A Rock Evaluation Schema for Transporting Planning in Kentucky
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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAMES E. GRAY WENDELL H. FORD FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40601 SECRETARY GOVERNOR May 29, 1974 H.3.13 MEMO TO: J. R. Harbison State Highway Engineer Chairman, Research Committee SUBJECT: Research Report No. 390; 11 A Rock Evaluation Schema for Transportation Planning in Kentucky; 11 Soil mantles and bedrock systems in Kentucky are being well defined pedologically and geologically. Agricultural soils maps, together with topographic and geological quadrangle maps, provide excellent, megascopic information for land-use guidance and site planning. In some respects, the agricultural and geologic technologies have surpassed or by-passed soil-and-rock mechanics -- that is, the engineering technology. During the past several years, the Soil Conservation Service in Kentucky has included engineering data and descriptions furnished by the Research Division in their publications. Also, U.S.G.S. notes some engineering information on the new, geological quadrangle maps. For instance, they note some aggregate sources and fossil slides and instances where highway embankments have shown a history of instability. As mentioned, engineering data on soils has been steadily accumulated during the past 25 years. It is now possible in many areas to indicate the most probable value of some properties and the expected range and variability. Rock data have not been accumulated; and, so, the purpose of the report submitted herewith is to bring into view the possibilities of beginning to assemble and catalog rock data in an orderly way for eventual reporting along with soils data. The Bureau of Highways is the principal source of engineering data for soils and produces extensive footages or rock cores from borings at bridge sites and along highway corridors. The first·stage plan would involve eventual testing and perhaps disposal of a backlog of cores now in storage and a data processing system. Ideally, the on-going plan would be a joint effort of the Research and Materials Divisions. The Division of Materials' quarry logs and test reports are unexcelled. Strength data and other engineering properties are needed. Some necessary equipment has already been acquired. A pilot project is anticipated but has not been initiated. ~spe~~~m~itt~e~~~ ~-Havens Director of Research JHH:gd Attachment CC' s: Research Conunittee TECHNICAL REPORT STANDARD TITLE PAGE Catalog No. 1. Report No. 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's ;.. ···------ 4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Dote ,A Rock Evaluation Schema For Transportation May 1974 ~--;-, Planning in Kentucky 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Authorl s) 8. Performirtg Orgartizotiort Report ~jo. c. D. Tockstein and M. w. Palmer 390 Work Unit No. 9. Perlormirtg Organization Nome or~d Address 10. Division of Research Kentucky Bureau of Highways 11 Contract or Grant No. KYP-64-13 533 South Limestone ----· Lexington, Kentucky 40508' 13. Type of Report and Period Covered Sponsoring Agency Nome and Address 1;, Interim 14. Sponsoring Agency Code 15. Supplementary Notes Study Title: Engineering Geognosy 16. Abstroct The initial goal was to devise an engineering calssitlcation system for intact rock samples based on simple index tests which could be used to categorize Kentucky surface and near-surface rock types and assist Kentucky Department of Transportation personnel in planning for transportation facilities. While conducting the literature survey, several facts become apparent: 1) a large number of rock classification systems, geologic and technical, general and specific, already existed; 2) an equally large number of index tests had been devised; and 3) there was a lack of communication among those involved in specialized areas of rock-related work (geologists, civil engineers, mining engineers, etc.), and, to some extent, among individuals within each field. It was evident from a careful study of existing classification systems and index testing procedures 11 that developing yet another 11 specialized classification system with associated index tests would not be a significant contribution. It was decided, therefore, to concentrate on development of an overall rock evaluation schema which, while useful for a specific purpose, would avoid the undesirable disparate characteristics of narrowness or over-generalization prevalent in many classification systems. It was desired also to develop the program format in such a way that accumulated information could be systematically stored for easy access and use. It was apparent that full development and implementation of a program of this nature would require years of further stuides and cooperation of many individuals and organizations. Such a program, properly developed and used, would substantially contribute to an advancement and a delineation of the schema and guidelines for its implementation would be a worthy goal. 17. Key Words 18. Distribution Stotement Rock Engineering Rock Classification Index Tests Rock Types Geology 21. No. of Pages 22. Price 19. Security Clossif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif. (of this poge) Unclassified Unclassified ~~~ Form DOT F 1700.7 "·'" Research Report 390 A ROCK EVALUATION SCHEMA FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN KENTUCKY KYP-64-13, HPR-1(9), Part III by C. D. Tockstein Research Engineer Assistant and M. W. Palmer Research Engineer Assistant Division of Research Bureau of Highways DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Commonwealth of Kentucky The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Bureau of Highways, This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation, May 1974 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION STUDY RATIONALE The occurrence of rock-related failures and(or) features affecting transportation facility planning, construction, and maintenance is a continual source of concern for highway officials. Several of these problems are illustrated in Figures 1 througb 6. A critical assessment of problem areas to deduce methods for remedial action and improved design requires an extensive as well as reliable data base upon which to found such evaluation. A first logical step in approaching rock-related problems is the development of a systematic approach to data collection. Presently, the only method of rock classification in Kentucky is geologic in nature. Engineering design values are based on empirical experience or building code values that are vague and, in most cases, overconservative. Only in rare instances are tests actually performed. Lack of a systematic approach for recording, cataloging, and storing data results in duplication of effort and loss of valuable information to the engineering community. It also contributes to the lack of communication between practitioners and those involved in research. The International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) recognized the need for standardization of testing methods and data collection. The commission on "Definition of the Most Promising Lines of Research" made the following recommendation in 1971: "There is a need for a better documentation and correlation of geological and petrographic data, and corresponding mechanical property data obtained from both laboratory specimens and(or) rock masses, together with operating experience in the same rock mass or the subsequent performance of structure in the rock mass created by excavation." It seems reasonable that a similar line of approach be applied to data and experience collection in Kentucky. A second step toward solutions is the development of a method of presenting collected data in a form convenient for a variety of uses. In a discussion of ''Descriptive Classification of Cross Stratification11 (Jacob, 1973), Spearing commented, 11 A classification scheme is not an end in itself, but 11 provides the means to organize existing knowledge, enhance observations, and facilitate interpretations. Unfortunately existing classification systems alone do not embody characteristics suggested by Spearing to a degree sufficient for practical application. A method of further quantifying classification parameters is needed. 2 Figure I. Poor Excavation Technique. 3 Figure 2. (a) Failure of Large Blocks along Natural Joints. (b) Sam.,. Failure From a Different Prospective. (a) (b) 4 Figure 3. Failure along a Stress Relief Joint. Joint Surface Figore 4. Potential Hazard' from Outfall. 5 Figure 5. Failure Possibility Due to Differential Weathering. Figure 6. Extensive Solutioning Requiring "Dental Work". 6 SCOPE The task of completely delineating, testing, and implementing a rock evaluation schema of the magnitude suggested is beyond the scope of this paper. It is important, however, that initial groundwork and guidelines for completion of such a program be carefully set forth. Successful completion of the program can be expected through additional studies based on the proposed guidelines. It is the intent of this paper to outline, in descriptive terms, such a rock evaluation program and provide sufficient guidance for eventual implementation. APPROACH The formulation of a viable rock evaluation program required in-depth study. First, the subject material (rock) must be defined in a satisfactory manner. Since both intact and in-situ characteristics of rock are important to engineering considerations, rock must be considered both "rock material" (intact samples), herein defined as a lithified aggregate of mineral particles in varying