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Comparison of Different Techniques of Tilt Testing and Basic Friction Angle Variability Assessment

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Abstract

A relevant parameter for estimating discontinuity shear strength is the basic friction angle, usually derived from different types of tilt tests. However, the tilt tests described in the literature produce varying basic friction angle values. From a large number of different types of tilt tests on different kinds of rocks, it was possible to conclude that the mechanisms of sliding along cylinder generatrixes and planar surfaces are quite different, and that tests based on sliding along generatrixes are not appropriate for determining reliable basic friction angle values for discontinuity planes. Tests on small specimens are also not recommended, for geometry reasons and because ensuring reliable stress conditions is difficult. To quantify the natural variability in tilt testing, large specimens of the same granite were tested. The results revealed coefficients of variation for the basic friction angle in the range of 5–10 %, a variability which is no greater than that found for other rock mechanics parameters. This observation enables to forward some recommendations concerning the appropriate number of tests needed to obtain reliable results.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Autonomous Government of Galicia (Consellería de Innovación e Industria de la Xunta de Galicia) for funding the research project INCITE08PXIB304076PR, which funded some developments in this paper. Thanks to Ailish M.J. Maher for providing assistance with English usage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain

    Leandro R. Alejano & Javier González

  2. Laboratório Nacional de Engenheria Civil, Lisbon, Portugal

    José Muralha

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  1. Leandro R. Alejano
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  2. Javier González
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  3. José Muralha
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Correspondence to Leandro R. Alejano.

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Alejano, L.R., González, J. & Muralha, J. Comparison of Different Techniques of Tilt Testing and Basic Friction Angle Variability Assessment. Rock Mech Rock Eng 45, 1023–1035 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-012-0265-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-012-0265-7

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