New methodology of simplified rock tests to determine bearing capacity in embankments and excavation bottoms

Abstract

Engineering works and projects placed in rock terrains require conventional rock testing for its geological and geotechnical characterization. These tests are well-known and used in practice, but they have notable drawbacks such as high execution costs and large amounts of time required. In this research, a new methodology of simplified rock tests is presented to solve the main disadvantages of conventional rock testing and to provide useful outcomes in practical applications. The simplified rock tests proposed were developed by Professor Morilla, being a set of simple, quick, and cheap tests whose results are obtained with relative scoring systems. Furthermore, correlations with the bearing capacity in embankments and excavation bottoms have also been developed, based on the simplified rock test scores exclusively. These correlations do not include units about their magnitude, but they represent quantitative approximations about their field of application. Therefore, this new methodology is not considered as a self-sufficient design procedure for embankments and excavation bottoms. This paper covers the description of each simplified test required to obtain the bearing capacity in embankments and excavation bottoms, including the tools, steps to follow, scoring system, and the parameters and hypothesis established in the proposed correlations.