Abstract
Joint roughness coefficient (JRC) is the key parameter for the empirical estimation of joint shear strength by using the JRC-JCS (joint wall compressive strength) model. Because JRC has such characteristics as nonuniformity, anisotropy, and unhomogeneity, directional statistical measurement of JRC is the precondition for ensuring the reliability of the empirical estimation method. However, the directional statistical measurement of JRC is time-consuming. In order to present an ideal measurement method of JRC, new profilographs and roughness rulers were developed according to the properties of rock joint undulating shape based on the review of measurement methods of JRC. Operation methods of the profilographs and roughness rulers were also introduced. A case study shows that the instruments and operation methods produce an effective means for the statistical measurement of JRC.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References Cited
Bandis, S. C., 1980. Experimental Studies of Scale Effects on Shear Strength, and Deformation of Rock Joints [Dissertation]. University of Leeds, Leeds
Barton, N., Choubey, V., 1977. The Shear Strength of Rock Joints in Theory and Practice. Rock Mech., 10(1–2): 1–54
Beer, A. J., Stead, D., Coggan, J. S., 2002. Estimation of the Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC) by Visual Comparison. Rock Mech. Rock Engng., 35(1): 65–74
Brown, E. T., 1981. Rock Characterization Testing and Monitoring (ISRM Suggested Methods). Pergamon Press, Oxford. 129–140
Du, S. G., 1994. The Directional Statistical Evaluation of Rock Joint Roughness Coefficient. Journal of Engineering Geology, 2(3): 62–71 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Du, S. G., 1997. The Practicability of Fractal Methods on Estimating Rock Joint Roughness Coefficient. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 22(6):665–668 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Du, S. G., 2004. Empirical Estimation for the Shear Strength of Rock Discontinuities. Seismic Press, Beijing. 103–110 (in Chinese)
Du, S. G., Chen, Y., Fang, L. B., 1996. Mathematical Expression of JRC Modified Straight Edge. Journal of Engineering Geology, 4(2): 36–43 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Fecker, E., Rengers, N., 1971. Measurement of Large Scale Roughnesses of Rock Planes by Means of Profilograph and Geological Compass. Proceedings Symposium on Rock Fracture, Nancy. 1–18
Hass, C. J., Keith, H. D., Nitzsche, R. N., et al., 1975. An Investigation of the Interaction of Rock and Types of Rock Bolts for Selected Loading Conditions. Second Annual Report, U. S. Bureau of Mines Contract, Missouri Univ., Rolla, USA. 76–88
Milne, D., 1990. Standardized Joint Descriptions for Improved Rock Classification. In: Hustrulid, W. A., Johnson, G. A., eds., Rock Mechanics Contributions and Challenges. Proceedings of the 31st U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, Balkema, Rotterdam. 35–41
Stimpson, B., 1982. A Rapid Filed Method for Recording Joint Roughness. Int. J. Roc. Mech. Min. Geomech., 19: 345–346
Tse, R., Cruden, D. M., 1979. Estimating Joint Roughness Coefficients. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Geomech., 16: 303–307
Yang, Z. Y., Lo, S. C., Di, C. C., 2001. Reassessing the Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC) Estimation Using Z 2. Rock Mech. Rock Engng., 34(3): 243–251
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 40672186, 50809059) and the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (No.Y505008).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Du, S., Hu, Y. & Hu, X. Measurement of joint roughness coefficient by using profilograph and roughness ruler. J. Earth Sci. 20, 890–896 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-009-0075-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-009-0075-3