Bearing capacity assessment of the rock masses at the Şilenkar (Yusufeli-Artvin) viaduct site

In this study, the engineering geological and bearing capacity properties of the rocks at the Şilenkar (Yusuleli-Artvin) viaduct construction site were investigated. The studies were carried out in three stages as field investigation, laboratory and analyses studies. In order to determine the quantitative descriptions of the discontinuities in rock masses considering the ISRM suggested method, the borehole studies and scanline-surveys were utilized. Laboratory studies were carried out in order to determine the physico-mechanical properties of the intact rocks. The rock mass was classified according to the RMR and GSI system using the data obtained from field and laboratory studies. In order to determine the rock mass parameters and strength properties, Hoek-Brown failure criterion and seismic refraction methods performed in 4 lines were used. Empirical methods and equations were used to determine the bearing capacity of the rock mass at the viaduct site. Consequently, it was determined that the allowable bearing capacity values of rock mass at the right and left slopes of the valley are varied from 0,56 to 13,56 MPa and from 1,33 and 18,84 MPa, respectively.