Correlation between Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC) and statistical roughness parameters

• DOI: 10.5592/co/euroengeo.2024.203
• Publication Date: 2024-12-10T05:12:58Z
• Authors: Tégawendé Nikiema; Nicolas Gonze; Fanny Descamps
• Keywords: Classification of discontinuities; Direct shear test

Rocks are polycrystalline, heterogeneous, and anisotropic media containing discontinuities that often create planes of weakness. These influence the mechanical behavior rock mass through their surface morphology, aperture, filling material. Surface morphology is generally characterized by roughness, which used as an input parameter in analytical or numerical models stability. Quantifying roughness a complex operation requires appropriate methodologies tools. Barton’s Joint Roughness Coefficient (JRC) widely due to its simplicity for quantifying addressing joint shear strength. However, visual comparison method subjective may cause biases JRC estimates. One way eliminating this bias rely on statistical estimators proposed several authors. On basis, current study examines added value 3D optical profilometry quantification. In order test approach, typical profiles were digitized, printer was surfaces reproducing state profiles. analyzed with profilometer determine estimators. The results identify most relevant estimators, correlations proposed. When investigating joints, such will help converting estimates from fractures tested laboratory into comprehensive values address