Can we get Q-value from

Borehole Test?
Content

Introduction of Q-system (NGI)

Introduction of borehole test
Problem encountered
Proposed Solution
Where to start?
The Q-system (NGI)
Borehole Test
Strength
Structure
Colour
Rock Quality
State of Weathering
Fracture State Dip angle
Type of Rock Roughness

Discontinuities Aperture

Spacing

Filling
Borehole test
Problem encountered by Borehole test
Borehole test provide insufficient data for interpretation
Unable to acquire accurate discontinuity orientation. The drilling
direction of the borehole influence the number of joints that are
intersected the borehole.
Small section of each joint surface available. Particularly large to
medium scale undulation difficult to estimate.
Unable to determine the alteration ; fillings such as clay fill will be
washed away during borehole test.
Stress reduction factor provide inconsistent result. Massive rock
impossible to estimate SRF.
Underground/ Tunnel Mapping
Why underground/ tunnel mapping?
High amount of outcrops that enable geologist to map and carry out
interpretation.
Outcrops provide sufficient data such as joint orientation,
discontinuity condition, stress reduction factor, groundwater
condition.
Fresh rock mass can be found underground.
In-situ rock sample can be collected for lab test.
In-situ data which provide higher accuracy and consistency that
representing the rock mass.
Problem encountered by
Underground/Tunnel Mapping.
Unable to acquire the accurate RQD.
Proposed Solution
 Tunnel/Underground
Borehole test
Mapping

Q value
 Correlation to RQD
RQD = 100 . (1+) (Priest & Hudson, 1979)

= No of joint/Distance measured

RQD = 115 3.3 Jv (Palmstrom, 1974)

Jv = Volumetric joint count per cubic metre
References
Palmstrom A., 1974. Characterization of jointing density and the
quality of rock masses (in Norwegian). Internal report, A.B. Berdal,
Norway, 26 p.
Palmstrom A., 1982. The volumetric joint count - A useful and simple
measure of the degree of rock mass jointing. IAEG Congress, New
Delhi, 1982. pp. V.221 V.228.
Hudson J.A., Priest S.D. (1979): Discontinuities and rock mass
geometry. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci & Geomech. Abstr., Vol 16,
1979, pp 339 - 362.
From Borelog
Use Comb Barton to improve accuracy
 , Residual Friction Angle

Correlate the residual friction angle ( ) with index

properties of soil.
Using Ring Shear Apparatus (Bromhead 1979)
Torsional ring shear apparatus is that it shears the specimen
continuously in one direction for any magnitude of
displacement
Wesley (2003) observed that decreases with increase in
PI
PI = PI-0.73(LL-20)
The function tan Jr/Ja is a fair approximation of the actual
friction angle for the various combinations of wall roughness
and joint infill materials.
c = Compression strength, from UCS Test & Point Load Test (PLT)
t = Tensile strength, from Brazilian Tensile Strength Test (BTS)

Correlation between Compression Strength and Tensile Strength

UCS = 9.25 . (Ramli et al, 2013)

Correlation between PLT and UCS

UCS = 24 Is (50) - Hoek & Bray (1981)

UCS = 25 Is (50) Bienawski (1975)
Plotting of Histogram to predict the behaviour of
rock mass