Rock Quality Designation Model Formulation and Simulation for Correlated Fracture Intact Lengths

Abstract

An important factor in the rock quality assessment analysis from discontinuity measurements along a scanline is the correlation of intact lengths. The autorun model and first order autorun coefficient are proposed as a method for objectively quantifying intact length correlation structure and discontinuity occurrences along any scanline. Necessary definitions for the methodology are presented on a quantitative basis such as the alternative intact length percentages and experimental autorun coefficient. An expression is proposed for the number of discontinuity occurrences along a scanline depending on the scanline length, alternate intact length percentages, and the autorun coefficient. Monte Carlo simulation technique is used with a suitable autorun model to verify this expression. A mathematical expression is derived for the expected Rock Quality Designation (RQD) value by taking into account the correlation of the intact lengths. Additional simulations show the validity of the new RQD expression. With the methodology proposed much less engineering experience and judgment are required in estimating the RQD value from scanline measurements. The application of the methodology has been presented for some field data.