Rock Mass Characterization: a vehicle to translate geology into the design of engineering structures
The 2010 Jahns Distinguished Lecturer
Dr Paul Marinos
Since the attempt by Terzaghi in 1946 to describe the characteristics of rock masses, numerous rock mass classifications have been developed. Hoek and Brown (1980) set out to develop a failure criterion and a classification system, the Geological Strength Index (GSI), specifically for the purpose of designing tunnels, slopes or foundations in rocks. Here the geological character of rock material, together with a visual assessment of the mass that forms, are used as a direct input for the selection of parameters relevant for the prediction of rock mass strength and deformability. GSI has considerable potential for use in rock engineering because it permits the manifold aspects of rock to be quantified, enhancing geological logic and reducing engineering uncertainty.
A detailed description of GSI is presented with suggestions for its use and discussion on its limitations. A number of examples from designs of engineering structures conclude the presentation.
About the speaker
Dr Paul Marinos
Dr Paul Marinos has been named the 2010 Jahns Distinguished Lecturer. He received a Mining Engineering degree from the School of Mines of the National Technical University of Athens, Greece in 1966, a postgraduate degree in Applied Geology from the University of Grenoble, France, and his Doctorate in Engineering Geology from the same University in 1969.
He worked for French and Greek design and construction companies until 1977 and then was elected as Professor at Democritus University in Northern Greece. Since 1988 Dr Marinos has been Professor of Engineering Geology in the School of Civil Engineering in the National Technical University of Athens and has served as head of the Geotechnical Section of the School for several years. From 2001 to 2004 and from 2006 to 2008 he was the Director of a Graduate Course in Tunneling and Underground Construction. He was a visiting Professor in the Geology Department of the University of Grenoble (1987) and of the School of Mines in Paris (2003).
Dr Marinos is a member of AEG and GSA and fellow of the Geological Society of London. He is a past President of the International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), immediate past president of the Geological Society of Greece and honorary member of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)
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