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A New Correlation to Predict Rock Mass Deformability Modulus Considering Loading Level of Dilatometer Tests

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Abstract

All numerical and analytical methods dealing with the calculating deformation of rock mass require deformation modulus (Df) which is measured by direct or estimated by indirect approaches. Direct methods such as plate loading, flat jack, and dilatometer test have been developed, but they are generally expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes questionable. Furthermore, Df data is often limited and insufficient to estimate its statistics or not being available at all in many rock engineering projects. The empirical approach, as a practical tool, seems attractive and an alternative approach for Df determination. This experimental study presents a new empirical correlation set for the Df estimation based on 73 dilatometer tests, 27 laboratory tests, and related rock quality designation (RQD) which belonged to several dam/hydro-power projects. The statistical method and regression approach were used to analyze the data to develop a new correlation set in which about 70% of the database gathered for Df equations development and the remaining data (30%) for its validation process. Data were used to developing of the new empirical equation set; generally belong to the fair to good quality rock masses. The input data for the Df estimation consist of laboratory elasticity modulus (El), RQD, and loading level factor (\({\text{B}}_{{\text{n}}}\)). The statistical analysis revealed that Df has a significant dependence on the loading level factor. Also, El and in-situ elasticity modulus (\({\text{E}}_{{\text{f}}}\)) would have the best correlation if the laboratory specimen was achieved from the dilatometer test zone. The R-square (\(R^{2}\) = 0.91) and the mean absolute relative prediction error (MARPE about 20%) verified the new correlation set. Finally, the estimated total deformation modulus from this paper’s relation set compared with the deformation modulus achieved from two existing empirical equations, and the main cause of differences was discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thanks Professors A. Ghazvinian and M. Ahmadi for their comments and chief operating managers of IWPC Company for sharing the test data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Mining, Petroleum and Geophysics Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

    Mohammad Reza Shahverdiloo & Shokrollah Zare

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  1. Mohammad Reza Shahverdiloo
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  2. Shokrollah Zare
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Correspondence to Mohammad Reza Shahverdiloo.

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Shahverdiloo, M.R., Zare, S. A New Correlation to Predict Rock Mass Deformability Modulus Considering Loading Level of Dilatometer Tests. Geotech Geol Eng 39, 5517–5528 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-021-01842-8

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