Method for evaluation of geological strength index of carbonate cliff rocks:Coupled hyperspectral-digital borehole image technique

The deterioration of unstable rock mass raised interest in evaluating rock mass quality.However,the traditional evaluation method for the geological strength index(GSI)primarily emphasizes the rock structure and characteristics of discontinuities.It ignores the influence of mineral composition and shows a deficiency in assessing the integrity coefficient.In this context,hyperspectral imaging and digital panoramic borehole camera technologies are applied to analyze the mineral content and integrity of rock mass.Based on the carbonate mineral content and fissure area ratio,the strength reduction factor and integrity coefficient are calculated to improve the GSI evaluation method.According to the results of mineral classification and fissure identification,the strength reduction factor and integrity coefficient increase with the depth of rock mass.The rock mass GSI calculated by the improved method is mainly concentrated between 40 and 60,which is close to the calculation results of the traditional method.The GSI error rates obtained by the two methods are mostly less than 10%,indicating the rationality of the hyperspectral-digital borehole image coupled evaluation method.Moreover,the sensitivity of the fissure area ratio(Sr)to GSI is greater than that of the strength reduction factor(a),which means the proposed GSI is suitable for rocks with significant fissure development.The improved method reduces the influence of subjective factors and provides a reliable index for the deterioration evaluation of rock mass.

Influence of the roots of mixed-planting species on the shear strength of saline loess soil

In order to improve our knowledge of the mechanical effect of the roots of mixed-plantings on soil reinforcement and slope protection,the influence of roots of a mixed-planting with four herb species(Medicago sativa L.,Elymus nutans Griseb.,Puccinellia distanx(L.),and Poa pratensis L.)and one shrub species(Caragana korshinskii Kom.)were investigated on the shear strength characteristics of saline loess soil.The root distribution characteristics were assessed via a survey when the plants grew for one year.The effects of the root biomass density,the root mass ratio(RMR)of the fine roots to the coarse roots,the moisture content,and the salt content on the shear strength index of the rooted soil were analyzed via a triaxial compression test,and the mechanism of these effects was discussed.The results indicate that the biomass density decreased linearly with increasing depth.The RMR initially decreased with depth and then increased,exhibiting in a quadratic relationship.The cohesion of the rooted soil increased linearly as the biomass density increased.The cohesion of the rooted soil initially increased with increasing RMR and salt content,and then it decreased.The turning point of the cohesion occurred when the RMR was 0.6 and the salt content was 1.18%.The internal friction angle of the rooted soil initially increased with biomass density and then decreased,and the turning point of the internal friction angle occurred when the biomass density was 0.015 g/cm3.The relationships between the internal friction angle of the rooted soil and the RMR and salt content were exponential incremental and linear subtractive relationship,respectively.Both the cohesion and the internal friction angle of the rooted soil linearly decreased with increasing moisture content.

Determination of geological strength index of jointed rock mass based on image processing

The geological strength index(GSI) system,widely used for the design and practice of mining process,is a unique rock mass classification system related to the rock mass strength and deformation parameters based on the generalized Hoek-Brown and Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria.The GSI can be estimated using standard chart and field observations of rock mass blockiness and discontinuity surface conditions.The GSI value gives a numerical representation of the overall geotechnical quality of the rock mass.In this study,we propose a method to determine the GSI quantitatively using photographic images of in situ jointed rock mass with image processing technology,fractal theory and artificial neural network(ANN).We employ the GSI system to characterize the jointed rock mass around the working in a coal mine.The relative error between the proposed value and the given value in the GSI chart is less than 3.6%.

Analysis of the Anomalous Strength and Location of the ITCZ Affecting the Formation of Northern Pacific Typhoons

Using the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis dataset from 1959-2004, the location and strength of the ITCZ （Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone）, as well as their relations with typhoons in the northwestern Pacific were studied. It was found that the pentad location and strength of the ITCZ had close relations with the typhoon frequency. Higher latitude location or strengthened ITCZ were found to be favorable for the occurrence of typhoons over the Northwestern Pacific. An index was defined for ascertaining the location of the ITCZ. It was found that the index defined with the maximum value of pentad and monthly meridional shear of zonal wind speed could better describe the location of ITCZ than another index defined with the maximum value of convergence. Correlation analysis between the index of ITCZ and the maximum cloud cover in the tropics showed that there were close relations between the ITCZ determined by the index and the maximum tropical cloud belt. The strength index of an ITCZ was defined as the zonal wind speed difference at latitudes south and north of the ITCZ. It was found that there are close relations between the ITCZ intensity and typhoon occurrence in the South China Sea [10°N-20°N, 100°E-120°E] and regions east of the Philippines and near the Mariana Islands[5°N-20°N, 127.5°-150°E].

Estimation of Axial Pile Bearing Capacity According to Shear Strength Parameters of Soil

At pesent, it is very popular to estimate pile bearing capacity by use of empirical formula and physical indexes of soil provided in the design codes for civil construction in China. This paper attempts to apply mechanical indexes of soil and semi-empirical formulas, which are based on soil mechanical theories and were summarized and presented by Meyerhof in 1976, to calculate the axial pile bearing capacity. Loading test results of 24 single piles in Tianjin area have been collected and compared with the proposed calulation approach.

Accurate estimation of soil shear strength parameters

The cost and safety of geotechnical engineering are highly depending on the accuracy of soil shear strength parameters.There are three methods often used to estimate soil shear strength parameters,i.e.,moment method,3-sigma rule and linear regression method.In this study,the accuracy of these three methods is compared.Traditional linear regression method(LRM)can only offer the mean of shear strength parameters.Some engineers misuse the standard error of shear strength indexes as the standard deviations.Such misuse may highly underestimate the uncertainty and induce high risk to the geotechnical design.A modified LRM is proposed to determine both the mean and variance of shear strength parameters.The moment method,three-sigma rule and LRM are used to analyze the tri-axial test data in Xiaolangdi Hydraulic Project and three numerical shear strength tests.The results demonstrate that:1)The modified LRM can offer the most accurate estimation to shear strength parameters;2)A dimensionless formula is much preferred in LRM rather than a dimensional formula.The stress ratio formula is much better than stress relation in the shear strength parameter analysis.The proposed method is applicable to shear strength parameter analysis for tri-axial test data,direct shear test and the un-drained shear strength test of stratified clay.

Estimating the properties of weathered bedrock and pile-rock interaction from the geological strength index

The effect of variable rock mass properties on pile-rock interaction poses a great challenge to the design of stabilizing piles and numerical analysis of pile-rock interaction. The paper presents a novel method to estimate the properties of weathered bedrock, which can be applied to routine design of landslide-stabilizing piles for collivial landslides. The Ercengyan landslide located in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China, is the area of interest for this study. A geological investigation and triaxial tests were conducted to estimate the basic parameters, including Geological Strength Index(GSI), uniaxial compressive strength σ_(ci) and Hoek-Brown constant m_i of intact bedrock in the study area. Hoek-Brown criterion was used to estimate mechanical properties of the weathered rock, including elastic modulus E_m, cohesion c, friction angle Φ, and normal ultimate lateral resistance p_(max). A parametric study was performed to evaluate the effect of parameterizations of GSI, σ_(ci) and m_i on the bedrock properties and p-y curves. The estimated rock mass properties were used with PLAXIS 2D software to simulate pile-rock interaction. Effect of GSI on stress at the pile-rock interface and in the rock, pile bending moment, pile shear force, and p-y curve were analysed.

Selection of regression models for predicting strength and deformability properties of rocks using GA

Recently,many regression models have been presented for prediction of mechanical parameters of rocks regarding to rock index properties.Although statistical analysis is a common method for developing regression models,but still selection of suitable transformation of the independent variables in a regression model is diffcult.In this paper,a genetic algorithm(GA)has been employed as a heuristic search method for selection of best transformation of the independent variables(some index properties of rocks)in regression models for prediction of uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)and modulus of elasticity(E).Firstly,multiple linear regression(MLR)analysis was performed on a data set to establish predictive models.Then,two GA models were developed in which root mean squared error(RMSE)was defned as ftness function.Results have shown that GA models are more precise than MLR models and are able to explain the relation between the intrinsic strength/elasticity properties and index properties of rocks by simple formulation and accepted accuracy.

Influence of degree of interlock on confined strength of jointed hard rock masses

The strength of jointed rock mass is strongly controlled by the degree of interlock between its constituent rock blocks.The degree of interlock constrains the kinematic freedom of individual rock blocks to rotate and slide along the block forming joints.The HoekeBrown(HB)failure criterion and the geological strength index(GSI)were developed based on experiences from mine slopes and tunneling projects in moderately to poorly interlocked jointed rock masses.It has since then been demonstrated that the approach to estimate the HB strength parameters based on the GSI strength scaling equations(called the‘GSI strength equations’)tends to underestimate the confined peak strength of highly interlocked jointed rock masses(i.e.GSI>65),where the rock mass is often non-persistently jointed,and the intact rock blocks are strong and brittle.The estimation of the confined strength of such rock masses is relevant when designing mine pillars and abutments at great depths,where the confining pressure is high enough to prevent block rotation and free sliding on block boundaries.In this article,a grain-based distinct element modeling approach is used to simulate jointed rock masses of various degrees of interlock and to investigate the influences of block shape,joint persistence and joint surface condition on the confined peak strengths.The focus is on non-persistently jointed and blocky(persistently jointed)rock masses,consisting of hard and homogeneous rock blocks devoid of any strength degrading defects such as veins.The results from this investigation confirm that the GSI strength equations underestimate the confined strength of highly interlocked and non-persistently jointed rock masses.Moreover,the GSI strength equations are found to be valid to estimate the confined strength of persistently jointed rock masses with smooth and non-dilatant joint surfaces.

Effects of confinement on rock mass modulus:A synthetic rock mass modelling(SRM) study

The main objective of this paper is to examine the influence of the applied confining stress on the rock mass modulus of moderately jointed rocks（well interlocked undisturbed rock mass with blocks formed by three or less intersecting joints）. A synthetic rock mass modelling（SRM） approach is employed to determine the mechanical properties of the rock mass. In this approach, the intact body of rock is represented by the discrete element method（DEM）-Voronoi grains with the ability of simulating the initiation and propagation of microcracks within the intact part of the model. The geometry of the preexisting joints is generated by employing discrete fracture network（DFN） modelling based on field joint data collected from the Brockville Tunnel using LiDAR scanning. The geometrical characteristics of the simulated joints at a representative sample size are first validated against the field data, and then used to measure the rock quality designation（RQD）, joint spacing, areal fracture intensity（P21）, and block volumes. These geometrical quantities are used to quantitatively determine a representative range of the geological strength index（GSI）. The results show that estimating the GSI using the RQD tends to make a closer estimate of the degree of blockiness that leads to GSI values corresponding to those obtained from direct visual observations of the rock mass conditions in the field. The use of joint spacing and block volume in order to quantify the GSI value range for the studied rock mass suggests a lower range compared to that evaluated in situ. Based on numerical modelling results and laboratory data of rock testing reported in the literature, a semi-empirical equation is proposed that relates the rock mass modulus to confinement as a function of the areal fracture intensity and joint stiffness.

Influence of data analysis when exploiting DFN model representation in the application of rock mass classification systems

Discrete fracture network(DFN) models have been proved to be effective tools for the characterisation of rock masses by using statistical distributions to generate realistic three-dimensional(3 D) representations of a natural fracture network. The quality of DFN modelling relies on the quality of the field data and their interpretation. In this context, advancements in remote data acquisition have now made it possible to acquire high-quality data potentially not accessible by conventional scanline and window mapping. This paper presents a comparison between aggregate and disaggregate approaches to define fracture sets, and their role with respect to the definition of key input parameters required to generate DFN models. The focal point of the discussion is the characterisation of in situ block size distribution(IBSD) using DFN methods. An application of IBSD is the assessment of rock mass quality through rock mass classification systems such as geological strength index(GSI). As DFN models are becoming an almost integral part of many geotechnical and mining engineering problems, the authors present a method whereby realistic representation of 3 D fracture networks and block size analysis are used to estimate GSI ratings, with emphasis on the limitations that exist in rock engineering design when assigning a unique GSI value to spatially variable rock masses.

Determination of blast-induced ground vibration equations for rocks using mechanical and geological properties

In the recent decades, effects of blast loads on natural and man-made structures have gained considerable attention due to increase in threat from various man-made activities. Site-specific empirical relationships for calculation of blast-induced vibration parameters like peak particle velocity （PPV） and peak particle displacement （PPD） are commonly used for estimation of blast loads in design. However, these relation- ships are not able to consider the variation in rock parameters and uncertainty of in situ conditions. In this paper, a total of 1089 published blast data of various researchers in different rock sites have been collected and used to propose generalized empirical model for PPV by considering the effects of rock parameters like unit weight, rock quality designation （ROD）, geological strength index （GSI）, and uniaxial compressive strength （UCS）. The proposed PPV model has a good correlation coefficient and hence it can be directly used in prediction of blast-induced vibrations in rocks. Standard errors and coefficient of correlations of the predicted blast-induced vibration parameters are obtained with respect to the observed field data. The proposed empirical model for PPV has also been compared with the empirical models available for blast vibrations predictions given by other researchers and found to be in good agreement with specific cases.

Fragility of disconnect switch subjected to random earthquake ground motions

A fragility calculation scheme is estabtished in this paper for porcelain-type equipments subjected to random earthquake ground motions. All steps of the method are illustrated by the seismic damage analysis of GW4-110 disconnect switch. The model of the equipment is built applying the finite element method with flexible joints, and the seismic response of the equipment is analyzed using elastic time history method. On the base, according to the strength damage index and Monte-Carlo Method, the seismic damage ratios are counted and the seismic fragility curves are presented. Then the seismic damage of GW4-110 disconnect switch can be predicted.

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.

Activity of Reducing Steel Slag of EAF

Reducing steel slag （RSS） was mainly acquired from five electric-arc furnace （EAF） steelmaking plants （among them, the products of two plants were carbon steel and those of other plants were stainless steel） for research tests. The chemical properties, compound compositions, activities and contents of main expansive compounds were tested. The results showed that the field sampled RSS had a very high crystallinity and hydraulicity with main chemical compositions close to those of Portland cement. It can be known from the study that in case of C/S ratio higher than 2.0, the main compound compositions are C2S, C3S, C2F and f-CaO. However, after the RSS was stored for six months, an obvious variation occurred with potential pre-hydration in RSS, where the SO3 content was slightly reduced and the compressive activity index was obviously higher than that at the 28th day.

A Study on Evaluation Model of IT Industry’s Innovation Capability Based Variable Weight Theory

In this paper, IT Industry＇s innovation capability is considered to be the innovation output capability after complex operation of industry input in industry system. In this complex process, R＆D personnel input and R＆D expense input are un-substitutable, and for evaluation of innovation capability, innovation input and innovation output also are un-substitutable. Based on this theory, an evaluation model of sustaining strength index is put forward. Considering both input scale and output contribution of IT industry＇s innovation system, this model reflects the un-substitutability of every evaluation aspects. The measurement result not only shows the industry innovation capability, but also reflects the support degree to economy. At last the data of IT industry in China are provided between 1994 and 2004 for empirical study.

Strength Activity Index of Air Quenched Basic Oxygen Furnace Steel Slag

Air quenched basic oxygen furnace steel slag （BOF-SS） is processed at very high cooling rate, which is expected to have different cementitious properties from conventional slowly cooled BOF-SS. For this purpose, the strength activity indexes of air quenched and slowly cooled BOF-SS are investigated. The results reveal that, under the specific surface area （S） of 490 m^2/kg, the compressive strength activity index reaches 1.24 after 28 days with replacement of 15% air quenched BOF-SS and reaches 1.05 after 28 days with replacement of 20% air quenched BOF-SS and 30%granulated blast furnace slag （GBFS）. The cementitious activity of air quenched BOF-SS is obviously higher than that of slowly cooled BOF-SS, mainly because it contains more C3 S and glassy phases.

Phase Specific Comparisons of High and Low Vertical Jump Performance in Collegiate Female Athletes

Introduction Countermovement vertical jump testing has become a staple in athlete assessment protocols.As the popularity of jump testing has grown,a need and interest has also grown in identifying the factors that underpin high-level outputs.As jump height alone as a variable in evaluating vertical jump performance has been questioned in athletic populations,other variables such as the reactive strength index modified(RSIm)allow for not only evaluating the outcome,but the strategy used in obtaining that outcome.Purpose Thus,the purpose of this investigation was to examine the differences in high and low vertical jump performances,as determined by the RSIm in female collegiate athletes.Methods Thirty NCAA Division I female volleyball and basketball athletes performed countermovement vertical jump trials on a force platform.The sample was then broken into two groups as determined by median RSIm values.Independent sample t-test were then used to compare groups.Results High RSIm group displayed greater jump heights(P<0.05).Additionally,the high performing group displayed lower eccentric duration times(P<0.05).No differences between groups were seen in kinetic variables.Conclusion The high performing group displayed faster eccentric times which translated to lower values in time to take-off though not statistical significant.The higher RSIm values appear to be a result of both greater jump heights and reduced time to take off.Thus,focus being placed on the speed of the movement during training would be of benefit in improving RSIm values.

Stability analysis of underground mine hard rock pillars via combination of finite difference methods,neural networks,and Monte Carlo simulation techniques

Pillar stability is always evaluated using the safety factor(SF),which is defined as the ratio of pillar strength to pillar stress.However,most researchers have estimated pillar stress using the pillar shape ratio(w/h),uniaxial compressive strength(UCS)of the intact rock mass,and pillar depth(H).In this study,the geological strength index(GSI)of hard rock pillars was considered as a new variable for predictive purposes.This index was developed by combining numerical simulation software(i.e.,FLAC3D)and a backpropagation neural network(BPNN).A hard rock pillar stability analysis,based on three methods including deterministic method,sensitivity analysis,and Monte Carlo simulation(MCS),was performed.A new formula was proposed to estimate the SF values based on the predicted stress,considering the GSI variable in the deterministic method.The sensitivity analysis indicated that the variables impacting the SF from high to low are UCS,GSI,w/h,and H.In this study,pillar stability was analyzed mainly using the GSI and MCS techniques.The MCS results revealed that the GSI is also a major factor in pillar stability and has a greater effect on weak pillars than on strong ones.Furthermore,a pillar is more likely to be unstable when both the GSI and the UCS are decreased.This study provides several references and procedures for improving the design of stable pillars considering the GSI as an important factor.

Activity of cold vortex in northeastern China and its connection with the characteristics of precipitation and circulation during 1960-2012

Based on the daily reanalysis data released by NCEP/NCAR and the daily precipi- tation of 753 Chinese stations from May to August during the period of 1960 to 2012, the statistical characteristics of the cold vortex in northeastern China were analyzed. In addition, the strength index, which described the characteristics of the vortex consistently and fre- quently, and the geographical distribution were given by continuous anomalies of circulation. Based on this index, the activity routines of the cold vortex, characteristics of atmospheric circulation, and their effects on precipitation in northeastern China were analyzed. The results show that： the activities of the cold vortex exhibit remarkable features of annual and interde- cadal oscillation, and the vortex high frequency and its characteristics of atmospheric circula- tion are described more accurately by the strength index of the cold vortex, which shows a high correspondence with the vortex precipitation during early summer and midsummer in the northeast. In strong （weak） vortex years, the general circulation in the middle and high lati- tudes of Eurasia is to the advantage （disadvantage） of the formation, development and maintenance of the cold vortex, thus it is easy （difficult） to form the circulation which is bene- ficial to transmit vapor from south to north during the period of July to August. Blocking over the Ural Mountains prevails （does not prevail） in early summer, and blocking over the Sea of Okhotsk prevails （does not prevail） in midsummer. Areas where the subtropical high is too small （large） and moves toward the north too late （early） are better （worse） for the mainte- nance of the cold vortex in northeastern China.