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Evaluation of Geomechanical Properties of Soft Rock Masses by Laboratory and In Situ Testing

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Soft Rock Mechanics and Engineering

Abstract

In recent years, the evaluation of geomechanical parameters in rock masses and particularly in soft rock masses has gone through significant improvements. New instruments and equipment for in situ and laboratory tests allow for a more accurate evaluation of the properties of soft rock masses. Advancements in data mining (DM) techniques allow for better tools for decision making. The combination of improved instrumentation and more powerful numerical techniques allow for a better characterization of the geomechanical parameters of rock masses. In this chapter, methodologies for deformability and strength evaluation are presented. Equipment that is frequently used for this is illustrated with emphasis on common techniques in situ and in the laboratory. Results of extensive testing on soft rocks are presented with emphasis on the testing of a very heterogeneous conglomerate rock mass at a dam site in Japan. Conclusions and recommendations are presented at the end of the chapter.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tongj University, Shanghai, China

    Luís Ribeiro e Sousa

  2. China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, China

    Luís Ribeiro e Sousa

  3. Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA

    Rita Leal e Sousa

  4. Zhongshan University, Guanzhou, China

    Zhou Cuiying

  5. Sarooj Construction Company, Muscat, Oman

    Karim Karam

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  1. Luís Ribeiro e Sousa
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  2. Rita Leal e Sousa
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  3. Zhou Cuiying
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  4. Karim Karam
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Polytechnical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Milton Kanji

  2. State Key Laboratory for GeoMechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing), Tongji University, Beijing, China

    Manchao He

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Luís Ribeiro e Sousa

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Sousa, L.R.e., Sousa, R.L.e., Cuiying, Z., Karam, K. (2020). Evaluation of Geomechanical Properties of Soft Rock Masses by Laboratory and In Situ Testing. In: Kanji, M., He, M., Ribeiro e Sousa, L. (eds) Soft Rock Mechanics and Engineering . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29477-9_8

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