As part of the development of some dams and hydroelectric power schemes, deep infrastructure is often required which requires and understanding of the in situ stresses of the rock mass. Recent works completed in southern Australia and Europe have led to improved methodologies for conducting effective, reliable, and repeatable measurements of in situ strain and/or deformation, as well as the subsequent estimation of in situ stress.
In situ stress testing is generally an item that is specified as part of a geotechnical investigation, however it is not commonly well understood in terms of reliability, repeatability, or, in fact, what the result actually means and its implications to project design. Commonly, a handful of tests are completed, with variable results, which often generates more confusion than answers.
This paper provides a discussion of recent in situ stress testing completed for two deep Australian projects. It summarises the aim of the investigations, test selection process, laboratory testing, data review and model development. This is to illustrate how complex the estimation of in situ stress can be and some of the pitfalls that may be avoided whilst acquiring and assessing the data. It also examines several different testing methods available in the Australian and International industry and some of the analysis techniques available to dam and tunnel projects. Finally, the paper provides an update on topical developments provided at recent workshops in Europe.
$15.00
ANCOLD is an incorporated voluntary association of organisations and individual professionals with an interest in dams in Australia.