw
E

ß
u
T

Hc

p
Hp

c

Figure 7: Typical Plane failure Figure 8: Typical Plane failure else where

The plane on which sliding occurs must strike parallel or nearly parallel to the slope face.

The failure plane must “daylight” in the slope face. This means that the dip must be smaller than the
dip of the slope face.

The dip/ angle of the failure plane must be greater than the angle of friction of this plane. Release
surfaces which provide negligible resistance to sliding, such as tension cracks, must be present in
the rock mass to define the lateral boundaries of the slide.

At this site no plane failure pattern is expected as the J4 joint which is sub-parallel to the cut slope,
has a dip (80o) steeper than the cut slope angle (72o). If the J4 set dips gentler than the cut slope
angle (<70o) these would become potential for plane failures. These are expected else where at the
project site.

Wedge Failure: A more complex failure mechanism that may be encountered in rock slopes occurs
when two discontinuities strike obliquely across the slope face and their line of intersection daylights
on the slope face. The wedge of rock resting on these discontinuities will slide down the line of
intersection, provided the inclination of this line is significantly greater than the angle of friction. The
calculation of the factor of safety is more complicated than that for plane failure since the base areas
of both failure planes as well as the normal forces on these planes must be calculated.

For both types of analysis, a range of potential surfaces of discontinuities are considered as
characterized by the dominant joint sets (table) identified for the site (see above photo).

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H1

Figure 9: Typical wedge failure Figure 10: Plane-cum-Wedge failure else where
near project site

Toppling failure: Toppling failure involves rotation of columns or blocks of rock about some fixed
base and the simple geometrical conditions governing the toppling of a single block on an inclined
surface. Toppling failures are of different types like:

i. Flexural toppling
ii. Block toppling
iii. Block- flexure toppling

Figure 11: Limiting equilibrium condition for toppling and for sliding of the blocks else where

At times, secondary failures are initiated by some undercutting of the toe of the slope, either by
natural agencies such as erosion by streams, weathering or by the activities of man. In all cases the
failure involves sliding or physical breakdown of rock, and toppling is induced in some part of the
slope as a result of the primary failure.

Circular Failure: Where the rock mass contains no dominant geological structure, but is randomly
or closely jointed, a rupture surface with an approximately circular shape may develop in a similar
manner to failures in soils. This surface will pass partially through intact rock and partially along
existing discontinuities to form a shallow, large radius surface. Such failures are noticed in the

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moderately to highly weathered (Gr. III/ IV) rock mass or highly crushed rock mass with small sugar
cube blocks.

Figure 12: Typical circular failure

The following failure mechanisms were considered and have been analyzed for this project on
completion of the tests and field work.

This mode of failure is expected at this site, where the rock mass is highly jointed with a joint volume
(Jv) of +30.

8.1.2 Methodology of Analysis

The methodology includes:

1. Empirical method: Kinematic admissibility checks with identification of potential wedges and
joint set combinations using STEREO and DIPS 6 programme in the GB reaches

2. Analytical method: Stability checks of the potential wedges (by empirical method) using
SWEDGE programme for a FoS of 1.5.in PCTM and WGB reaches separately for each cut
slope.

3. Protection measures: Identification of the required protection or stabilization measures.

8.1.2.1 Empirical Method: Kinematic Admissibility Check/ Markland’s Test

The structural/ joint data was collected from field by the scan line method or otherwise along the
road cut slopes. Joint data was collected from each slope location and the out crops in the higher
reaches to plot on the stereonet and identify the major joint sets and the failure modes.

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Rose Diagram Contour Diagram

Stereogram Plane Stereogram Wedge

Figure 13: Typical Plots of joint data analysis/ kinematic admissibility check (DIPs 6)

The empirical method of analysis was carried out for the proposed rock cut slope:

8.1.2.2 Analytical Checks

The potential mode of failures were identified with the help of kinematic admissibility checks/
analysis (table 8) carried out using the joint set data collected from field. The potential joint sets
responsible to form/ develop the wedges are identified in table 08. The shear strength parameters
were determined along the potential joint and of intact rock in laboratory by direct shear tests
(table…..). The test values are used in the specific stability analysis carried out using the SWEDGE
software. The stability analysis was done for the slope heights of 10 – 12 min the valley.

Definitions of some of the terms used in the analytical check are explained below.

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External Force/ load (E): The external loads are the expected loads due to super structures
(engineered earth fills and expected live loads due to traffic) constructed on the slopes/ potential
slope areas. No external load on each wedge area has been considered.

Tensile Force (T): Tensile forces are the applied normal forces through external means like rock
bolts, shotcrete, claddings etc. to increase the shear strength along the expected failure plane and
achieve a desired factor of safety. In the software the tensile forces are input for achieving the
desired factor of safety, for long term stability. The orientation of the “Anchors” was specified as 20o
to the horizontal in general. Active anchors where selected as opposed to passive (which means that
the anchors shall be stressed and locked to the design load following installation. The length of the
anchors shall be sufficient to penetrate through bedrock beyond the shear plane of the wedge, such
that the desired design service load is established with adequate safety factor (reference is made to
BS 8081: 1983Ground anchorages, for more details). Accordingly, the anchor lengths shall be not
less than the specified lengths given in the subsequent sections below.

Factor of Safety: The stability of slopes other than the conditions of limiting equilibrium (FoS=1),
some form of index is required and the most commonly used index is the Factor of Safety (FoS).
Practical experience suggests that, an increase in the factor of safety will generally be adequate for
critical slopes. The factor of safety calculation for the failure plane follows the same pattern as for a
single block. However, for the calculation for the FoS for wedge failure is more complicated, since
the base areas of the two discontinuities and the normal forces are to be calculated (E.Hoek & J.W.
Bray 1981). According to HOEK & BRAY, for critical slopes adjacent to important installations a FoS
of 1.5 is usually preferred.

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For foundations located on level ground

at the crest of a slope (fig.a), the
allowable bearing pressure shall be
reduced. The stability of slopes with
foundations located close to crest can be
checked by the method of stability- plane
failure mode and wedge failure mode
analysis using a factor of safety of 2 – 3
so that deformation will be minimal
(ref.1).

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The factor of safety is a measure of the level of acceptable risk; accordingly, different safety factor
can be appropriate for different cases of loading. The following basic analyses and safety factors
were adopted in this study:

Loading Wedge Own Wt Water E, full Safety T Seismic

condition Saturation loading Factor Effects
Static On the cliff /    1.5 Find T 1.2*
loading escarpment zone
* The static analysis was checked for seismic effects using a max = 0.15g (Horizontal max. ground acceleration), and the value of T was
adjusted such that the static and seismic safety factors indicated are satisfied (it should be noted that static analysis governs the selection
of T in all cases).

Earthquake factor (EQ): Stability analysis was checked for seismic effects considering horizontal
ground acceleration of 0.15 g acting on the wedges adopting a lower FoS. Stability analysis is
checked for seismic effects also considering the horizontal ground acceleration acting on the
wedges. The seismic analysis produces lower safety factors as expected. FE based analysis cannot
be run for seismic effects unless a sophisticated dynamic analysis is conducted which is outside the
scope of this study. The adopted values for the parameter are Kh = 0.09 and Kv = 0.045. These
represent UBC zone 2A (max. ground acceleration of 0.15g).

Water Pressure (Saturation): Water pressures filling discontinuities would impose an additional
significant driving force on the wedge in limiting equilibrium model. This condition is likely for
relatively shallow wedges within the fractured zone during the wet season, however, for wedges
extending to deeper depths, saturation is most unlikely; however, full saturation was considered in
this study for all wedges.

Sensitivity analysis: The effect of uncertainty or variability in the values of input parameters can be
explored using a Sensitivity Analysis. In sensitivity analysis, model parameters are selected and
varied across a range of values and the effect on safety factor observed. This helps to identify the
parameters that have the most effect on wedge stability.

On a sensitivity plot, the gradient of a curve for a parameter indicates the effect that a parameter has
on the factor of safety. Steeper (rising or falling) curves indicate greater influence on the factor of
safety. A relatively "flat" curve indicates that a variable has little effect on the factor of safety. A
completely flat curve indicates that the variable has NO effect on the safety factor (within the
specified range of the variable).

Accordingly, the sensitivity analysis allows examining the obtained safety factor at conservative
strength and maximum loading conditions as well as under favorable conditions of high strength, dry
slope, and limited loading.

9.0 THE STABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED ROCK CUT SLOPES:

The analysis for the proposed rock cut slopes was done deploying both the methods i.e. empirical
and analytical checks.

9.1 Empirical / kinematic admissibility check

The dominant joint sets were plotted on the wolf’s stereo net, lower hemisphere to identify potential
modes of failure (plane, wedge etc.) and check the stability of the proposed cut slopes.

The following data was used for the empirical analysis with Dips 6 programme:

 The azimuth and dip amount of the eight identified joint sets for each slope (see
respective tables in annexures)

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 The cut slope angles of 78o have been considered.

 Average angle of internal friction (tan) of 35o along potential joints/ discontinuities. With
clay infillings the angle of friction reduces to 11o in the fractured rock mass in the upper slopes.

 The lateral limit of 20o.

The results of the empirical analysis using Dips 6 software are shown as below:

Figure 14: Contour diagram showing the dominant joint sets

Figure 15: Stereogram showing planar mode of failure

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Figure 16: Stereogram showing wedge mode of failure

Discussion on the Results of Emperical check/ kinematic admissibility check:

The above analytical check reveals the following:

 About eight (08) sets of joints (Table 2) are identified in the rock mass which are related to
the tectonics of the area.

Table 2: Summary of Joint sets identified

Dip Spacin Persistenc
Sl. Ref Dip Dip Joint Aperture Weatherin
Directio g e
No . Amount Surface Filling (mm) g
n (cm) (m)
.
1 J1 170 76 Rg-Un Si. 50 2.0 Tg,Po V
2 J2 240 74 Rg Si 40 2.0 Tg,Po V
3 J3 212 60 Rg-Un Si,Ca 40 2.0 Tg,Po IV
4 J4 44 30 Rg-Un Si 30 1.0 Tg V
5 J5 96 14 Rg Si 30 1 Tg,Po VI
6 J6 310 60 Rg Si,Ca 30 2.0 Tg,Po VI
7 J7 28 54 Rg Si 30 3.0 Tg VI
8 J8 356 64 Rg-Un Si,Ca 40 3.0 Tg IV
NOTATIONS: BJ- Bedding joint; PL-Planar ;Sm- smooth, Rg-Rough, Un- Undulating; Ca- Calcite; St- stained; Tg- Tight; Po- Partly open
Cl- Clay filled/ coated; Sl- Silt; Gy- Gouge; Si- silica;

 The adopted shear strength parameters are from the direct shear tests conducted for a
project elsewhere in the area.
 the analysis shows no such potential wedge blocks.
 J1 and J7 form potential blocks for sliding.
 J1 set with intersection of J4 set pose potential toppling blocks.

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9.2 Analytical Check:

In-put parameters: The input parameters for the analysis are summarized in the following typical
table. Some typically high slopes have been checked analytically for stability:

Table 3: Typical Summary of in-put parameters for SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis
Tension
Ext. Slope Slope Water
Wedge  c Ø crack
Sr. No. load height Length pressure Remarks
No. t /m3 (t/m2) (o) distance*
E (t) (m) (m) (%)
(m)
W1 2.6 0 35 1425 10&20 10 2 90 J1, J7
1425**
SLOPE W2 2.6 0 35 10|&20 10 2 90 J2, J3**
*
1 1425**
W3 2.6 0 35 10&20 10 2 90 J7, J8
*
NB: *- Tension crack distance from crest #- with silt/ clay in-filling
** Wedge doesn’t form for 10m height slope.
**** Ext load corresponds to bearing pressure of 250 Kpa
Analytical Check Results: The identified potential wedges and plane failure blocks were further verified
in detail with various combinations of input parameters. The input parameters and the results are
summarized in the following Table 4. The output from the analysis is summarized in the following table.

Table 4: Summary of out put/ results of SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis

Sr.No. Wedge/ FoS(1) Slope Protection/ Treatment Measures Wedge Wedge Remarks
Plane ROCK BOLT Shotcrete FoS(2) FoS(3) Vol. wt. (m3)
No. Bolt Anchor Capacity (mm) (m3)
Length length (t/m)
(m) (m)
SLOPE 1 W1 0.2 - - - - +1.5 >1.2 46.126 119.93 Safe
W2 <1 - - - - +1.5 - - - Wedge not
formed for
10.0m height
slope
W3 <1 - - - 50 +1.5 >1.2 8.197 21.31 safe
(1)
FoS Static (without support or seismic effects), indicating the likely risk of instability under own wt, water pressure, and external loading without introducing any
support (Anchor).
(2)
FoS Static with support, as necessary to achieve the target safety factor.
FoS(3) Dynamic EQ effects (with 0.2 g). T was adjusted, if required such that minimum target safety factor is satisfied.

Table 5: Typical Summary of in-put parameters for SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis
Ext. Slope Slope Tension Water
 c Ø
Sr. No. Wedge No. load height Length crack* pressure Remarks
t /m3 (t/m2) (o)
E (t) (m) (m) (m) (%)
01 P1 2.8 0 35* 1425 10 10 2.0 90 J7
NB: P- planar Blocks; *- with weathered joints

Analytical checks were carried out on the identified plane failure blocks using the roc plane software.
The checks were done for a FoS of 1.5 static and 1.2 dynamic conditions. The findings of the
analysis are given below:

Table 6: Summary of out put/ results of SWEDGE and ROCPLANE Analysis

Sr.No. Wedge/ Slope Joint FoS Slope Protection/ Treatment Measures Wedge Wedge Remarks
Plane height set/ ROCK BOLT Shotc FoS(2) FoS(3) Vol. wt. (t/m)
block dip Bolt Anchor Capacity rete (m3)
No. Length length (t/m) (mm)
(m) (m)
J7/5 <1 3.5 0.767 745 50 +1.5 >1.2 19.27 50.09 Local
01 P1 10
4
FoS(1) Static (without support or seismic effects), indicating the likely risk of instability under own wt, water pressure, and external loading
without introducing any support (Anchor).
FoS(2) Static with support, as necessary to achieve the target safety factor.
FoS(3) Dynamic EQ effects (with 0.2 g). T was adjusted, if required such that minimum target safety factor is satisfied.

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10.0 CONCLUSION
Based on the results of geological mapping and the slope stability analysis done with rock science
software the following conclusions can be drawn:

i. Highly jointed gabbros with 8 sets of joints will be encountered in the lower levels of the
excavations.
ii. The slope wash/ talus and the old terrace material will be excavated as superficial deposits.
iii. The cut slope angles of 0.5 &0.75 H: 1V are considered stable without some stabilization/
protection measures.
iv. A bench to bench height of 8 - 10 m is considered feasible as local slopes.
v. The stability analysis identifies 1 planar block controlled by the joint sets J7, which is
considered to be potential for sliding.
vi. Minor failures of such blocks are anticipated. However, these will not endanger the overall
stability of the slope. In order to stabilize these thin layer of shotcrete is recommended.

vii. The global stability of the 50 m high cut slopes are considered to be stable with a FoS of 1.5
in static and 1.2 in dynamic conditions.

Cut Slope angles (Appendix A):

 Recommended cut slope angles:
a. Up to El. 25.00 to 35.00 m 0.2 h: 1v
b. El. 35.00 to 43.00 m 0.5 h: 1v
c. El. 43.00 to 52.00 m 0.75 h: 1v
 Height of slope between benches 10.0m
 Width of 1st & 2nd benches with drain 2.0m

Slope protection measures (Appendix B):

In view of the long term stability of the cut slopes in weathered rock and the effects of the nature
protection measures in the foundation reach of the HT tower is recommended as follows.

 Slope protection measures recommended between CH. 3+300 to 3+500 m (below the
tower location):
a. Between El. 52.00 and El. 43.00 m – Mesh reinforced shotcrete + rock
bolts of 3 m length at 3 m c/c, fully grouted.
b. Between El. 43.00 and El. 35.00 m - Plain shotcrete (50 mm thickness)
c. Between El. 35.00 and El. 25.00 m – Selective shotcrete
 In rest of he reaches are carried out between Ch. 3+300 to 3+500m selective
measures like shotcrete and spot bolts will be required, which can be identified after
final excavations.

11.0 RECOMMENDATIONS:
A summary of the recommendations are given in the following table for the reach between 3+400
and 3+420 m (20 m) in the tower foundation reach.

Recommended
Elevation FMD (m) Protection Measures
Slope
Mesh reinforced shotcrete +Rock bolts of 3 m length, fully
52.00 – 43.00 0.75H:1V
grouted.
43.00 – 35.00 0.5H:1V Plain Shotcrete

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35.00 – 25.00 0.2H:1V Selective Shotcrete to be identified after excavation.

Rest of the reach
Selective measures shotcrete and spot bolt to be identified
between Ch 3+300 to Same as above
after final excavations.
3+500m

 The final rock cut slopes need to be scaled manually by wedging and baring to
remove all loose and overhanging blocks.
 Review mapping of the cut slopes need to be done during construction to identify the
requirement of any selective slope protection measures necessary to stabilize the
slopes.
 Proper drainage arrangement with a sloping drain at every bench of the cut slopes
need to be constructed to channelize the surface water and any seepage from the cut
slope.
 Extensive controlled blasting measures, line drilling, smooth blasting measures, are
recommended to minimize the damages to the surroundings/ vicinity of the tower.

12.0 FINAL NOTES

All information in this report is considered confidential and should not be copied or used without
the permission of "Arab Center for Engineering Studies". No part of this report may be
reproduced, photocopied, translated, published, recorded, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of ACES.
The content of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication or promotional purposes.
Citation of any trade name does not constitute promotion or approval of the use of such product.

The final excavated slopes be mapped and verified by ACES, for identification of potential
reaches and further advice on the slope protection measures. The maps can be useful for
executions of the measures and will be the records for posterity.

13.0 SOFT COPY

Electronic copy, in the form of CD, of the report with appendices is attached.

14.0 REFERNCES
1.0 Rock Slope Engineering- Evert Hoek and John Bray, revised 3rd edition (1981)
2.0 Engineering Geological Mapping, W.R. Dearman (1991)
3.0 Engineering Geology of Dubai by Emad Y. Sharif and Mohd. J. Ahmed.

****

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