Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Rock properties
9.1 General engineering properties of common rocks
The engineering characteristics are examined from 3 general conditions:
- Competent rock - Fresh, unweathered and free of discontinuities, and reacts
to an applied stress as a solid mass.
- Decomposed rock - Weathering of the rock affecting its properties, with
increased permeability, compressibility and decrease in strength.
- Non intact rock - Defects in the rock mass governing its properties. Joint
spacing, opening, width, and surface roughness are some features to be
considered.
Table 9.1 is for fresh intact condition only.
Basalts cool rapidly, while Granites cool slowly. The rapid cooling produces
temperature induced cracks, which acts as the pathway for deep weathering.
Figure 9.1 Typical changes in rock properties with depth.
 
 
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