Characterization of soft rocks in Taiwan

Abstract

A research project was carried out to enhance our capabilities in establishing the engineering properties of the weak sedimentary rocks in northern and central regions of Western Taiwan. Improved field sampling and testing techniques were developed and a series of in situ and laboratory experiments were performed. These included modifications of rock coring procedure, field pressuremeter, PS logging, Lugeon tests and laboratory triaxial tests. A test site was developed where rock cores were taken and a series of field experiments performed. The results from the field and laboratory experiments were analyzed and compared. An interpretation procedure in establishing the rock properties was proposed. This paper describes the experience gained in this series of experiments and discusses its implications in the characterization of the soft rocks.