“Value-Adding” to Routine Rock Testing for Underground Excavation Projects

A geotechnical investigation will be enhanced by careful consideration, at its earliest stages, of the intended eventual construction methods and outcomes, and the expected time scales. This paper will discuss the range of “routine” laboratory testing procedures for rocks that could be considered. Minor enhancements of standard testing and reporting procedures may yield valuable and subtle insights into potential rock mass behaviour and excavation efficiencies and contribute to beneficial improvements to eventual outcomes.