Objective Correlation Method Between Laboratory Direct Shear Tests and Field Measurements for the Evaluation of Joint Strength Parameters

Rock slopes and underground excavations are important aspects of mining, civil engineering and energy projects. The shear strength, or resistance to sliding, of rock joints (e.g., cracks and fractures) is the dominant component for stability of underground excavations and large rock slopes. Laboratory testing of these features is challenging, expensive and difficult to interpret. Emerging technologies, such as laser scanning, AI photo analysis and related technologies provide an opportunity to advance our capabilities to more accurately determine the strength and roughness of rock joints more objectively (less judgement-based), economically (computer aided engineering) and more accurately. This project aims to explore the combined use of some of these data analysis methods to develop a novel joint shear strength determination method to evaluate the statistically representative strength of samples observed during site investigation programs, such as core drilling and downhole drill hole wall imaging.

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrew Corkum

Student:

Partner:

BGC Engineering Inc (NS)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: