Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
A reliable estimate of rock mass characteristic values is required for the design of both surface and underground mines. Rock samples of iron ore, granite and gneiss were collected from the Ajabanoko iron ore deposit and tested in the laboratory to determine engineering properties such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), tensile strength, unit weight, friction angle, cohesion, bulk density, and porosity. Other geotechnical parameters were determined using the rock mass characteristic equations, while the rock mass rating was carried out using Chart developed by Beniawski. The result obtained indicates that the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the iron ore is 142.90 kN/m2; tensile strength is 6.23 kN/m2; porosity is 0.018; bulk density is 3.79 tons/m3 .In addition the Young Modulus and the Bulk Modulus values are 17.78 GPa and 10.58 GPa respectively. The Rock Mass Rating (RMR) values obtained indicates that the rock mass can be classified as good quality rock. The rock mass characteristic values are relevant in slope design and are also used in pit design.

Keywords: rock mass; characteristic values; engineering properties; geotechnical parameters; rock mass rating

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