Granite fracture index to check suitability of granite outcrops for quarrying

Abstract

A correct knowledge of fracture patterns previous to quarrying is important for economical exploitation. This work comprises the general characterization of the discontinuities of 10 granite rock masses in NE Portugal. During the study some discontinuity characteristics such as orientation, persistence, aperture, trace length and spacing were evaluated. The differences in the characteristics of the selected granites were described, and the most important exploration factors were identified. In the granites studied, most of the joints are oriented from N10°E to N50°E, which is compatible with the regional fracture pattern. Concerning joint termination, the XX type is common, while the RR type is rare; the persistence index ranges from 3.5% to 25.4%. Closed joints are predominant in the granites studied (> 72.4%), and openings of the others are about 1–2 mm as a result of superficial displacement of the granite blocks. The percentage of filled joints, usually by quartz and pegmatite, is different from one granite to another, but most are < 20%. The average joint length ranges from 11.1 m in post-tectonics granites to 4.6 m in syntectonic granites. Joint spacing varies from 0.98 to 2.8 m with higher values in post-tectonic granites. Joint-space distributions of the granites studied are close to log-normal and exponential distributions. Volumetric joint count (Jv) ranges from 0.8 to 2.1 joints/m 3 and is used for categorizing the places of each granite. The relationships between Jv and other joint characteristics, such as length, spacing and number of joint sets, were investigated. A Granite Fracturing Index (GFI) is introduced, computed on the basis of volumetric joint count, number of joint sets and true joint spacing. The GFI classification of studied places allows us evaluate the suitability for profitable exploitation.