systems approach

I. FIELD EVALUATION

  1. Quarry
    • Geological Conditions
    • Lithology
    • Regional in-situ stress regime
    • Weathering grade
    • Groundwater conditions
    • Discontinuity Analysis (in-situ block size distribution)
    • Production Method
    • Set-Aside (Curing)
    • Shape
    • Block Integrity
    • Sampling
  2. Project Site
    • Site Aggressiveness
    • Site Weathering Intensity

II.LABORATORY EVALUATION

  • Aggregate testing vs. Riprap/Armor Testing
  • Specification conformance vs. Evaluation of True Quality (The Fallacy of Expected Gains)
  • The Lienhart “Tool Kit”
  • Factors affecting performance
  • Evaluation of the pertinent factors

III. SPECIFICATIONS

  • Definitive requirements
  • Subjective requirements
  • Legal conflict

IV. DESIGN

  • Hudson Formula
  • Van der Meer’s Formula

V. PREDICTION OF SERVICE LIFE

  • Algorithm developed and published in Engineering Geology Volume 87 with a separate algorithm developed by Latham and Dupray

The development of a systems approach to the evaluation of slope protection, riprap and armor stone has lead to two benefits: 1. the “true quality” of the proposed stone source may be evaluated. 2. with the application of experience in the knowledge of weathering properties of numerous rock types, the knowledge of rock mechanics, and the knowledge of project site climatic conditions, an estimate of predicted service life may be prepared.