Title: An experimental study on rock samples related to the Zojila tunnel region in Kashmir (North-West) Himalaya, India to estimate rock geo-engineering properties

Authors: Aasif Ibni Ahad; Syed Kaiser Bukhari

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, J&K 190006, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, J&K 190006, India

Abstract: The physical and mechanical properties of rocks play a decisive role in the design of underground structures, including tunnels. In the present study, petro-graphic and petro-fabric analysis of two types of rocks (phyllite and granite) was carried out, which were collected from the under-construction Zojila tunnel and its adjacent region Kargil of the Kashmir Himalaya. Laboratory tests were carried out to examine the physico-mechanical properties and geo-engineering characteristics of the rocks. The main result of the work is the authentication that ultrasonic pulse velocity can be used as a straightforward and affordable non-destructive method for an initial prediction of mechanical and physical properties as well as a tool for the evaluation of the weathering changes of granites. The results signify that the tunnels in the Kashmir Himalayan fold belt are stable, but need a very careful geological and geotechnical investigation, which is in good agreement with the field observation (Dhang Pratap Chandra, 2016).

Keywords: rock classification; SEM; phyllite; granite; Zojila tunnel; compressive strength; mechanical properties; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2023.137301

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2023 Vol.14 No.3, pp.274 - 294

Received: 29 Jan 2023
Accepted: 30 Aug 2023
Published online: 11 Mar 2024 *

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