Cairo university 2nd year Mining Engineering

Faculty of Engineering Principles of Rock Mechanics

Assignment 2

1- Answer the following questions:

a- While the site investigation of a new dam, a rock sample was collected. The
homogeneous state of the sample is given by σx = 64 Mpa, σy = -32 Mpa and τxy = 20
Mpa. Find by Mohr-Circle:
1. The L, m component of stress, when L, m axes are inclined at 30ﾟand 120ﾟ
respectively.
2. The principal stresses and the inclination of the corresponding planes.
3. The maximum shear stress and associated directions.
4. The normal stress at maximum shear stress.

b- A soil sample is found to be subjected to σx = 5.5 Mpa, σy = -3.5 Mpa and

τxy = 1 Mpa. Determine by Mohr`s circle:
1. The L, m component of stress, when L, m axes are inclined at 40ﾟand 130ﾟ
respectively.
2. The principal stresses and the inclination of the corresponding planes.
3. The maximum shear stress and associated directions.
4. The normal stress at maximum shear stress.

c- In the following problem, three different triaxial tests were carried out. It’s required
to obtain the cohesion and angle of internal friction.

Minor stress (𝜎3 ), MPa Deviatoric stress (𝜎1 -𝜎3 ), MPa

150 190
300 340
450 490
Cairo university 2nd year Mining Engineering
Faculty of Engineering Principles of Rock Mechanics

d- A 2 m drilling core obtained a sample with pieces of lengths 5, 7, 12, 17, 6,11,13, 12,
6 cm, Calculate the rock quality Designation (RQD) and core recovery.

e- An intact rock sample has a strength of 55 MPa, a core is taken with Rock Quality
Designation (RQD) equals 60%, the excavation area is found at depth 200m, while the
rock is known to be impermeable with fractures spaced by 0.4 m, these discontinuities
are highly weathered, with slightly rough surfaces and are continuous. Use the Rock
Mass Rating system (RMR) to classify this rock mass.

f- A tunnel is to be driven through a rock mass of granite; diamond core drilling was used
to investigate the site; a typical example of the core is shown in the following figure.
The average uniaxial compressive strength is 170 MPa. discontinuities spaced with 0.4
m exhibit slightly rough surfaces and slightly weathered walls with separation < 1mm.
tunneling conditions are predicted to be dry. The strike of discontinuities is
perpendicular to the tunnel axis that will be driven against the dip of discontinuity with
35 degrees. It’s required to:

1- Determine the Rock Mass Rating system (RMR) value.

2- Determine the strength parameters (c, φ).
3- Determine the standup time for roof span 6 m.
Cairo university 2nd year Mining Engineering
Faculty of Engineering Principles of Rock Mechanics

d - A 16 m span tunnel is to be excavated in loose rock mass with clay infill for railway
station. The rock mass contains two sets of joints controlling stability. These joints are
non-continuous with very minor surface staining. RQD values range from 85% to 95%.
The rock mass is locally damp but there is no evidence of flowing water. Use the above
parameters to obtain the tunneling quality index (Q) for the given rock mass. Please,
provide information about the reinforcement needed.