ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 8

A Scanning Device to Quantify Joint Surface Roughness

Lam, TSK
Site engineer, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation,

Johnston, IW
Senior lecturer, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria,

Abstract

The shear strength characteristics of rock joints are highly dependent on the roughness of the joint surfaces. However, roughness is a relative term and current methods of describing roughness in quantitative terms are generally not suited to detailed analytical scrutiny. In connection with an investigation into the development of side shear resistance in rough rock socketed piles, a scanning device, which was automatic and free from operator subjectivity, was developed to provide detailed measurements of surface roughness of joint samples obtained in situ. The data collected were suitable for statistical analysis so that surface roughness could be uniquely quantified. The design and operation of the device is described, and an example of scanning is presented.

Keywords:
joints, rocks, shear strength, statistical analysis, equipment, measurement, roughness, shear strength test

Paper ID: GTJ10522J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10522J
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