Tishk International University

Engineering Faculty
Petroleum & Mining Eng. Department

Rock Mechanics PTR 339

Lecture 11
3rd. Grade- Fall Semester 2021-2022
 
Instructor: Professor, Dr. Hamed M. Jassim
:Geological Parameters of Rock mass
:Intact rock
Definition: A rock piece which is free of structural features. Drill
.cores or hand specimens are typical examples for intact rock
Significance: Intact rock makes up the main fabric of rock mass. It is
used as the starting point for downgrading strength and deformation
.modulus of rock masses

Discontinuity (Imperfections/Structural Features in the rock mass)

Definition: Generic term used for any mechanical discontinuity in a
rock mass, which has zero or low tensile strength. Typical examples
are joints, bedding planes, faults, folds, schistocity planes, foliations,
.and cleavages
Significance: Discontinuities reduce rock mass stability and
deformability. Also, they create blocks of rocks with tendency to fall
.when exposed
:Geological Parameters of Rock mass (cont’d)
Joints

Definition: Joints are geological discontinuities that do not

show displacement along their surfaces. Joint sets are
persistently parallel group of joints. More than one joint
.set makes up the joints system in the rock mass

Bedding planes

Definition: Continuous planar discontinuities that divide

sedimentary rocks into beds or strata. They are highly
persistent and may contain parting material or cohesive
.material
:Geological Parameters of Rock mass (cont’d)
Faults
Definition: Faults are large discontinuities caused by tectonic events.
They are persistent and can traverse excavations. Their thickness
varies depending on the alteration on the fault surface and the extent
.of the smaller faults associated with the main fault slip

Shear zones
.Definition: Local shear failure zones often associated with faulting

Folds
.Definition: These are flexured wave like inter-bedded structures

Dykes
Definition: Almost planar, vertically orientated intrusions, with
thicknesses of a few centimeters to several meters. Rock fabric of
.dykes is generally very brittle
:Properties of discontinuities
•Orientation (i.e., Direction and Dip)
•Spacing
•Persistence
•Roughness
•Discontinuity wall strength
•Aperture
•Filling
Properties of
Discontinuities as
observed:
:Specific data considerations & methods of analysis
:Data collection and quantification
•Data collection and quantification
- Discontinuity spacing and frequency
- Apparent and true spacing
- Rock Quality Designation (RQD)
•Scanline survey
•Stereo-nets
•Rock mass classification systems
- Rock mass Rating (RMR)
- Rock Tunneling Quality index, Q
STEREO-NETS
To summarize, we have dealt in this lecture with the
:following topics
:Geological Parameters of Rock mass: including -
Intact rock, Discontinuity, Significance, Joints, Bedding
.planes, Faults, Shear zones, Folds, Dykes

.Some illustrative examples -

.Properties of discontinuities -

Specific data considerations & methods of analysis -