Geology Project Group 3
Geology Project Group 3
PROJECT TITLE:
APPLICATION OG GEOLOGICAL STUDY AND WEATHERING GRADES IN
GEOMECHANICAL CLASSFICATION AND ROCK SLOPE STABILITY ANALYSIS
____________________________________________________
SECTION: SECTION 5
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study
1.2 Objective
2.0 METHODOLOGY
3.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS
3.1 Site visit Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam
3.1.1 Plotting
3.1.2 Counting
3.1.3 Contouring
3.1.4 Drawing Great Circle
3.1.5 Data from plotting Great Circle
3.1.6 Mode of Slope Failures based on Discontinuities Sets Plot
3.1.7 Factor of Safety for Modes of Failure
3.1.8 Schimdt's Hammer Test
3.2 Site Visit Pantai Sri Mersing
1.2 Objectives
iii. To determine the rock mass quality using Rock Mass Rating (RMR).
Even a slight incline can significantly affect the overall stability and safety of a structure. Most
rock masses can be conceptualized as collections of complete rock blocks, distinguished in three
dimensions by a system of fractures. These fractures include bedding surfaces, joints, foliation,
and other natural breaks in the rock. To assess the stability of a rock slope, a test must be
conducted to determine its factor of safety (FOS). This involves analysing the distribution of
fractures, creating contour maps, and identifying the various fractures present on the rock slope.
A safety factor greater than 1.00 indicates that the slope is stable.
Factor of Safety (FOS) for dip direction and dip angle refers to the measurement of stability and
safety when analysing rock slopes and other geological structure. The FOS was calculated by
comparing the forces acting on the slope such as external loads to the resisting forces like its
shear strength. Its main purpose is to assess the potential for slope failure or instability based on
the orientation and steepness of the examined rock layers.
ANALYSIS:
DRAWING GREAT
DETERMINATION OF FAILURE CONTOURING
CIRCLE
AND FOS
1. Collection of Data
The data for dip direction and dip angle were collected according to the cracking and planes
available at the studied locations, Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam, Cerun Batuan Jalan Tg Resang
and Pantai Air Papan (Hujung Jalan). As much as 158 data were collected safely by using the
geological compass.
2. Plotting the poles
The 158 data collected were plotted on a tracing paper using a sheet of polar net. The purpose of
the polar net is to indicate the north direction and quadrant points along the circle. The orientation
of each discontinuity that is defined by its dip direction and dip angle was then plotted on the
tracing paper. Poles that are located towards the center of the circle is a shallow dipping
discontinuity while poles that are located around the perimeter of the circle are steep dipping
discontinuities.
3. Concentration of poles
The concentrations of pole orientations were identified using Kalsbeek counting net. The Kalsbeek
net was made up of mutually overlapping hexagons, each with an area of 1/100 of the full area of
the stereo net.
4. Contouring
Contouring was performed by overlaying the counting net on the pole and counting the number of
poles in each hexagon then, the sum was marked on the net.
Great circles were plotted on the equatorial net using a piece of tracing paper, equatorial net, and
a thumbtack. They were not plotted directly on the net because the true dip can only be scaled off
the horizontal axis.
a. A piece of tracing paper was laid on the net with a thumbtack through the center point
so that the tracing paper can be rotated on the net. The north direction was marked off
the net on the tracing paper.
b. The dip direction of the plane was located on the scale around the circumference of the
net and this point was marked on the tracing paper. Note that the dip direction scale on
the equatorial net for plotting great circles starts at the north point at the top of the circle
and increases in a clockwise direction.
c. The tracing paper was rotated until the dip direction mark coincides with one of the
horizontal axes of the net, that is, the 90° or 180° points of the dip direction scale.
d. The arc was located on the net corresponding to the dip of the plane and was traced into
the paper. Note that a horizontal plane has a great circle at the circumference of the net,
and a vertical plane is represented by a straight line passing through the center of the
net.
e. The tracing paper was rotated so that the two north points coincide, and the great circle
is oriented correctly.
The mode of failures was determined by analyzing the great circle. Then FOS for planar failure
and wedge failure was calculated using the formula below.
The geological map of Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam is an essential tool for geological engineering,
providing detailed information about the subsurface conditions. This map illustrates the
distribution of various rock types, soil composition, and geological structures such as faults, folds,
and stratification. It aids in identifying the mechanical properties of the geological materials, which
is critical for foundation design, slope stability analysis, and the planning of excavation and
construction projects. By understanding the geological context, engineers can anticipate potential
challenges and design more effective and safer engineering solutions for the development and
maintenance of infrastructure within the industrial area.
Figure 3. Fault from 28m – 30m at Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam
Geologic structure is any features in rock mass that result from deformation, such as folds, joints,
and faults. Geological structures result from the powerful tectonic forces that occur within the
earth's crust. Based on Figure 3. there are various of fault lines. Fault lines are critical features in
geological studies due to their diverse impacts on Earth's crust and human activities.
3.1.1 Plotting
Figure 5. Counting
3.1.3 Contouring
Figure 6. Contouring
3.1.4 Drawing Great Circle
So, there is no set of joints that fulfil all the modes of failures criteria.
3.1.7 Factor of Safety for Modes of Failure
Based on Table 3, there are no modes of failure found in the data, implying that the system or
component under examination did not experience any failures or failure modes during the observed
period or under the conditions analysed. In summary, the absence of indicated failure modes in
Table 5 indicates that the system or component is currently functioning well and shows no
indicators of failure under the observed conditions. As a result, the immediate requirement to
identify a factor of safety may be unnecessary until new information or conditions indicate
otherwise. However, constant care and frequent appraisal are recommended to ensure the system's
reliability and safety throughout time.
Figure 8. The Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test at Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam
The primary purpose of the Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test is to provide an estimate of the
compressive strength of in-situ concrete. This is particularly useful for assessing the condition
and quality of concrete structures without causing any damage.
Σ 𝑅𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
Average Rebound Value = 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠
33+36+35+49+23+20+46+32+37
Average Rebound Value = 9
The location for our second site visit is in Pantai Sri Mersing, Mersing, Johor. Mersing is
located at the east of Johor. We were able to gather a little amount of information during the site
visit about the type of rock, rock formation and geological structure.
We can establish whether the rock is sedimentary, such as sandstone or shale, by identifying
its current location on the provided geological map during the site visit.
The rocks that make up Mersing are argillaceous and arenaceous, and they were formed in
a clay and silt marine shallow marine depositional environment within a passive margin tectonic
setting. Extrusive rock with an acid to moderate volcanic composition, primarily pyroclastic and
rhyolitic to dacitic, is known as merging. Rocks that are metamorphic and sedimentary are the two
sorts. Shale, mudstones, siltstone, phyllite, slate, and hornfels are a few examples of these kinds
of rocks.
The Pantai Sri Mersing formation's lithology is made up of argillaceous, quartzite,
metasandstone, schist, phyllite, slate, and shale. Typically, the colour of these rocks' ranges from
dark grey to black. According to a geological map, Mersing is situated in the Carboniferous,
which is composed of phyllite, slate, shale, and sandstone. Carbonaceous rocks are typically
found in this region. Both local limestone and acidic to moderate volcanic rocks.
The faults and joints that are present in Pantai Sri Mersing are foliated. Those rocks' minerals
have been compressed and squeezed into many parallel strata. a broad term for sheet alignment,
as in the case of minerals. We discovered three different types of foliations in the research area:
Phyllite, Schistosity, and Slaty Cleavage and Gneissic Banding and Structure.
Figure 11 shown the foliation structure that consists of alternates band of light and dark
coloured minerals. Most of the light-coloured minerals are quartz and feldspar, but other minerals
including biotite, hornblende, and augite are found in the darker strata.
Figure 12. Fault at Pantai Sri Mersing
Figures 12 and 13 shown the fault structure. Faults are geological divisions that have rock
displacement along them. Under the influence of tension, compression, or shearing force, the
nearby rock masses slipped past one another. The type of defect under study is a normal defect.
Most commonly occurs in rocks that have experienced horizontal tensional strain. The figure also
includes the joint structure. Rocks have cracks called joints that are formed without displacement.
They are found in most rocks, frequently in predictable patterns. The formal-shaped rock layers
are divided into blocks by joints. Joints can be horizontal, incline, or vertical. When magma cools
down and shrinks, igneous rocks create what are known as cooling joints. When tectonic pressures
or the weight of surrounding rock compress or stretch sedimentary rocks, joints are created.
3.3 Site Visit at Tanjong Resang
The Tanjong Resang in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, is the location of our study's second site
visit. Using the Brunton compass from this third site, can successfully collect the data on rock
formation, weathering grade, geological structure, Schmidt's hammer test, and discontinuities.
Students were able to identify during the site research tour that the hills on the left and right side
of the side roads were once part of a single, large hill that was later divided by excavation for the
purpose of constructing a federal route through the centre.
Depending on the nature of rock, several processes can generate different types of rock. There are
three types of rock that are known to exist: igneous rock, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock.
The methods by which different types of rocks originate are distinct. For igneous, it can occur
through the crystallisation of intrusive and extrusive magma and lava melts. In the meantime,
metamorphic rocks are both igneous and sedimentary are recrystallizing in a solid state, whereas
sedimentary rocks are hardening sediments like sand or clay.
Based on field observations and a geological map (Figure 15), students identify the rock formation
of Cerun Bantuan as igneous rock, which is the crystallisation of melts of lava (extrusive rock),
volcanic rock, and carboniferous rock.
Weathering is the process that erodes rock on Earth's surface. The disintegration and decay
of rock brought on by weathering is the result of external elements including wind, rivers, rain,
and temperature fluctuations. The weathering grades of in-situ material can be ascertained using
the weathering classification system. It is feasible to divide each unit into six groups using the
weathering classification approach. The stated classification system used for residual soil is based
on the material breakdown grades for weathered granite and volcanic rocks by Hencher and Martin
(1982) and the weathering classification for mud rocks by Anon (1977). Based on their site visit,
the students identified that Tanjung Resang, Mersing's weathering classes are bedrock and
weathered rock, with moderate, minor, and faint weathering of the humus and topsoil.
Geologic structure refers to any deformation-related features, such as folds, joints, and
faults, that are discovered within a mass of rock. Geological structures are the product of strong
tectonic processes within the crust of the earth. Tanjong Resang has faults (Figure 18), joints
(Figure 19), and oxidation (Figure 20). Joints are rock fractures that tend to split a solid mass into
a network of blocks, whereas faults are fractures that have had movement of the rocks along them.
Cerun Bantuan's geological structure is depicted in the figures below.
The Schmidt Hammer Test is a simple, non-destructive method for assessing the strength
or hardness of rock surfaces. It involves using a spring-loaded hammer to pound a rock surface
while tracking the hammer's rebound velocity. The rebound value is then related to the rock's
strength or hardness. The harder the rock, the higher the rebound value. Students must refer to
Schmidt's Rebound Hammer Graph to determine the value of Uniaxial Compressive Strength.
Based on table 2, when we observe, we get rebound value, which we use to calculate compressive
strength using Schmidt's Rebound Hammer Graph.
Therefore, the compressive strength of the rocks that we obtained for sample is 10.67 MPa
3.3.5 Discontinuities Data Collection Using Brunton Compass and Scanline Survey
The following discontinuity data is what students obtain from the website utilising the resources
that the lecturer has prepared, like the Brunton compass:
A. Plotting poles and contouring of structural geology data
From the data above, student need to plot the poles, contouring then identify the mode of
failures. This is the plotted data:
The table below shown the discontinuity set that student gets from the great circles:
Face slope = (140˚/ 30˚), Upper slope = (140˚/ 0˚) Friction angle for all discontinuities ϕ = 30˚
From the discontinuity set above, student determine that there is no potential of this slope to failure
because there is no mode of failure which is planar, wedge and toppling fulfil the criteria of it. The
table below shown that the joint set from this slope does not fulfil the criteria of each mode of
failure:
Mode Criteria
Planar 1) 140˚ ± 20˚ = 120 ~ 160˚ (refer to the value of dip direction)
𝜑𝑓 >𝜑𝑝 > ϕ, \
So, student determine that the slope soil rock mass at Tanjung Resang, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
not fulfill the criteria to any mode failure.
C. Factor of safety for modes of failure
Based on Table 5, there are no modes of failure found in the data, implying that the system or
component under examination did not experience any failures or failure modes during the observed
period or under the conditions analysed. In summary, the absence of indicated failure modes in
Table 5 indicates that the system or component is currently functioning well and shows no
indicators of failure under the observed conditions. As a result, the immediate requirement to
identify a factor of safety may be unnecessary until new information or conditions indicate
otherwise. However, constant care and frequent appraisal are recommended to ensure the system's
reliability and safety throughout time.
3.4 Site Visit Pantai Air Papan
We are doing a third site visit in Pantai Air Papan, Johor. From there, through these procedures,
we were able to learn a little bit about the Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test, rock type, rock
formation, dip direction, and dip angle. Palaeozoic rocks can be found all over Peninsular
Malaysia's East Johor. The research area of the Endau-Mersing area includes the Air Papan region.
The three formations in this region are the oldest, Mersing Formation, Murau Formation, and the
youngest, Jasin Volcanic. Air Papan is located on Johor's east coast.
The lithologies that is, the southern tuff and the northern lapilli tuff are identified. This pyroclast
is thought to have originated from the volcanic arc formed during Sibumasu's Permian Triassic
subduction beneath the Indochina block. There has been a fracture analysis done on the extensively
fractured rocks in the research region. The majority of the 512 fracture measurements that were
measured have steep dipping (>70°) profiles. There are four identified major fracture sets: WNW-
ESE (F4), N-S (F1), E-W (F3), and NESW (F2). N-S (F1) and E-W (F3) directions are used to
interpret the possible conjugate set, which is most likely the result of a NE-SW compression. Like
the E-W fractures in the research area, Penyu Basin is surrounded by E-W faults. Therefore, there's
a chance that the Penyu Basin and the Air Papan coast are structurally related.
3.4.1 Rock Formation
During the site visit, we can ascertain the discontinuity of the rocks at the shore by locating our
current location on the provided geological map.
Identification and classification of weathering grades of the rocks outcrop based on ISRM (2007).
• The breakdown or dissolution of rocks and minerals on the surface of the Earth is known
as weathering.
• Weathering agents include water, ice, acids, salts, plants, animals, and temperature
fluctuations. The fragments of rock and mineral are carried away by a process known as
erosion once a rock has broken down.
Grade II
Grade III
• Can be crack after receiving many hammer blows, small pieces cannot be shattered by
hand.
• Brown yellow
• Moderated Weathered (MW)
• Completely discoloured
3.4.3 Geological Structure
Figure 28. The geological structure of the rock at the site location (Pantai Air Papan)
Figure 29. The rock structures at the site (Pantai Air Papan)
1. Deformation
• A rock block becomes displaced as it shifts from one location to another.
• Rock that is exposed to shallow depths can fracture brittlely due to pressures
occurring in opposing directions but parallel to one other, like folds.
• Types of stress are Shear.
2. Structures that are found at the study area are faulty
• Under tension, compression, or shearing force, the nearby rock masses slid past one
another.
• Rocks have been displaced along faults, which are cracks.
• most commonly occurs in rocks that have experienced horizontal tensional strain.
• Normal Fault is the category of fault in the studied area.
Data was collected from the third site visit which is Pantai Air Papan.
Overall, students learning geology will be more capable to identify between sedimentary,
metamorphic, and igneous rock in real-life situations. As a result, students can identify the type of
rock. The students saw different types of rock formation and displacement in a few of the locations
they visited, including Ayer Hitam, Pantai Mersing, Pantai Air Papan, and Cerun Batuan Tepi Jalan
Tg. Resang. Through fieldwork, students should have the opportunity to get first-hand leadership
experience in a genuine, "real-life" situation. Additionally, it is common knowledge of the region's
geological structure.
Through the study of rocks and the fossils they retain, this enjoyable trip gave students an
understanding of how the environment and the species that live there have evolved throughout
time. Joints and folds may be located with much greater precision. Students learn more about strike
and dip direction during this site visit. Students also gained new knowledge and learned how to
use instruments like the Schmidt Rebound Hammer and Brunton compass.
It may be easier to understand how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past if one is
aware of both naturally occurring and human-caused changes in the environment. As a result, the
field trip was challenging, but it did present a chance to come closer to the actual experience of
hands-on learning in the days that followed. Without the trip, the students would not have been
able to get such a deep understanding of geology. The trip calls for a great lot of teamwork. Group
members must communicate effectively and show mutual understanding in order to complete the
assigned tasks. The students had a great time learning new things and enjoyed every second of the
little excursion.
3.5 ROCK MASS RATING (RMR)
The rock mass rating (RMR) is a geomechanically classification system for rocks, developed by
Z. T. Bieniawski between 1972 and 1973. Since then, it has undergone multiple modifications out
of which, RMR89 is commonly used. Recently RMR14 has been proposed to improve the RMR
performance by incorporating new experiences from tunnel practices. Continuous functions and a
software "QuickRMR" for RMR89 and RMR14 have also been proposed by Kundu. RMR
combines the most significant geologic parameters of influence and represents them with one
overall comprehensive index of rock mass quality, which is used for the design and construction
of excavations in rock, such as tunnels, mines, slopes, and foundations.
3.5.1 METHODOLOGY
RMR, or the Rock Mass Rating system, is a widely used method in geology for classifying the
quality of rock masses. It was developed by Z.T. Bieniawski in 1973. The methodology involves
assessing several key parameters of the rock mass and assigning scores to each. The scores are
then summed to provide an overall rating, which helps in understanding the stability and strength
of the rock mass for various engineering purposes.
- Measure the uniaxial compressive strength of the intact rock sample. Assign a score based on the
measured strength.
-Determine the RQD, which is a measure of the degree of jointing or fracture in the rock mass.
Assign a score based on the RQD percentage.
3. Spacing of Discontinuities:
- Measure the average spacing between significant discontinuities (e.g., joints, fractures) in the
rock mass. Assign a score based on the spacing.
4. Condition of Discontinuities:
- Evaluate the condition of the discontinuities, including factors such as surface roughness,
separation, continuity, and filling material.
5. Groundwater Conditions:
- Assess the groundwater conditions in the rock mass, such as the presence and pressure of water.
Assign a score based on the groundwater conditions.
- Consider the orientation of joints relative to the engineering structure or excavation. Apply an
adjustment factor to the total score based on the joint orientation.
The total RMR score can range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better rock mass
quality. The classification system helps engineers and geologists make informed decisions
regarding the design and safety of structures such as tunnels, slopes, foundations, and mines.
14 + 12 + 11 + 20 + 5 + 11 + 3 + 2 + 18
= 10.67 𝑀𝑃𝑎
9
1 1 1
𝐽𝜈 = + + = 7𝑚
1 1 1
(1) (2) (4)
33 + 36 + 35 + 49 + 23 + 20 + 46 + 32 + 37
= 34.6 𝑀𝑃𝑎
9
The report states that our team visited all four sites: Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam, Tanjung Resang,
and Pantai Air Papan. Schmidt's Rebound Hammer is used to calculate compressive strength and
then average it to determine compressive strength at a given spot. Schmidts Rebound Hammer
tests were conducted at Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam and Tanjong Resang. Determine the rock
mass rating (Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Rock Material, Rock Quality Designation and
spacing of discontinuities, Condition of Discontinuities, Groundwater Conditions, and Joint
Orientation Adjustment) based on classification parameters and their ratings, as well as guidelines
for discontinuity classification. Aside from that, we collect data slope at three locations, such as
Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam, Tanjong Resang, and Pantai Air Papan by the joint. Following that,
all the data was utilised to plot, contour, and draw a great circle to identify modes of failure such
as wedges, planar, and toppling. If our data meets the requirements for mode of failure, we must
determine the factor of safety. I successfully gathered all the information needed to complete this
report. require data on rocks, weathering grade, geological structure, Schmidt Rebound Hammer
test, and rock mass rating, among other things. So, we finished the computations at each spot we
visited. Include computations in the report for each site.
5.0 CONCLUSION
The geology trip helps us understand more fully how to differentiate between volcanic,
sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in real life based on our theoretical study. Because of this,
we can identify the type of rock by using the area that was visited. We can see that the places we
visited, including Kawasan Industri Ayer Hitam, Pantai Sri Mersing, Tanjung Resang, and Pantai
Air Papan, had various kinds of rock formation and deformation. During the site visit, we learned
more about strike and dip direction. To understand both naturally occurring and human-caused
climate changes, we may discover how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past. This
meant that the field trip was difficult, but it gave us an opportunity to get closer to the real
experience of practical learning in the days to come. We finish the entire project properly, even if
the student's attention dropped in during the task.
6.0 REFERENCES
1. Geologic Time Cande, S. C., and Kent, D. V., 1995. Revised calibration of the geomagnetic
polarity timescale for the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid
Earth, 100, 6093-6095. DOI: 10.1029/94JB03098
2. Boggs, S. Jr., 2012., Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 5th ed: Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey, Pearson Education, Ltd., 585 p.
3. Tashkin Wadud. What is Rock? Types of Rocks and Their Properties. Retrieved from:
https://civiltoday.com/geotechnical-engineering/geology/256-rock-definition-types-
classificationminerals
4. Sugeng S. Surjono, Mohd. Shafeea Leman, Che Aziz Ali & Kamal Roslan Mohamed. (2004).
Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia. Vol 49. Page 71-78. Doi:
https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm49200413
5. Study of Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Geological Strength Index (GSI) Correlations in
Granite, Siltstone, Sandstone and Quartzite Rock Masses
https://www.proquest.com/docview/2534793838
7.0 MINUTES OF MEETING