The Effect of Horizontal Smooth Joints on Strength and Deformability of Sandstone

Authors: Younis Alshkane^1
1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Iraq

Abstract: The Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) and deformability of jointed rock are required to design structures on or in jointed rock mass. These rock masses depend on the number and orientation of joints. In this study, horizontal smooth joints were created in intact sandstone samples by cutting and grinding the end surfaces of sandstone samples collected from Birchover Quarry in the UK. In the study, 15 UCS tests on jointed and intact samples were conducted. The results showed that, although uniform sandstone block was used, there were inconsistencies in values of UCS and modulus of elasticity for the same type of tested rock. Also, the results showed that the UCS and modulus of elasticity decreased with increasing number of horizontal joints to 4 joints except for the sample of 3 joints which showed the increase in UCS and modulus of elasticity.

Keywords: Jointed Rock, UCS, Modulus of Elasticity, Horizontal Smooth Joint

doi: 10.23918/eajse.v3i2p187

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