Geological discontinuity persistence: Implications and quantification

Shang, J. , West, L.J., Hencher, S.R. and Zhao, Z. (2018) Geological discontinuity persistence: Implications and quantification. Engineering Geology, 241, pp. 41-54. (doi: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.05.010)

Abstract

Persistence of geological discontinuities is of great importance for many rock-related applications in earth sciences, both in terms of mechanical and hydraulic properties of individual discontinuities and fractured rock masses. Although the importance of persistence has been identified by academics and practitioners over the past decades, quantification of areal persistence remains extremely difficult; in practice, trace length from finite outcrop is still often used as an approximation for persistence. This paper reviews the mechanical behaviour of individual discontinuities that are not fully persistent, and the implications of persistence on the strength and stability of rock masses. Current techniques to quantify discontinuity persistence are then examined. This review will facilitate application of the most applicable methods to measure or predict persistence in rock engineering projects, and recommended approaches for the quantification of discontinuity persistence. Furthermore, it demonstrates that further research should focus on the development of persistence quantification standards to promote our understanding of rock mass behaviours including strength, stability and permeability.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shang, Dr Junlong
• Authors: Shang, J., West, L.J., Hencher, S.R., and Zhao, Z.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
• Journal Name: Engineering Geology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0013-7952
• ISSN (Online): 1872-6917
• Published Online: 09 May 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
• First Published: First published in Engineering Geology 241:41-54
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher