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University of Mississippi

Modeling Roughness of Rock Discontinuity Surfaces

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The aim of this thesis is to propose a new methodology of quantifying the rock discontinuity condition of roughness through the physically based modeling approach of signal analysis. The development of this method came about after investigation into the use of qualitative categorizations of roughness from the RMR rating system within rock engineering system matrices. In an attempt to assign significant values to these generalized qualitative descriptions, the standard joint roughness coefficient (JRC) profiles were initially examined through basic measurements, such as aperture and ramp angle. Following these initial measurements and identification of inconsistencies in the wave parameters of the ten standard JRC profiles, further statistical analysis was carried out on the profiles for the purposes of both clarifying the selection and ranking of these profiles as well as finding a consistent method of JRC calculation. Based on conclusions formed from statistical analysis, signal analysis was performed on the ten standard profiles by applying the fast Fourier transform algorithm. The results from this signal analysis allofor the comparison of profiles through the straightforward wave parameters of wavelength and amplitude and provided a basis for the development of a methodology utilizing these parameters in the evaluation of the roughness of discontinuity profiles and the calculation of JRC.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.S. in Engineering Science
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Geology and Geological Engineering
Year dc:date.available
2015

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Pickering, Christopher
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Adnan Aydin
  • Joel S. Kuszmaul
  • Louis G. Zachos

Subjects

dc:subject × 7

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/1316
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:egrove.olemiss.edu:etd-2315

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Mississippi
Base URL
egrove.olemiss.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Pickering, Christopher. Modeling Roughness of Rock Discontinuity Surfaces. Thesis thesis, 2015. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/1316