Original paper(Vol.49 No.9 pp.1050)

Prediction Equations of Weathering of the Cretaceous Kitakyusyu Granite by the Freezing and Thawing Test

Isamu Hirano, Takeyoshi Sadahiro, Junko Koike, Kohkichi Kikuchi, Yositada Mito and Masahiro Baba

Abstract:@In order to predict the weathering process of the rock materials for the riprap of the rock fill dam embankment, the authors have been carrying out fundamental studies on the factor of weathering, changes of some properties and the rock deterioration mechanism by the eathering. The freezing and thawing test concerning the Cretaceous Granitic Rock (Kitakyusyu granite) were carried out in this study. The columnar specimens which are used in this test are composed of a series of rocks that includes fresh rocks to weathered rocks. We clarified the weathering properties of the series of rocks by the freezing and thawing, and obtained the regression equations for the weathering process. Using these equations, we can predict the weathering process of the similar series of rocks by the freezing and thawing from the physical and mechanical indices.@

Key Words:Rock material, Riprap material, Rock series, Rock weathering, Freezing and Thawing, Durability test, Prediction equation of rock weathering