Strength Characteristics of Weathered Granite

Abstract

Weathered granite, which widely distributed in Japan, was tested by a triaxial testing apparatus to investigate its mechanical properties in the consolidated-undrained condition. This rock, classified as a soft rock, causes much trouble in the construction of civil engineering structures. However, its mechanical behavior has not been studied enough to understand the strength characteristics. In this paper, it was found that the general behavior of the weathered granite was very similar to that of clay. The comparison between these materials has been discussed. The strength parameters were obtained from yield points which were defined by two different methods. The physical meanings of these yield points were also discussed.