In situ failure investigation and time-dependent damage test for columnar jointed basalt at the Baihetan left dam foundation

Abstract

Columnar jointed basalt (CJB), characterized by a hexagonal joint network, poses a great challenge for geotechnical designs due to its time-dependent propensity to deformation and damage. In this paper, the geometrical structure and failure modes of CJB exposed on a dam foundation is presented. The study was conducted during the unloading excavation of the Baihetan dam, China, aiming to provide a more in-depth understanding of the CJB damage mechanism. A systematic field test for the columnar jointed rock mass was also carried out on the dam foundation using ultrasonic P wave measurements. It was found that the excavation damage zone of the CJB not only showed time-dependent damage both in depth and degree but also showed spatially inhomogeneous distribution of the damage degree. Sequential regression analysis further demonstrated the time-dependent behavior of the CJB. Successive observations using digital borehole cameras in the field showed that the unloading damage mechanism of the Baihetan CJB was mainly related to the time-dependent opening of the initially closed joints. Several reinforcing methods for improving the stability of the damaged CJB, including the injection of liquid cement and the installation of the prestressed rock bolts, are discussed.