An investigation into strength and porous properties of metamorphic rocks in the Himalayas: A case study

Abstract

If a rock is porous in nature, the genetic complexity associated with its petrofabric makes it difficult to predict its behavior. Here, a comprehensive study of the porous nature, physical and geotechnical responses of three varieties of schist, i.e. quartz mica schist, quartz mica schist with quartz veins and biotite schist of low grade metamorphism obtained from Nathapa-Jhakri hydroelectric project site in the foot hills of Himalayas, India, has been presented. The porous nature of the schists has been brought out through the Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) testing and strength behavior through uniaxial testing. Through an experimental invesigation, the porous nature and pore size distribution parameters from MIP, which are closely related to the strength and performance of metamorphic schistose rocks, have been studied. The significance of the porous nature and its response for consideration in the design is emphasized.