2009 – Engineering geology of volcanic rocks at the Connors River dam site, Central Queensland

Tariq I.H. Rahiman, Amanda Barrett, Greg Dryden, Mike Marley, Cecile Coll

In this study we present the engineering geology of complex Late Carboniferous to Early Permian silicic volcanic rocks underlying the Connors River dam site located on the Connors River, at Adopted Middle Thread Distance (AMTD) 97.7 km. The initial investigation of the site by SMEC in 1976 characterised the bedrock as simple laterally continuous layers of rhyolite and pyroclastic rocks. Engaged by SunWater Limited since October 2007, Golder Associates have utilised a range of modern investigative techniques to reveal a more intricate bedrock geological model.

Geological mapping, targeted vertical and angle geotechnical drilling and trenching reveal that the dam site foundation consists of complexly laid felsic crystalline volcanic flow deposits, volcaniclastic (pyroclastic) deposits, and mafic intrusives. Petrographical tests depict a broad range of rock types that includes rhyolite, rhyodacite, dacite, basalt, volcanic breccia, lapilli tuff and tuff. Surface structural mapping and downhole acoustic televiewer profiling reveal that defects of varying orientations have developed in the rocks mainly as a result of tectonism. The rock defects are predominantly open joints and faults, and minor bedding, flow bands, decomposed seams and veins. The permeability of the bedrock, which appears to be primarily controlled by rock defects, was assessed using the results of Lugeon tests.

Rock stratigraphy, mineralogy and texture combined with high resolution seismic tomographic imaging were used to delineate three main engineering rock units. Unit 1, the oldest, occurs on the right abutment and consists mainly of slightly weathered to fresh, high to very high strength dacites and rhyodacites. Unit 2 occupies the central area of the dam foundation and overlies Unit 1. It comprises weakly bedded, slightly weathered to fresh, high to very high strength volcaniclastic rocks. Unit 3, consisting of variably weathered, high to very high strength flow banded and autobrecciated rhyolite, is the youngest unit and it overlies and partially intrudes Unit 2. All three rock units are intruded by slightly weathered to fresh and very high strength basalt, either as dykes or sills. The rock mass properties of the rock units were evaluated based on rock strength tests and the geological strength index (GSI).

Keywords: engineering geology, dam foundation, volcanic rocks, Connors River, dam site

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