In-Service Durability Evaluation of Armourstone

Latham, John-Paul; ,

In-Service Durability Evaluation of Armourstone

by John-Paul Latham, Queen Mary and Westfield Coll, London, United Kingdom,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Durability of Stone for Rubble Mound Breakwaters

Abstract:

A summary flow diagram for rock evaluation, general to all rock types and engineering applications of rock is introduced. It is then applied to armourstone. Increasing detail within this logical procedure is added, making references to a selection of procedures and tests that are often recommended for this purpose. The rock quality, RQ, is evaluated with various tests and classified into excellent, good, marginal or poor. The aggressiveness of site conditions can also be quantitatively assessed using a new scheme so that the in-service quality requirement, ISQR, can be given a similar classification. Comparison of available quality with quality requirement indicates the in-service durability, ISD. By incorporating quick tests and accounting for mild or aggressive site conditions, a more optimal use of available rock can be proposed with a minimum of unnecessary testing. Thus, conditions can be identified, for example, where marginal quality rock may give acceptable in-service performance or where excellent quality rock is necessary. In following the flow diagram procedure in parallel with the design process, specification and quality control of rock properties from the nominated or new source(s) in question can be realistically defined in the contract. Changes in the design may also be considered which could allow for the use of marginal or good rather than excellent quality rock.

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