Geochemical characteristics and geological significance of picritic rocks in Permian Tiaohu Formation from Santanghu Basin, Xinjiang, NW China

1 Introduction Santanghu Basin is located between the Armantai and Karamaili suture zone,at the junction of the Siberia,Kazakhstan and Tarim plates(Chen and Jahn,2004;Xiao et al.,2008).As an important part of the Central Asian

Palynomorphs from Metamorphic Rocks in Southern Anhui and Their Geological Significance

The southern Anhui metamorphic terrane is traditionally regarded as a part of middle-lateProterozoic "Jiangnan Old Land". Based on the occurrence of palynomorphsAsperatopsophosphaera sp., Trachysphaeridium sp. and Nucellosphaeridium sp. (late

Mechanical Response of Saturated Geological Rock Mass under Tidal Force

In this paper, the mechanical response of saturated geological rock under tidal force is explored by poroelastic theory. First, we use the free energy formula of saturated rock under a tidal force to study the relationships of pore pressure with stress, and stress with strain. Then we analyze the relationship between rock strain and tidal potential by the equilibrium differential equations of saturated rock under tidal force. Finally, we derive the physical relationship between the two parameters （pore pressure and tidal mean stress） of saturated rock and tidal potential. The relationship shows that：pore pressure is directly proportional with tidal potential, but tidal mean stress of saturated rock is inversely proportional with tidal potential. The ratio coefficient is related not only to the Lame coefficients of rock skeletons, but also to the Blot modulus. By using this model to analyze observational well water level of C-18 well which locates in Huili, Sichuan Province, the well level response coefficient （D） was estimated. This way, we derive the Skempton coefficient （B）, the coefficient A and C which refer to the response coefficients of pore pressure and tidal stress to tidal potential respectively. Then we compare the differences among each coefficient in coupling and uncoupling conditions. It shows that for saturated rocks, the response of stress and pore pressure to earth tides is a product of coupling, and it is necessary to take into account the coupling effect when we study the mechanical response. The model will provide the basis not only for the study of mechanics and hydrodynamics of well-confined aquifer systems, and the mechanics of faulting under tidal force, but also for quantitative research of the triggering mechanism of tidal forces.

Tunnelling through weak and fragile rocks of Himalayas

A considerable amount of tunnelling has been going on in India for various projects such as hydroelectric power, irrigation, roads and railways. Most of these projects are located in Himalayas, far away from the urban areas. Tunnelling through weak and jointed rock masses such as the one in the Himalayas is a challenging task for the planners, designers, engineers and geologists because of high overburden, thickly vegetated surface, weak, poor and fragile rocks and highly varying geology with the presence of numerous small and big shear zones, faults, etc. Due to these reasons, various tunnelling problems have been faced in the past and are still being encountered. Failures and the problems may be regarded as challenges and opportunities for generating new knowledge base and thereby increasing self-reliance in tunnelling. The experiences of Himalayan tunnelling through weak and fragile rocks covering varying and mixed geology, understanding on tunnelling in squeezing ground conditions and applicability of TBM in Himalayas are presented. It has also been highlighted that the probe holes planning, drilling and monitoring shall be followed seriously to reduce the geological surprises.

Tunnel behaviour and support associated with the weak rock masses of flysch

Flysch formations are generally characterised by evident heterogeneity in the presence of low strength and tectonically disturbed structures. The complexity of these geological materials demands a more specialized geoengineering characterisation. In this regard, the paper tries to discuss the standardization of the engineering geological characteristics, the assessment of the behaviour in underground excava- tions, and the instructions-guidelines for the primary support measures for flysch layer qualitatively. In order to investigate the properties of flysch rock mass, 12 tunnels of Egnatia Highway, constructed in Northern Greece, were examined considering the data obtained from the design and construction records. Flysch formations are classified thereafter in 11 rock mass types （I-XI）, according to the siltstone -sandstone proportion and their tectonic disturbance. A special geological strength index （GSI） chart for heterogeneous rock masses is used and a range of geotechnical parameters for every flysch type is presented. Standardization tunnel behaviour for every rock mass type of flysch is also presented, based on its site-specific geotechnical characteristics such as structure, intact rock strength, persistence and complexity of discontinuities. Flysch, depending on its types, can be stable even under noticeable overburden depth, and exhibit wedge sliding and wider chimney type failures or cause serious deformation even under thin cover. Squeezing can be observed under high overburden depth. The magnitude of squeezing and tunnel support requirements are also discussed for various flysch rock mass types under different overburdens. Detailed principles and guidelines for selecting immediate support mea- sures are proposed based on the principal tunnel behaviour mode and the experiences obtained from these 12 tunnels. Finally, the cost for tunnel support from these experiences is also presented.

Increasing effect of metamorphism on rock properties

This work studied the effect of increasing degree of metamorphism on the properties of rocks.The properties investigated are the physical,mechanical and dynamic parameters.They are important inputs in the design of many mining and civil engineering techniques such as in tunnelling,slope stability and dynamic activities associated with seismicity and fragmentation.This work compared the degree of metamorphism examined through petrographic studies of the Transvaal Sequence in South Africa with the properties of the rocks.The study shows that as the effect metamorphism increases,the state of stress,compaction of grains,cementation and the brittleness of the rocks increases.In addition,increase in the metamorphic effect increases the value of the rock property.The degree of metamorphism of an outcrop is the key factor influencing its property value.Therefore the metamorphism effect of an outcrop may act as a guide to its engineering properties.