Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Engineering geological assessment and determination of bearing capacity of the Buyukyenice dam site (Balıkesir, Turkey)

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rock mass evaluation for the foundations of the Buyukyenice impervious central core rockfill dam to be constructed in the southwestern part of Balıkesir, Turkey, was investigated. The geology under the foundation of the dam site is composed of silty clayey sandstone, silty sandstone, sandstone, tuff, and agglomerate tuff. The study involves three stages of field and laboratory studies and determination of bearing capacity of the foundation on which the dam body will be constructed. Detailed discontinuity surveys, geotechnical borehole drilling, Lugeon permeability tests, and sampling for index and some mechanical tests were performed in the field. Unit weight, apparent porosity, water absorption by weight, uniaxial compressive strength, and tensile strength tests were carried out on collected samples. The engineering classification of the rock masses at the dam site was evaluated by considering rock mass rating (RMR), rock mass quality (Q), rock mass index (RMi), and geological strength index (GSI). As a general conclusion, the rock mass at the dam site was divided into three classes from fair to very poor rock. Finally, the bearing capacity of the dam foundation rocks was computed for safe design.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • AFAD (Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) (2018) The earthquake hazard map of Turkey, interactive web applications (https://tdth.afad.gov.tr/TDTH/main.xhtml). Accessed 20 May 2019

  • Agan C (2015) Engineering geological and geomechanical assessments of the proposed Mezra dam site (Şanlıurfa, Turkey). Arab J Geosci 8:2371–2381

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alemdag S, Gurocak Z, Solanki P, Zaman M (2008) Estimation of bearing capacity of basalts at the Atasu dam site, Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Env 67:79–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton N (1991) Geotechnical design. World Tunnelling, p:410–416

  • Barton N (2002) Some new Q-value correlations to assist in site characterisation and tunnel design. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 39:185–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton N, Lien R, Lunde J (1974) Engineering classification of rockmasses for the design of tunnel support. Rock Mech 6(4):189–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Basarir H (2006) Engineering geological studies and tunnel support design at Sulakyurt dam site, Turkey. Eng Geol 86:225–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Basarir H, Ozsan A, Karakus M (2005) Analysis of support requirements for a shallow diversion tunnel at Guledar dam site, Turkey. Eng Geol 81:131–145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1974) Estimating the strength of rock materials. J S Afr Inst Min Metal 74(8):312–320

    Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1989) Engineering rock mass classifications: a complete manual for engineers and geologists in mining, civil and petroleum engineering. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • 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(1):3–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deere DU (1968) Geologic considerations. In: Stagg RG, Zienkiewicz DC (eds) Rock mechanics in engineering practice. Wiley, NewYork, pp 1–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Deere DU, Miller RP (1966) Engineering classification and index properties for intact rock tech rep no AFWL-TR-65-116. Air Force Weapons Lab, Kirtland Air Base, New Mexico

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Dinc OS, Sonmez H, Tunusluoglu C, Kasapoglu KE (2011) A new general empirical approach for the prediction of rock mass strengths of soft to hard rock masses. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 48:650–665

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DSI (General Directorate of the State Hydraulic Works) (2007) Engineering properties of the Buyukyenice dam site. DSI Balikesir (in Turkish)

  • Genis M, Basarir H, Ozarslan A, Bilir E, Balaban E (2007) Engineering geological appraisal of the rock masses and preliminary support design, Dorukhan tunnel, Zonguldak, Turkey. Eng Geol 92:14–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goel RK, Jethwa JL, Paithankar AG (1995) Indian experiences with Q and RMR systems. Tunn Undergr Space Tech 10(1):97–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grimstad E, Barton N (1993) Updating of the Q-system for NMT. In: Kompen, Opsahl, Berg (eds) Proceedings of the international symposium on sprayed concrete-modern use of wet mix sprayed concrete for underground support, Fagernes. Norwegian concrete association, Oslo

    Google Scholar 

  • Gurocak Z (2011) Analyses of stability and support design for a diversion tunnel at the Kapikaya dam site, Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Env 70:41–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haftani M, Gheshmipour AA, Mehinrad A, Binazadeh K (2014) Geotechnical characteristics of Bakhtiary dam site, SW Iran: the highest double-curvature dam in the world. Bull Eng Geol Env 73:479–492

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E (2002) A brief history of the Hoek-Brown criterion. Program: RocLab V.1.0, https://www.rockscience.com. Accessed 8 July 2013

  • Hoek E, Marinos PG (2000) Predicting tunnel squeezing problems in weak heterogeneous rock masses. Tunnels and Tunnelling Int 132(11):45–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Kaiser PK, Bawden WF (1995) Support of underground excavations in hard rock. Balkema, Rotterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Carranza-Torres C, Corkum B (2002) Hoek–Brown failure criterion-2002 edition. Proceedings of the north American rock mechanics society conference, Toronto, 1:267-273

  • Hoek E, Carter TG, Diederichs MS (2013) Quantification of the geological strength index chart. The 47th US rock mechanics / Geomechanics symposium held in San Francisco, CA, USA

  • ISRM (International Society for Rock Mechanics) (2007) The complete ISRM suggested methods for rock characterization, testing and monitoring: 1974–2006. In: Ulusay R, Hudson JA (eds) Compilation arranged by the ISRM Turkish National Group. Ankara, Turkey

    Google Scholar 

  • Kocbay A, Kilic R (2006) Engineering geological assessment of the Obruk dam site (Corum, Turkey). Eng Geol 87:141–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kontogianni V, Stiros S (2002) Predictions and observations of convergence in shallow tunnels: case histories in Greece. Eng Geol 63:333–345

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kulhawy FH, Carter JP (1992) Settlement and bearing capacity of foundations on rock masses and socketed foundations in rock masses. In: Bell FG (ed) Engineering in rock masses. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, UK, pp 231–245

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Lashkaripour GR, Ghafoori M (2002) The engineering geology of the Tabarak Abad dam. Eng Geol 66:233–239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marinos P, Hoek E (2001) Estimating the geotechnical properties of heterogeneous rock masses such as flysch. Bull Eng Geol Env 60(2):85–92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merifield RS, Lyamin AV, Sloan SW (2006) Limit analysis solutions for the bearing capacity of rock masses using the generalised Hoek–Brown criterion. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 43:920–937

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ozcelik M (2016) Assessment of engineering geological design parameters for Kandil (CFRD) dam, Kahramanmaras-Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Env 75:439–449

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Özsan A, Akın M (2002) Engineering geological assessment of the proposed Uruş dam, Turkey. Eng Geol 66:271–281

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Özsan A, Karpuz C (2001) Preliminary support design for Ankara subway extension tunnel. Eng Geol 59:161–172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Özsan A, Öcal A, Akın M, Başarır H (2007) Engineering geological appraisal of the Sulakyurt dam site, Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Env 66:483–492

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Özsan A, Başarır H, Yüceel S, Cücen Ö (2009) Engineering geological evaluation and preliminary support design for the metro extension tunnel, Ankara, Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Env 68:397–408

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Palmström A (1995) RMi - A Rock Mass Characterization System for Rock Engineering Purposes. PhD thesis, Univ of Oslo, Norway, p 400

  • Palmström A (2000) Recent developments in rock support estimates by the RMi. J Rock Mech Tunn Tech 6(1):1–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmstrom A (2009) Combining the RMR, Q, and RMi classification systems. www.rockmass.net. Accessed 15 May 2019

  • Priest SD (1993) Discontinuity analysis for rock engineering. Chapman and Hall, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Rasouli M (2009) Engineering geological studies of the diversion tunnel, focusing on stabilization analysis and support design, Iran. Eng Geol 108:208–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rocscience (1999) Data interpretation package using stereographic projection (DIPS v.5.0), Rock Engineering Group, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto

  • Sonmez H, Ulusay R (1999) Modifications to the geological strength index (GSI) and their applicability to stability of slopes. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36:743–760

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sonmez H, Ulusay R (2002) A discussion on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and suggested modifications to the criterion verified by slope stability case studies. Yerbilimleri 26:77–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Tunusluoglu MC (2014) Assessment of the instability mechanism of spillway with reference to an earthfill dam in the Northwest Turkey. Arab J Geosci 7:407–418

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wyllie DC (1992) Foundations on rock. Chapman and Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author would like to express their gratitude to Dr. M. Turgut Safa for information and valuable contributions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Engineering, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu Campus, 17020, Canakkale, Turkey

    Mehmet Celal Tunusluoglu

Authors
  1. Mehmet Celal Tunusluoglu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mehmet Celal Tunusluoglu.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Zeynal Abiddin Erguler

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tunusluoglu, M.C. Engineering geological assessment and determination of bearing capacity of the Buyukyenice dam site (Balıkesir, Turkey). Arab J Geosci 13, 662 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05672-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05672-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation