A new quantitative weathering classification for igneous rocks

The description and classification of the rocks provide important information for geotechnical modeling in order to predict their engineering behaviors. One of the most imperative parameters influencing the engineering behaviors of the rocks is the degree of weathering. Therefore, it is evident that a realistic weathering classification is necessary mostly for establishing the geotechnical models in the engineering geology studies. For this reason, development of a qualitative weathering classification is the main purpose of the present study. The Weathering State Parameter has been first created by describing the chemical and physical changes separately owing to weathering by employing the ultrasonic wave velocity in the rock material. Then a quantitative weathering index was introduced by combining the weathering condition and the slake-durability known as the indicator of the rock/soil ratio in the rock material. Finally, this index obtained was applied on the prediction of the engineering properties of the Harsit granitic rocks (Giresun, NE Turkey). As a consequence of this study, it has been determined that the engineering properties of the samples and the numerical index proposed could be predicted. In addition, the use and the limitations of the index introduced herein were discussed.