Requirements for Site Investigation (SI)

and Technical Auditing (TA)

John A Hudson

Lecture 10 1
 We have discussed this modelling flowchart…
Objective

Method A Method B Method C Method D

Basic Extended
Use of
Analytical numerical numerical
pre-existing Level 1
methods, methods, FEM, methods,
standard
stress-based BEM, DEM, fully-coupled 1:1 mapping
methods
Site hybrid models
Invest-
igation Database
Integrated
Precedent type Rock mass expert
systems Level 2
analyses and classification, systems, &
approaches,
modifications RMR, Q, GSI other systems Not 1:1 mapping
internet-based
approaches

Design based on forward analysis Design based on back analysis

Construction

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…and this
design
flowchart

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So now we need to obtain the necessary information
(Site Investigation)
and check that it has been collected and used properly
(Technical Auditing)

The ability to predict the consequences

of construction is the key:

If one cannot predict what will happen,

there is no basis for design.

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 Careful Karst, weak

consideration of Complex
layers,
squeezing
Problematic
environmental
all the factors, geology
circumstances
these and any Fracturing -
Unusual
others… project
high density
and/or large
objective
fractures
…and not least Specific
Standard
the structural Excavation deep water
underground
High rock
adjacent to transfer
rocktunnel
geology existing engineering
stress,
spalling
structures

Mixed
Adverse
Example: soil-rock, and
chemical
consideration of sampling
conditions
problems
factors that could
influence a specific Low
High water
pressure and
deep water transfer temperatures
High flow
tunnel temperatures

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Profilagons Standard
underground
rock
engineering
Standard
underground
Simple tunnel near
rock cliff edge
engineering Rock slope near
highway

Standard
underground
rock
engineering
Standard
underground
rock
engineering
Radioactive
waste
disposal

Deep water
transfer
Clearly, the Site Investigation should
tunnel be dedicated to the particular project.
Do not use a ‘standardised’
site Investigation procedure. 6
 The Channel Tunnel from
England to France in chalk

Can the tunnel boring machine

cut the chalk (does it contain
flints)?
Will water flow into the tunnel
from the sea above?

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Tunnel boring machine cutters for weak rock
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Using the impact penetrometer to establish rock strength variation
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Impact penetrometer cones
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Examples of rock properties measured in a site investigation

But the site investigation must be tailored to the geological

setting, local conditions of the site and especially the project
objective. This is the major problem in site investigation.

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 Although the site investigations
for the projects will be different,
it is possible that certain
individual tests, e.g. the Schmidt
hammer, could be used on all
the projects.

Thus, it is useful to outline recommended procedures for

individual rock tests via the ISRM Suggested Methods (SMs) or
other recommended procedures to provide guidance and so
that results obtained by different groups can be validly
compared.

The ISRM SMs are not intended to be standards, as such, but

they can, for example, be specified as the preferred testing
methods within site investigation contracts.
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The Schmidt hammer and point load
tester for rock strength

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Site Investigation questions in order to establish the
appropriate content of a site investigation programme for a
specific site:

• What exactly do we want to know and why do we want to know it —

about the geological, geometrical, mechanical, hydrogeological
features of a rock mass for the rock engineering project design?

• What dictates the amount of information to be obtained? If it is the

financial resources, how do we know how to optimally deploy the
resources — and will the use of these resources tell us what we
wish to know?

• In other words, what are the strategic principles associated with site
investigation for a particular project?

• How do we determine the optimal site investigation content?

• How do we know when we have enough information?

• How would we know when to stop if we had unlimited resources?

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• How do we deal with spatial variability in geology and rock
properties?

• How do we deal with uncertainty?

• How can the engineering be altered so that it is not so

sensitive to rock properties?

• What is the framework for encompassing all these ideas?

• Can this framework

• a) integrate the engineering personnel, and
b) integrate the subjects for overall understanding

• How can the site investigation information be validated?

(Validation means checking that the information correctly
represents the rock reality)
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Technical Auditing (TA) is the process of
establishing whether rock engineering
modelling, designs, measurements,
statements and conclusions can be
considered to be adequate.

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 F3 Boundary
F2
conditions
F1
Fn
Intact rock Excavation

Water flow

Fractures

 What is the work/project objective?

 Have the relevant variables and mechanisms been
identified?
 Is the model/code adequate?
 What data are required?
 How should the data be obtained?
 Are the data adequate?
 Has the model been used properly?
 What are the prediction/back analysis protocols?
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Questions to be asked when considering the rock engineering
project
Technical auditing questions for a ‘soft audit’ can easily be developed from the principles of rock
mechanics and rock engineering.
1. Where can information on previous similar work be obtained?
2. Is the structural geology of the area understood? Are there any major faults or shear
zones present?
3. Is the regional pattern of in situ stress understood for this area?
4. Are local factors influencing the in situ stress distribution at the site?
5. Is it likely that the rock mass can be modelled as an elastic material?
6. Is the deformability, strength and failure of the intact rock understood?
7. Are the geometrical and mechanical properties of the fractures known?
8. What are the special rock mechanics features of the rock mass at the site?
9. Is the groundwater understood at the site? Is groundwater likely to be a problem?
10. Are there any significant anisotropic and/or inhomogeneous rock mass characteristics?
11. Exactly what type of rock testing is required and why?
12. Will a rock mass classification approach be useful?
13. Are there any time dependent aspects that should be taken into account?
14. Are there any adverse interactions that could lead to positive feedbacks and hence
instabilities?
15. Are the rock properties used in the design those of the rock mass before or after
excavation?
16. Should rock stabilisation be primarily reinforcement or support?
17. Have all the potential failure mechanisms been identified?
18. ….. 21
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Technical Auditing and Quality Assurance

The difference between TA and QA

is well expressed by Prof Stille (KTH)
who points out that

‘doing the right things’ (related to TA)

is not the same as
‘doing things right’ (related to QA).

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Being observant, being competent in the techniques,
systematically going through the rock mechanics factors,
and having the courage of your convictions to ensure that
all the work is completed properly will significantly reduce
the chances of unexpected events occurring when
your rock engineering design is implemented.

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The procedure for
‘pre-splitting’ a rock
slope involves
creating this final rock
surface first

by drilling parallel
boreholes, inserting
explosives, and then
detonating the
explosives
simultaneously.

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Sometimes, the
structural geology
aspects can have a
rather awkward effect
on the boreholes and
the effect of the
explosives…

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…but sometimes, the
way that the holes are
being drilled needs
attention!

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 End of Lecture 10

(Extra slides following on how

to develop a new
classification index)
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Understanding the idea behind
rock mass classifications

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