Abstract
The geological strength index (GSI) system is dependent on the rock block volumes and the joint surface conditions. The weathering degree of rock slopes and their strength properties also depend on these characteristics. This study thus focuses on the use of the GSI system and the Hoek–Brown strength criterion to estimate the engineering parameters for weathered rock masses. Photogrammetric methods based on 3D surface models are used to obtain reliable data on the joint sets in rock slopes, instead of general site investigation using labor-intensive techniques. Photogrammetric surveys were conducted on weathered rock slopes in Gold Coast, Australia to obtain the joint spacing, orientation and roughness. The 3D models are then used to estimate the block sizes the joint roughness coefficients (JRC). The block volumes and JRC values were then used to estimate GSI values. Then parametric studies using the finite element method is conducted to investigate the stability of the slope using the GSI values.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Admassu Y, Shakoor A, Wells NA (2012) Evaluating selected factors affecting the depth of undercutting in rocks subject to differential weathering. Eng Geol 124:1–11
Arikan F, Ulusay R, Aydin N (2007) Characterization of weathered acidic volcanic rocks and a weathering classification based on a rating system. Bull Eng Geol Environ 66:415–430
Barton N, Choubey V (1977) The shear strength of rock joints in theory and practice. Rock Mech 10:1–54
Broch E, Franklin JA (1972) The point load strength test. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 9:669–697
Cai M, Kaiser PK (2006) Visualization of rock mass classification systems. Geotech Geol Eng 24:1089–1102
Cai M, Kaiser PK, Uno H, Tasaka Y, Minami M (2004) Estimation of rock mass deformation modulus and strength of jointed hard rock masses using the GSI system. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41:3–19
CSIRO (2005) Field procedures for photogrammetric pit mapping. CSIRO Exploration and Mining
Dick JC, Shakoor A, Wells N (1994) A geological approach toward developing a mudrock-durability classification system. Can Geotech J 31:17–27
Ehlen J (1999) Fracture characteristics in weathered granites. Geomorphology 31:29–45
Franklin JA, Chandra A (1972) The slake durability test. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 9:325–341
Gratchev I, Shokouhi A, Kim D, Stead D, Wolter A (2013) Assessment of rock slope stability using remote sensing technique in the Gold Coast area, Australia. In: Proceedings of the 18th Southeast Asian geotechnical and inaugural AGSSEA conference, pp 729–734
Guo H, Karekal S, Poropat G, Soole P, Lambert C (2011) Pit wall strength estimation with 3D imaging. CSIRO, ACARP, Brisbane
Hack R, Price D (1997) Quantification of weathering. In: Proceedings of engineering geology and the environment, Athens, Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 145–150
Haneberg WC (2007) Directional roughness profiles from three-dimensional photogrammetric or laser scanner point clouds. In: Proceedings of the 1st Canada–US rock mechanics symposium, Vancouver, pp 101–106
Hoek E, Brown ET (1997) Practical estimates of rock mass strength. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 34(8):1165–1186
Hoek E, Carranza-Torres C, Corkum B (2002) Hoek–Brown failure criterion-2002 edition. In: Proceedings of NARMS-TAC conference, Toronto, pp 267–273
Kim DH, Gratchev I, Balasubramaniam AS (2013) Determination of joint roughness coefficient (JRC) for slope stability analysis: a case study from the Gold Coast area, Australia. Landslides. doi:10.1007/s10346-013-0410-8
Maerz NH, Franklin JA, Bennett CP (1990) Joint roughness measurement using shadow profilometry. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 27:329–343
Marinos V, Marinos P, Hoek E (2005) The geological strength index: applications and limitations. Bull Eng Geol Environ 64:55–65
Palmström A (2001) In-situ characterization of rocks. A. A. Balkema Publishers, Lise/Abingdon/Exton(PA)/Tokio
Piteau DR (1970) Geological factors significant to the stability of slopes cut in rock. In: Proceedings of the on planning open pit mines, Johannesburg, South Africa, pp 33–53
Poropat GV (2009) Measurement of surface roughness of rock discontinuities. In: Proceedings of the 3rd CANUS rock mechanics symposium, Toronto, Canada, paper 3976
Sharma PK, Khandelwal M, Singh TN (2011) A correlation between Schmidt hammer rebound numbers with impact strength index, slake durability index and P-wave velocity. Int J Earth Sci (Geologische Rundschau) 100:189–195
Shokouhi A, Gratchev I, Kim D (2013) Rock slope stability problems in Gold Coast area, Australia. Int J Geomate 4(1):501–504
Sturzenegger M (2010) Multi-scale characterization of rock mass discontinuities and rock slope geometry using terrestrial remote sensing techniques. Ph.D. thesis, Simon Fraser University
Tse R, Cruden DM (1979) Estimating joint roughness coefficients. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 16:303–307
Willmott WF (2010) Rocks and landscape of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Geological Society of Australia, Queensland Division
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Mr. George Poropat from CSIRO for the valuable assistance.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kim, D.H., Gratchev, I. & Balasubramaniam, A. A Photogrammetric Approach for Stability Analysis of Weathered Rock Slopes. Geotech Geol Eng 33, 443–454 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-014-9830-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-014-9830-z