Mechanical Engineering Question

Coursework Instructions

1.0 Introduction

The material surrounding surface underground opening in rock forms a complex structure, and as observed by Bieniawski (1984), provision of reliable input data for engineering design of structures in rock is still one of the most difficult tasks facing engineering geologists. Rock mass characterisation is one of the first steps in the rock engineering design process and, as with other areas of geotechnical design, relies heavily on the understanding of the geological setting (the ground profile) and its expected behaviour (ground behaviour), as understood from in situ tests and observations, and supporting laboratory testing.

Because of this, the engineering geologist provides a pivotal role in the design process as many key project-planning decisions are made on the understanding and interpretation of the ground conditions. This is especially true in the design of cut slopes and tunnels, where ground conditions and ground behaviour may vary significantly along the tunnel route and slope extent. In many instances, because of the influence of in situ stress and groundwater conditions on rock mass behaviour and stability, the tunnel alignment maybe selected based on the preliminary engineering geological model to ensure favourable ground conditions are encountered.

2.0 Background

As an engineering geologist working for a geotechnical consultant you have been asked to report on the engineering and preliminary rock engineering aspects of the proposed realignment of the A4 Bristol Port road away from the Avon Gorge and into a tunnel (Figure 1). To make room for the diversion, cut slopes are required for the approach and the portal. The road realignment runs along the eastern bank of the Avon Gorge from the new Zig-Zag road in the South, through to the Blackrock Quarry in the North. The cut slopes, tunnel and portals will be constructed within the Pembroke Limestone Group, formerly known as the Carboniferous Limestone which all dip at approximately 25 degrees to the south. One of your tasks will be to decide on the size and shape of the tunnel and the vertical alignment, as it will need to avoid clashing with an existing rail tunnel (Figure 1).

Relevant figures and data are provided in separate files on Moodle, and include:

• Virtual filed trip through the proposed road realignment
• Intact rock test results
• Rock Mass data
• Discontinuity surveys
• Photographs of the rock outcrops

3.0 Coursework Assignment

The assignment consists of the production of a web-based report, using Google Sites, on the proposed works using the information provided. The web-based report should inform the preliminary design of the cut slopes and rock tunnel, including excavation and support considerations and recommendations.

Students should consider inter alia, the following:

• Ground Profile:
  • Geological assessment (regional geology and geological setting, expected ground conditions, etc)
  • Hydrogeological assessment (identification of potential water sources and potential for water ingress)
• Ground Characterisation and Behaviour
  • Intact rock assessment
  • In situ and induced stress considerations
  • Rock mass strength assessment
  • Kinematic feasibility (eg. ubiquitous joints method)
• Preliminary support/reinforcement recommendations
• Recommendations for further investigation

4.0 Report Structure

Part of the assignment is to develop your web development skills and try to use interesting ways to present data. We believe that this will be the way reports will be written and developed in the future. Much more interactive and able to present 3D data much better than conventional written reports. However, you should think about how you will include the following typical technical report section headings.

Introduction and Project Brief

The Site: Topography; Geological Setting

Ground Profile: Stratigraphy; Structural Geology; Hydrogeology

Ground Characterisation: Intact rock behaviour; Rock mass behaviour; In situ stress conditions; Induced stress conditions; Discontinuities

Ground Behaviour: Stress induced failure (tunnel); Structurally controlled failure (slope and tunnel)

Excavation and Support Recommendations

Conclusions

Recommendations for Further Investigation

References

5.0 Submission Deadline and Word Count

You should aim to produce a technical and focused wed-based report, and so word count is not an assessed element. However, excluding graphs, tables and figures, circa 3000 words should be adequate.

Remember that this coursework accounts for 100% of this 30 credit Module and it is therefore important to your overall marks for this year that you make a concerted effort to produce a well presented, well thought-out and researched web-based report.

The Marking Schedule for this coursework assignment is in Annex 1. It is advised that you read and understand this schedule as it will guide you on what is considered important in terms of the assessment.

The turnitin submission deadline for this work is at 12:00hrs noon on Monday 31^st May 2021. Your submission should be a word document containing the Web Link to your Web Report plus the TEXT that you have used IN YOUR WEB REPORT so that we can check for plagiarism – feedback will be given through Turnitin.

Pleass download complete file at : https://www.mediafire.com/file/h7lai95w7zp94mq/Avo…