A study of the weathering of the Bukit Timah granite Part B: Field and laboratory investigations

Abstract

Field investigations consisting of surface seismic refraction and electrical resistivity surveys, drilling and downhole geophysical logging of the rock mass and of the residual soil indicate that the weathering of the Bukit Timah granite has been rapid and is primarily caused by chemical decomposition due to the tropical climate in Singapore. The granite is usually overlain by a thick layer of residual soil. Laboratory tests indicated a large reductions of the material strength, the modulus of elasticity, the rock mass quality and other mechanical properties of the weathered granite. Apart from the mechanical properties of the residual material and/or of the weathered granite rock, physical properties including density, water content, Atterberg's limits, grain size distribution, permeability, sonic velocity and electrical resistivity were also studied in order to assess the weathering grade and the weathering processes.