Strata Research Articles

Hydraulic horizontal slit-stress synergistic unloading fracturing in coal seams.

Solving the problem of gas extraction from low-permeability coal seams is an urgent issue in the global coal industry, and exploring green and efficient mining methods has potential applications in this field. In this study, the No. 9 coal seam of the Guizhou Longfeng Coal Mine was selected as the research object. The method of using a hydraulic horizontal slit to create a compensation space and then synergizing it with the coal body's own stress to decompress and increase the permeability of the coal body was studied through similarity simulation and numerical simulation experiments. This study showed that the slit can cause the overall development, expansion, and penetration of coal seam fissures. Thereby, a large number of fissures are produced in the coal seam and its upper rock layer, which form, as a whole, a "positive trapezoid" shape. The three stages of the slit produced 165, 487, and 1572 fissures, which unpressurized and increased the penetration of the coal and rock body. The slit causes the upper coal body to lose its support, and the original stress balance of the coal and rock is broken, forming a decompression zone. At the same time, the coal body below starts to expand and deform after losing the vertical stress. The decompression zone gradually expands up and down, and the stress on both ends of the compensation space becomes larger, forming a stress concentration area. After the overall displacement of the coal seam caused by the slit, a "positive triangle" area is formed. In the upper part of the area, six displacement dividing lines are created, which form five areas. The displacement shows the distribution characteristics of a large displacement in the middle and a small displacement at both ends. The results of the similarity simulation and numerical simulation experiments were verified. The study provides a new way of thinking for effectively preventing coal and gas protrusion and improving mining efficiency.

Geology of Mudstones Atop the Sangonghe Formation, Shuixigou Group, Turpan‐Hami Basin: New Insights and Their Implications for Petroleum Geology

ABSTRACTAs the exploration of deep‐seated oil and gas resources in the Turpan‐Hami Basin intensifies, there is an urgent need to thoroughly depict the geological characteristics of newly uncovered, underexplored strata in sub‐sag centers. This study undertakes the inaugural systematic geochemical analysis of mudstones atop the Sangonghe Formation, including palynological identification, maceral identification, biomarker analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, and pyrolysis. The findings reveal that the mudstone sequence, as the target layer, was deposited in a warm and moist paleoclimate and a weakly reducing to weakly oxidising saline water environment, fostering the growth of prolific algae and bacteria, thus ensuring substantial foundational materials for source rock formation. The organic matter in the mudstone sequence displays pronounced laminar accumulation. Despite the overall modest abundance, the organic matter features notable hydrocarbon‐generating potential per unit of organic carbon and favourable types. Humic‐sapropelic kerogens (type II1) are found in the mudstones, with organic matter generally reaching a mature to highly mature stage. These characteristics establish the mudstones as effective source rocks, furthermore, the hydrocarbon expulsion in the Xishanyao Formation precedes that of the Sangonghe Formation and that both formations constitute a sequential process in terms of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion timing and hydrocarbon contribution. Reanalyzing this mudstone sequence not only revises prior geological understanding of it as direct cap rocks, but also facilitates the reclassification of deep‐seated strata into three distinct petroleum systems. Centered around this source rock layer, dual modes, namely the “lower‐source rock and upper‐reservoir” and the “ lower‐reservoir and upper‐source rock” modes can be formed. These new insights will offer profound implications for hydrocarbon resource evaluation and future hydrocarbon exploration endeavours in the Shuixigou Group within the Taibei sag.

SECONDARY MINERAL FORMATION IN PRODUCTIVE DEPOSITS OF THE PASHIYSKY HORIZON OF THE SOUTH TATAR ARCH (REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN)

The article presents the results of studying the postsedimentary mineralization of productive terrigenous deposits of the Pashiysky horizon of the South Tatar arch. The authors' research was carried out on the basis of a large amount of core material from newly studied wells with the involvement of wells from the archival fund. The analytical work included the following methods: classical optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using these methods, the main types of secondary mineral formation, the form and nature of the allocation of authigenic minerals that form secondary cement were studied, and an assessment of the degree of their influence on the filtration-capacitive properties (FPP) was given. It is shown that sideritization is a fairly common phenomenon in the studied deposits, but it does not have a significant effect on the reduction of the reservoir properties of productive deposits. Detailed optical and mineralogical studies have shown that authigenic siderite in the studied rocks is presented in various forms (spherites, spherulites, oolites and granular grains) and is mostly found in silt varieties. In productive sandstones, an insignificant decrease in the reservoir properties can only be associated with expanding rims in siderite spherites. As shown by the study of the composition of these rims, they are composed mainly of ankerite, in places they contain mangano-siderite. In some samples of the Pashiysky horizon, partial replacement of siderite by iron hydroxides was observed; in isolated wells, thin layers of oolitic siderite-ferruginous rocks were encountered. It was shown that the main influence on the reduction of the filtration-capacity properties of the studied sediments is secondary silification and carbonatization. At the same time, secondary quartz is developed mainly in water-saturated sandstones and heterogeneous silt-sandstones, and, as a rule, is distributed mostly locally. Secondary silica is observed in the form of regeneration rims, xenomorphic grains and is deposited on the walls of pores and channels. A significant effect on the reduction of the porosity and permeability parameters of the productive sandstones of the Pashiysky horizon of the South Tatar arch is exerted by secondary crystalline calcite or dolomite island cement of the basal, basal-pore and poikillite type.

Innovative computational model for optimal deep coal mining under large-scale crustal stress conditions.

Understanding and controlling the ground stress in deep coalfield mining is crucial for ensuring mine safety and efficiency. This study aims to address two unresolved scientific issues in ground stress research: the selection of optimal excavation plans and the large-scale rapid acquisition of ground stress data. A novel computational model is proposed for key rock layer control under different crustal stress conditions. The model considers the complexity and uncertainty of ground stress distribution by simplifying the key rock strata into a fixed-fixed beam model and calculating their safety through mechanical methods. Introducing an innovative approach for acquiring large-scale stress fields using GPS data. By inverting large-scale strain fields in the coalfield area, combined with World Stress Map (WSM) and measured data, accurate stress fields are obtained. The proposed optimal excavation plan can be applied to various coalfield locations worldwide, providing a scientific basis for safe and efficient mining operations. Additionally, the innovative use of GPS data in obtaining large-scale stress fields offers a valuable tool for assessing ground stress variation.

Dynamic response of rock landslides and avalanche debris flows impacting flexible barriers based on shaking table tests

Flexible barrier structures are commonly installed in mountainous regions to resist the impact effects of rock avalanches. Without reliable physical data, the study of rock landslide initiation and the impact mechanism of avalanche debris flow under seismic excitation remains poorly understood. In this study, a model of rock slope-flexible barrier system was developed to simulate seismic slope failure behavior and debris flow impact on flexible barriers. Seismic waves in shaking table tests were triaxially loaded to effectively simulate actual seismic responses. The results indicate that the response of the Acceleration Amplification Factor (AAF) is closely associated with seismic damage and deformation within the overlying rock layers and differential propagation of seismic energy on either side of the shear band triggers rockslide initiation. Furthermore, the progressive failure mode of modeled slopes under multiple seismic events is slip-compression cracking failure. Crushing spreading at the intersection of the cracking and slip surfaces is the source of the loose fractured rock mass. Finally, this paper examines the impact patterns and dynamic responses of large individual blocks and loose fractured deposits on flexible barriers. Large blocks cause localized strong acceleration in the steel wire nets, increasing the risk of local damage, whereas loose deposits tend to induce overall seismic deformation and instability of the supporting structure. The natural seismic damage mechanisms of the barrier structure are revealed. It is recommended that flexible barrier structures in earthquake-prone mountainous areas incorporate a reasonable footing design to ensure the columns can deflect out-of-plane in response to seismic activity.

Deformation prediction of overlying strata in multi-seam mining based on the influence function method-key stratum hybrid model

The extraction of coal seams from subterranean strata has the potential to induce displacement and deformation within the overlying strata. This leads to fractures in the strata and surface subsidence. The repetitive mining of coal seams, especially in scenarios involving multiple coal seams, can reactivate previously stabilized rock strata, causing them to subside and deform again. This exacerbates deformation and compromises the structural integrity of the strata. Consequently, there is an imperative need to thoroughly investigate the patterns of movement exhibited by overlying rock layers as a result of the recurrent extraction of coal seams. In recent years, significant progress in this field has been the effective utilization of the Influence Function Method-Key Stratum (IFM-KS) hybrid model. This model, distinguished by its amalgamation of mechanical and geometric methodologies, has proven to be efficacious in scrutinizing the movement dynamics of overlying strata in the context of single-layer mining operations. Based on that, this paper introduces a novel model for predicting rock layer movement and deformation in multi-seam mining. The calculation results derived from this model reveal the dynamics of rock layers' movement and deformation following secondary disturbances during repetitive mining. The accuracy and reliability of this newly proposed model in predicting rock movement during dual-layer coal mining are validated through both theoretical calculations and UDEC numerical simulations. The results demonstrate a high degree of consistency between the numerically simulated rock displacement and mathematical calculations and the rationality of the model. Based on the rock strata movement calculation results, the corresponding porosity distribution is also derived. Compared to single-layer coal mining, multi-seam mining could cause greater changes in porosity in the goaf area and extensive damage to rock strata. More fracture pathways between coal seams occur and a volume of air-leakage quantity is expected. This computational model provides invaluable insights for predicting rock strata deformation and porosity distribution in repetitive mining scenarios of a similar nature.

Perencanaan Fondasi Pada Pembangunan Gedung 5 Lantai Rumah Sakit Puri Asih Salatiga

A foundation is a part of a system of substructures that holds its own weight and the entire force load of the superstructure, then passes it on to the soil and rock layers located underneath. Foundation Planning must be done carefully to obtain the appropriate carrying capacity to support the load of the structure on it. Good Foundation Planning will avoid the collapse of the structure on top of it. Before planning the foundation, it is good to carry out a soil investigation to determine the type of foundation used, in addition to the results of the soil investigation can determine the treatment of the soil so that the carrying capacity can support the construction to be built. In the research on foundation planning for this five-storey building structure, it is known that the carrying capacity value generated from sondir data with a qc value of 150 kg/cm2 calculated using the Mayerhoff method is 28198.26 kN/m2. With a combination of serving loads, the bore pile foundation is planned with a diameter of 0.5 meters and a depth of 4 meters. For reinforcement design, a combination of ultimate loads is used. From the results of the calculation of the main reinforcement used 12 D19 and the spiral reinforcement used Ø10.

Intelligent Inversion Analysis of Surrounding Rock Parameters and Deformation Characteristics of a Water Diversion Surge Shaft

The water diversion surge shaft is vital for a hydropower station. However, the complex geological properties of the surrounding rock make it challenging to obtain its mechanical parameters. A method combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms is proposed for estimating these parameters. According to the engineering geological background and support scheme, a three-dimensional model of the water diversion surge shaft is established by FLAC3D. An orthogonal test is designed to verify the accuracy of the numerical model. Then, the surrounding rock mechanical parameter database is established. The PSO-SVM intelligent inversion algorithm is used to invert the optimal values of the mechanical parameters of the surrounding rock. The support for excavating the next layer depends on the mechanical parameters of the current rock layer. An optimized design scheme is then compared and analyzed with the original support scheme by considering deformation and plastic characteristics. The research results demonstrate that the PSO-SVM intelligent inversion algorithm can effectively improve the accuracy and efficiency of the inversion of rock mechanical parameters. Under the influence of excavation, the surrounding rock in the plastic zone mainly fails in shear, with maximum deformation occurring in the middle and lower parts of the excavation area. The maximum deformation of the surrounding rock under support with long anchor cables is 0.6 cm less than that of support without long anchor cables and 4.07 cm less than that of support without an anchor. In the direction of the maximum and minimum principal stress, the maximum depth of the plastic zone under the support with long anchor cables is 1.3 m to 2.6 m less than that of the support without long anchor cables and the support without an anchor. Compared with the support without long anchor cables and support without an anchor, the support with long anchor cables can effectively control the deformation of the surrounding rock and limit the development of the plastic zone.

Research on the Dynamic Response of a Bedding Rock Slope Reinforced by Pile–Anchor Structures Under Earthquakes: A Case Study of a Section of the Duyun-Shangri-La Expressway Project in Ludian County, Yunnan Province, China

Pile and anchor structures are extensively employed for slope stabilization. However, their dynamic response under seismic loading remains unclear and current seismic designs primarily use the pseudo-static method. Here, a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the dynamic behavior of a bedding rock slope supported by pile–anchor systems under earthquakes is conducted. The dynamic calculation for the slope subjected to seismic forces with varying excitation directions and acceleration amplitudes is performed. The dynamic behavior of both the slope and the pile–anchor system is investigated with respect to the slope’s failure mode, the dynamic soil pressure behind the pile, the anchor axial force, the bending moment, and the lateral displacement of the pile. The results indicate that the anti-slide piles cause a reflective and superposition effect on seismic waves within weak rock layers. As the input seismic intensity increases, the axial force in the anchor cables also increases, with the peak axial force occurring during the main energy phase of the seismic waves. The dynamic soil pressure acting behind the piles varies with the stratification of the slope rock layers, with lower peak dynamic earth pressure observed in weak layers. The weak layers on the slope surface experience through-shear failure. Under strong seismic loading, the structural element state undergoes significant changes.

Deformation Mechanism in Central China Revealed by Regional Earthquake Tomography

Abstract The central China region (CCN) has experienced significant deformation and complex structural arrangements. We conducted research on the deformation pattern of the CCN through the 3D velocity structure of the crust and uppermost mantle obtained via body-wave tomography. This velocity structure strongly correlates with the region’s topographic features. The relationship between velocity distributions and topography indicates that compression in the east–west direction, which can lead to crustal and mantle shortening, may play a crucial role in shaping topography. The various structures between the Qinling mountain range in the west and the Tongbai–Dabie mountain range in the east highlight distinct geological processes occurring along the Qinling–Dabie orogenic belt. In addition, we propose that reservoir water has infiltrated the crystalline basement rock layer up to 15–20 km beneath the Three Gorges Reservoir. Furthermore, the Three Gorges Dam serves as a solid foundation to prevent reservoir water from seeping downstream underground.

Application of Very Low Frequency (VLF) Method for Underground River Estimation in Donorojo Sub-District, Pacitan

<p class="Keywords"><span lang="EN-US">Pacitan is included in the Gunung Sewu karst area in the Southern Mountain Zone, and carbonate rocks dominate the constituent rocks. Karst has a unique drainage system because it is dominated by subsurface flow. This research was conducted in Cemeng and Klepu villages, Donorojo sub-district, Pacitan, with 4 track data. Data were collected using the very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) method with a track length ranging from 200-450 m, a measurement spacing of 5 m, and a transmitter frequency of 19.8 kHz. Data processing uses filtering and inversion, resulting in a cross-section of resistivity values. Based on the subsurface resistivity cross-section profile, the cavity in the carbonate rock layer with a resistivity value of 0-500 Ωm is identified as an underground river. The underground river is found on tracks 1, 2, 3, and 4 near the surface, with a depth of about 30 m below the surface.</span></p>

Estimation of Subsurface Structure Using Euler Deconvolution Method of Magnetic Data at the Geothermal Area of Sonai Village and its Surroundings, Konawe Regency

It has been carried out research with the aim of determining the subsurface structure at the geothermal area of Sonai Village and its surroundings, Konawe Regency. The data used are magnetic data obtained through field measurements at 126 points in the N180oS direction. After the data were subjected to diurnal and IGRF corrections, a residual (local) magnetic field anomaly of around -150 nT to 90 nT was obtained. On the residual magnetic anomaly map which has been reduced to the Pole (RTP), the Euler Deconvolution (ED) method is applied to the Index Structure N=0 to estimate the subsurface structure in the form of the presence of minor faults, and it is known that there are 5 minor faults at a depth of around 9 to 38 meters. Information on the existence of these faults is then used in 2D modeling. Modeling results show that these minor faults cut through two rock layers, which are the layers composed of conglomerate rocks from the Alangga Formation and peridotites as bedrock from the Ultramafic Complex. One of the minor faults closest to the manifestation area (hot spring) is at coordinates around 4o1’12.412” S and 122o7’24.263” E to 4o1’15.532” S and 122o7’19.561” E with a distance of ±15 meters. The existence of these minor faults is thought to be the migration routes for heat flow or conduction to the surface at the geothermal area of Sonai Village and its surroundings.

Identification of Peridotite Bedrock using Resistivity Geoelectric Method in Lapao Pao Estuary Area, Kolaka District

Ultramafic rocks are the main source of nickel laterite deposits. One of the areas that has an ultramafic complex is located in Muara Lapao Pao Village, Kolaka Regency. The research was conducted in the mining area of PT Tri mitra Babarina Putra using the resistivity geoelectric method of the Wenner - Schlumberger configuration, In the area it is not yet known exactly how much peridotite bedrock is present in the subsurface. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a geophysical survey in identifying the occurrence of peridotite bedrock, and can determine the depth and thickness of peridotite bedrock in the research area. the occurrence of peridotite bedrock in the mining area of PT Tri Mitra Babarina Putra has a resistivity value between 3000 – 17984 Ohm-meters. Peridotite bedrock in the research area on all four tracks has a depth and thickness that is almost uniform. lines 1 and 2 and 4 are at a depth of 34.5 - 39.6 meters with a thickness of up to 5.1 meters. and line 3 peridotite bedrock is at a depth of 40 m to more. There are 3 layers in the study area, namely, soil/overburden layer with a resistivity value of 16.5 – 122 Ohm-meters, serpentinite rock layer with a resistivity value of 200 – 2438 Ohm-meters and peridotite bedrock layer with a resistivity value of 3000 – 17984 Ohm-meters.

Design of gas control lane of 9# coal seam in Wuhushan Mine based on layer layout optimization

In order to address the issue of gas over limit in the upper corner of the working face of the 9# coal seam in Wuhushan Mine, a series of theoretical and numerical simulation analyses were conducted to evaluate the optimal configuration for the gas control lane of the 9# coal seam. In accordance with the "O" circle theory and the lithology of the overlying rock strata of the 9# coal seam, the height range of the fallout zone and fissure zone in the working face mining area was determined by employing empirical formulas. The change rule and distribution characteristics of the porosity of the fissure zone and the fall zone in the mining area were analyzed based on the characteristics of rock movement and fall. The determination method was also provided. The numerical simulation software was employed to simulate and analyze the gas concentration field in the air-mining zone under conditions of no extraction and six distinct layer positions of the gas control lane. The optimal layer position of the gas control lane in the 9# coal seam was determined and subsequently implemented in the field. The results demonstrate that the overlying rock layer in the 9# coal seam exhibits a height range of 6.86 ~ 11.26 m, while the fissure zone displays a height range of 30.11 ~ 41.31 m. When the gas control road is situated in close proximity to the working face, the gas concentration field exhibits a markedly low concentration. When the distance between the gas control lane and the return airway of the working face is 20 m and the distance from the top of the coal seam is 20 m, the gas concentration in the upper corner and the return airway is 0.35% and 0.26%, respectively. These values are close to the lowest concentration observed in the layout scheme. Additionally, the gas extraction concentration and the pure volume of the gas control lane are 23.7% and 38.3 m3 min−1, respectively. These values represent the highest concentrations observed in the various layout schemes. The application of the gas management lane in the field, based on the numerical simulation results, demonstrated a successful extraction effect, which was consistent with the numerical simulation results. This effectively managed the issue of an over-limit of gas in the upper corner of the working face of the 9# coal seam.

Landslide Identification on Tembalang-Jangli New Road, Semarang, Central Java Using Dipole-Dipole Configuration Resistivity Geoelectric Method

New roads are built to alleviate congestion that occurs in an area. Tembalang is one of the most densely populated areas in Semarang city. The research location is Tembalang-Jangli New Road. The construction of Jangli-Undip New Road aims to reduce congested vehicle traffic in Gombel and Meteseh, which causes frequent congestion. Therefore, subsurface identification using the resistivity geoelectric method of dipole-dipole configuration was carried out to know the cause of landslides at the research location. Data acquisition was carried out with 10 passes. The results obtained 5 (five) layers of subsurface constituent rocks on Undip-Jangli New Road based on their resistivity values, namely topsoil (0.105 - 1.0 Ωm), clay (1.11 - 6.29 Ωm), sandstone (8.52 - 20.0 Ωm), tuff (20.0 - 75.0 Ωm), and volcanic breccia (75.0 - 133 Ωm). The interpretation results show the sliding plane at a 6.76 - 24.8 m depth. The layer that acts as a slide plane is a clay layer. The existence of sliding planes detected in the trajectories A-A’, B-B’, C-C‘, D-D’, E-E‘, F-F’, G-G‘, H-H’, I-I‘, and J-J’ has great potential to cause soil movement or landslides with the type of sliding is rotation. Keywords: landslide, resistivity geoelectricity, dipole-dipole.

Seismic site conditions of RESNOM network

The Northwest Seismic Network of Mexico (RESNOM) is operated by personnel from the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE), which supervises station installation, improvement, and maintenance. We employed seismic noise and the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method to determine, for each station, the following site condition parameters: the depth of the rock layer (Heng_bed), and the geotechnical parameter VS30, obtained from 1D shear wave velocity models. Other parameters as the fundamental frequency (f0) and the average amplitude at the fundamental frequency (A0) were also estimated. Our results show clear differences between the values obtained for the Mexicali Valley and the Peninsular ranges regions. The VS30 obtained for stations of the Mexicali Valley region falls in the range from 173 m/s to 535 m/s, while for the Peninsular Ranges region is between 213 m/s and 958 m/s. Regarding the Heng_bed parameter, the values are similar between both regions, from 23 m to 850 m for the Peninsular and from 42 m to 926 m for the Mexicali Valley. Additionally, from the VS30 values, we propose the site classification according to the U.S. National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).

Research on the Evolutionary Law of Fracture Formation in Loose Seams Under High-Intensity Mining with Shallow Depth

The western mining regions of China, known for shallow-buried and high-intensity mining activities, face significant ecological threats due to damage to loose strata and the surface. The evolution of fissures within the loose layer is a critical issue for surface ecological environment protection in coal mining areas. The study employed field measurements, mechanical experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis, using the ‘triaxial consolidation without drainage’ experiment to assess the physical and mechanical properties of various strata in the loose layer. Additionally, the PFC2D numerical simulation software was employed to construct a numerical model that elucidates the damage mechanisms and reveals the evolution of loose layer fissures and the development of ground cracks. The research findings indicate that during shallow-buried high-intensity mining loose layer fissures undergo a dynamic evolution process characterized by “vertical extension-continuous penetration-lateral expansion”. As the working face advances, these fissures eventually propagate to the surface, forming ground cracks. The strong force chains within the overlying rock (or soil) layers develop in the form of an “inverted catenary arch”. As the arch foot and the middle of the arch overlap, fissures propagate along these strong force chains to the surface, resulting in ground cracks. The study elucidates the surface damage patterns in shallow-buried, high-intensity mining, offering theoretical insights for harmonizing coal mining safety with ecological conservation in fragile regions.

Model of time-distance curve of electromagnetic waves diffracted on a local feature in the georadar study of permafrost zone rock layers

In GPR (georadar) studies, one of the most popular procedures for determining electromagnetic waves propagation velocity in a rock mass is the selection of theoretical hyperbolic time-distance curves and subsequent comparison with the time-distance curve obtained from a GPR measurement. This procedure is based on the model of homogeneous medium, but nowadays the subject of GPR study is often inhomogeneous media, such as horizontally layered media characteristic of loose permafrost zone sediments. The paper presents the findings of studying the formation of hyperbolic time-distance curves of georadar impulses in a horizontally layered medium without taking into account the dispersion and absorption of electromagnetic waves. On the basis of geometrical optics laws, formulas were derived to calculate the shape of the hyperbolic lineup of georadar impulses reflected from a local feature in a multilayer frozen rock mass. On the example of a permafrost zone rock mass containing a layer of unfrozen rocks, the effect of the thicknesses of rock layers and their relative dielectric permittivity on the apparent dielectric permittivity resulting from the calculation of the theoretical hyperbolic time-distance curve was shown. The conditions under which it is impossible to determine the presence of a layer of unfrozen rocks from a hyperbolic time-distance curve are also presented. The established regularities were tested on synthetic georadar radargrams calculated in the gprMax software program. The findings of the theoretical studies were confirmed by the comparison with the results of the analysis of the georadar measurements computer simulation data in the gprMax system (the relative error was less than 0.5%).

Field investigations on bearing characteristics of composite post-grouting piles in clastic rock layers

Field investigations on bearing characteristics of composite post-grouting piles in clastic rock layers

Enhancing weathered slope stability assessment through the integration of slake durability index, elastic modulus of knocking ball, and electrical resistivity tomography.

This research assesses the stability of sedimentary rock slopes in Teloi, Sik, Kedah, by focusing on the mechanical properties of the rock layers and their susceptibility to weathering. Key tests include the slake durability index (SDI), elastic modulus of knocking ball (Ekb), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). The incorporation of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data through the virtual reality platform facilitates the visualization of subsurface conditions. The variability of strength characteristic of interbedded sedimentary rocks leads to the differential weathering of rock layers, which causes deterioration on the slope structure. The testing revealed significant variability in rock strength, with sandstone displaying higher durability (Id > 17.1%) and elasticity (Ekb: 0.97 to 29.31 GPa) compared to shale and siltstone, which exhibited lower durability and elasticity (Id < 2.2%, Ekb: 0.2 to 2.2 GPa). Utilizing the Wenner array setup, three distinct electrical resistivity lines were established to evaluate subsurface anomalies. The ERT profiles revealed variations in electrical resistivity among different rock types, identifying areas of weaker material, which are siltstone and shale, while high resistivity areas indicate sandstone. Kinematic analysis through the stereonet process revealed direct toppling as the primary failure mechanism, driven by the critical orientations of joint sets J1, J2, and J3. This aligns with on-site observations of hanging sandstone blocks prone to toppling failure. The findings of this research show that the slake durability index (SDI) and the elastic modulus of the knocking ball (Ekb) enhance the assessment of mechanical properties and weathering resistance of interbedded sedimentary rocks. The virtual reality platform was particularly helpful in analyzing and visualizing the sub-surface conditions and enhancing the evaluation of complex geological data. As a conclusion, this integrated method was helpful in the comprehensive geotechnical evaluation of the slopes, enabling the selection of effective stabilization measures by assessing the differential weathering of interbedded sedimentary rock and identifying potential failure zones.