Alterabilidade e comportamento geomecânico de rochas no AHE Simplício

Abstract

The alteration of rocks and joints causes changes in their properties, causing a strength reduction of rock masses, and consequently the reduction of the safety of engineering works. The alteration process introduces a series of material modifications, changing its geomechanical behavior, originally intended for engineering purposes. The prediction of the behavior of rocks over time is of great importance in order to carry out plans for maintenance and even reinforcement of rock material. This research presents the studies carried out on the variation of the mechanical behavior of rocks joints of the gneiss masses that compose the hydraulic circuit of the AHE Simplício according to the alteration of these rocks. The hammer tests were carried out in the field and laboratory, where were tested unaltered and altered rocks and joints. The Schmidt Hammer tests showed satisfactory results and confirmed the advantages of use, such as speed, ease of execution and reduces costs. In addition, the hammer test shows great versatility of application in various samples, with minimum restrictions of area, volume and surface quality. The analysis of the tests carried out and the comparison with the results of laboratory investigations of other researches in the same material of Simplício allowed the development of empirical relations of prediction of behavior of the material as a function of the compressive strength, the rebound of the hammer and the time of alteration.