Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
9-30-1988
Degree Name
Master of Science in Civil Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Dorairaja Raghu
Second Advisor
John R. Schuring
Third Advisor
Raj P. Khera
Abstract
This thesis had three main objectives. They were to develop a rock model testing capability at N.J.I.T. by (1) developing and building a load testing frame for rock models, including all necessary appurtenances and load measuring devices, (2) developing a rock modelling material and quantifying its properties, and (3) applying the capabilities described in items 1 and 2.
A high capacity load test frame was constructed from structural steel members. Heavy screw rams were utilized to apply load and specially constructed proving rings were employed to accurately measure load. Additionally, load platens and other support equipment were constructed.
The model material developed consisted of a mixture of sand and plaster. The formulation of the mixture was arrived at by experimentally testing various ratios of the constituents for strength and stress-strain characteristics. Comparisons to natural rock could then be made. The material developed is generally useful for many modeling requirements. Although the chosen mix most closely approximated the rock Basalt in similitude calculations, it has many advantages over most previously used model materials. This synthetic rock-like material is highly workable and is easily molded.
In this research models of the plane stress type were tested. Specifically, the models represent a slice of an intact rock mass with a central circular tunnel and a nearby, overhead, open horizontal discontinuity. In order to develop the technology necessary to yield meaningful results, numerous tests were conducted. All the techniques and technology learned as a result of this effort is documented herein.
Although the results of the model tests were problem specific, prior work conducted by the author using photoelastic techniques(A was helpful in estimating the possible outcomes of the tests.
Recommended Citation
Good, David R., "Development of a rock model testing capability at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and testing of plane stress models possessing a central circular opening with a nearby horizontal discontinuity" (1988). Theses. 3079.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3079
