1. Comparison evaluation of excavatability classification for rock masses in tropical region.
- Author
-
Suparmanto, Eka Kusmawati, Mohamad, Edy Tonnizam, Ahmad Legiman, Mariatul Kiftiah, Zainal, Zuraini, Zainuddin, Nurul Eilmy, Abdul Razak, Mohd Hishamuddin, and Polanippan, Ilanchelvan
- Subjects
ROCK excavation ,GRANITE ,QUARTZ ,WEATHERING - Abstract
This article provides the discussion on the evaluation of existing rock excavatability of tropical weathered rocks of granite and quartz type in Malaysia. To do this, a case study was conducted in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The rock mass at this site was divided into several subzones which had the same lithology and weathering grade. A scanline survey was conducted to obtain rock mass characteristics like type of discontinuity, dip, dip direction, persistence, nature of filling, surface roughness, surface shape, joint roughness, spacing, and water flow. Collected samples were determined for their moisture content, petrographic analysis, and slake durability. The existing excavatability assessment was made and critically reviewed. Performance for excavatability of rock mass was obtained by performing trial excavation on-site using available machinery. A trial excavation was carried out using an excavator EX200 and EX400. The excavation method was compared with rock mass classifications like rock mass rating (RMR) and Q system and other existing excavatability classification systems. The existing classification system was compared with the production rate of excavation methods used in surface excavation work at road construction sites. This paper presents findings from field work and laboratory tests to obtain rock mass and rock material properties in quartz and granite areas. Next, the parameters are compared to the existing excavatability assessment method, and the results are also presented. There is also an urgent need for an excavatability classification system that considers different rock types according to the geological parameters that are significant to surface excavation in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF