Constraints, design and implementation of rock discontinuity survey for underground engineering purposes

Abstract

The stability of underground space created in rock is controlled to a large extent by the inherent discontinuities in the rock. A proper collection of such data is crucial in the field. The document "Suggested methods for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock masses" by the International Society for Rock Mechanics has served as a key reference in collecting discontinuity field data for more than three decades. Despite the detailed guidelines offered in this document, the particulars associated with the pre-survey planning of the field work arc only briefly discussed. Project managers and field professionals should be aware that a proper planning of the implementation of a discontinuity survey is essential with regard to the particular scope of the project and the field constraints encountered. This paper, which will serve as a supplement to above-mentioned document, identifies some common field constraints and limitations typically encountered in the field. The resources in terms of equipment and time arc tabulated to enable researchers and practitioners better plan and conduct their field work. Copyright © 2013 by The Society for Rock Mechanics & Engineering Geology.