INTERNAL Materials Engineering Branch J J G Punch Materials Engineering Laboratory

MATERIALS INVESTIGATION G U I D E F O RQ U A R R Y SITE L O C A T I O NA N D A S S E S S M E N T Materials Report No. 90/1 M

R D LEACH SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICER R SALIGARI ENGINEERING ASSISTANT (MATERIALS) Main Roads Department PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA JANUARY 1990 CR20:90-1M-RS.N03

This Materials Engineering Report is prepared by Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) to investigate specific issues that are generally related to its infrastructure assets. This Materials Engineering Report represents the author's state of knowledge at the time that the reports were written. MRWA makes no representation or warranty that this Materials Engineering Report details the current or complete state of knowledge on any particular matter. MRWA does not use the Materials Engineering Reports for any other purposes and does not consider them suitable to use for any other purpose. If you use this document for any purpose which is not consistent with the above (including, without limitation, for carrying out any investigations, design, construction, engineering, maintenance, inspections or other work), you do so at your own risk. MRWA has no responsibility to inform you of any matter coming to MRWA's notice which may affect the quality of Materials Engineering Reports in any way. You may print a copy of this Materials Engineering Report for your own purposes, but you must not copy, reproduce or modify this. All information contained on this report is copyright material, vested in or licensed to the MRWA, and is not to be copied, supplied, modified, adapted, displayed, disclosed, or supplied to any third party. You also agree that you will not de-compile, disassemble or reverse engineer the information, for any reason.

ABSTRACT This report provides guidelines for the procedures to be followed when a new quarry site is to be established or an existing site extended. The guidelines are directed at ensuring the department has adequate information on the quality and quantity of source rock prior to the calling of tenders for the manufacture of crushed products. Location, investigation , reporting and presentation of results to tenderers are descri bed.

CONTENTS PAGE 1. 2. 3. 4. 4.1 INTRODUCTION INVESTIGATION PLANNING PRELIMINARY SURVEY (MRD STAFF) GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION Preliminary Investigation 1 2 4 6 6 7 7 8 10 11 H H 12 12 12 12 1 ^ 15 16 17 18

4.2 Detailed Investigation 4.2.1 Geological Mapping 4.2.2 Diamond Core Drilling 4.2.3 Percussion Drilling 4.2.4 Trial Blasting 4.3 Site Identification 4.4 Testing 4.4.1 Rock for Use as Sealing Aggregate 4.4.2 Rock for Use as Concrete Aggregate 4.4.3 Rock for Use as Roadbase 4.4.4 Rock for Use as Rock Armour for Batter & Embankment Protection 4.5 5. 6. 7. 8. Reporting CORE REGISTER MATERIALS ENGINEERING REPORTS PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO TENDERERS QUARRY SITE ACQUISITION

APPENDIX A : CRITICAL PATH METHOD N E T W O R K APPENDIX 8 : TYPICAL CORE PHOTOGRAPH

3.

1.

INTRODUCTION

In Western Australia rock quarries are an essential source of roadbuilding materials including sealing and concrete aggregate, road base and rock armour. Material supply is normally by contract from privately owned quarries or from sites owned or nominated by the Department. With regard to Departmental sites a number of activities including a materials investigation, aboriginal site clearance, land acquisition, the drawing up of specifications, etc, must be carried out before tenders can be called and contracts let. The overall program is directed and co-ordinated by the Principal Engineer concerned. This report details the materials investigation aspect of the program which is co-ordinated by the Materials Engineer and only refers to other activities where they must be completed before materials work can proceed. The establishment and working of a quarry is an expensive undertaking and the department has a responsibility to ensure that sites i t selects are suitable for their intended use. For this reason new quarry sites are only to be selected, and old quarry sites only extended after an investigation has proved suitable rock is available. This investigation will involve co-operation between departmental engineers, testing personnel, geologists and drilling crews. This report provides guidelines as to the responsibilities of the various officers involved, the procedure to be followed in the selection and assessment of quarry sites, and the preparation of materials information for presentation to tenderers. The guidelines are based on those described in an earlier draft report (MED Report 84/35 M) but have been updated to incorporate changes suggested by divisional and other staff involved in quarry investigations. 2. INVESTIGATION PLANNING

To facilitate the co-ordination of quarry site investigations, Divisional Engineers should forward details of their likely quarry requirements 4.

based on their current Five Year Planning Strategy to the appropriate Principal Engineer with a copy to the Materials Engineer. The Materials Engineer should be informed of any requirements not specified in the annual update as soon as the need becomes known. Requirements intended to be met by purchase from privately owned and operated quarries should not be included. The following information should be provided: (a) A l i s t of the number of quarries required and general proposed areas of location, i f any. The location of any existing potentially suitable quarries. The location of proposed works in which quarried material is to be used and the programmed date for the works. Proposed use of material. Quantities of materials for each use. Suggested specification for the material, i f any. The proposed date for calling of tenders. Any special requirements.

(b) (c)

(d) (e) (f) (g) (h)

On the basis of this information the Materials Engineer will plan and co-ordinate quarry site investigations including liaison with divisional staff, geologists, drillers and testing staff. Planning will include provision of a 5 year strategy and schedules for individual quarry investigations. Planning for individual investigations will generally be in accordance with the critical path method network shown in Appendix A. Schedules of the planned investigations will be forwarded to the drillers (Eng Bridge Design) the Geologist and the appropriate Divisional Engineers for approval and action.

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Note that the CRM network includes activities such as aboriginal site surveys and environmental assessments. These activities are usually best carried out at the same time as the materials investigation, however, i t is not the function of the Materials Engineer to co-ordinate such work which remains the responsibility of the Divisional Engineer. It should be noted that a lead time of at least six months is required to complete an investigation. In the case of aggregate for concrete the lead time should be increased to at least 12 months to allow for alkali reactivity and mortar bar testing. These lead times may require considerable extension i f land acquision problems are encountered. 3. PRELIMINARY SURVEY (MRD STAFF)

The Divisional Engineer should initiate a preliminary survey of possible quarry sites in accordance with the planned investigation schedule using Divisional Laboratory Staff. In the execution of this survey laboratory staff should: (a) Obtain copies of relevant maps and photographs, eg. . . . . (b) topographical maps geological maps soil maps air photographs

Establish land ownership details including freehold pastoral and mineral leases or tenements, reserves etc (refer to Head Office Reserves Officer for t i t l e search at Lands & Titles Officer, Tenement Officer, Mines Department, etc). Notify land owner, tenants etc o f f i c i a l l y of intent of M R D to search on their land. (Notice of Entry). Comply with all statutory and departmental requirements in regard to aboriginal, archeological and other prescribed sites (see Operations Branch Circulars Nos 39 and 59) and carry out surveys to locate such sites. 6.

(c)

(d)

(e)

Conduct a preliminary reconnaisance of selected likely areas and examine and sample surface outcroppings. Photograph likely areas. Preliminary basic tests such as Los Angeles Abrasion should be carried out to give an indication of rock quality. Assess possible environmental impact of quarries at likely sites, eg. v i s i b i l i t y from road, likelihood of dust drift and contamination, relative location of watercourses etc. Select possible access routes. Document the results of investigations carried out for the information of the consulting geologist.

(f)

(g) (h)

The preliminary survey may be reduced appropriately i f an existing quarry site is available and all that is involved is an extension of the workings. Note that although aboriginal site surveys and environmental assessments are not part of the materials investigation and remain the responsibility of the Divisional Engineer i t is generally convenient to carry these functions out as part of this preliminary survey. 4. GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION

The geological investigation should be carried out by a qualified and experienced Geologist at the instigation of the Materials Engineer. This function will usually be undertaken by staff of the Geological Survey of Western Australia on behalf of the MRD, although Consulting Geologists may be used. Divisional laboratory staff and d r i l l i n g crews should assist the Geologist and work under his direction as required. The investigation should generally be carried out in accordance with the relevant sections of AS 1725 SAA Site Investigation Code and NAASRA (1982) guidelines and should include the following: 4.1 Preliminary Investigation This investigation should be directed at locating the most likely sites in the area concerned with a view to establishing where more

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intensive subsurface investigation should be carried out. This phase of the work may be eliminated in the case of an extension of an existing quarry. Note that requirements with regard to aboriginal, archeological and other prescribed sites must be complied with at all times and formal clearances must be obtained before more detailed investigations commence. The investigation should i n i t i a l l y be based on geological maps and on the information supplied by the preliminary Departmental survey which should be examined and confirmed. A reconnaisance survey should be carried out and surface outcropping and exposures in road cuttings, excavations etc should be examined. Consideration should be given to access in both wet and dry conditions, and environmental factors. Excavation of exploratory trenches and the use of geophysical methods such as siesmic surveys may be undertaken at this time provided all relevant clearances have been obtained. Testing of samples collected should be carried out. Usually testing for LA Abrasion is the best indicator of rock suitability. However surface samples may be considerably softer or more weathered than subsurface material. The geologist should select potentially suitable sites on the basis of this survey, draw up site investigation plans for the direction of the drillers and assign a priority to the detailed investigation of each site. 4.2 Detailed Investigation Detailed investigations should be carried out sequentially at preferred site based on the preliminary investigation until a suitable site is confirmed. The aim of this investigation is to establish the quality and quantity of rock available, to assess its suitability to f u l f i l the

requirements of i t s intended use, and to provide the necessary factual information to assist tenderers assess the site from the point of view of carrying out quarrying, crushing and screening operations. This investigation should include the aspects listed in the following paragraphs. Where extension of an existing quarry is all that is involved this phase of the work may be reduced as considered appropriate by the geologist. 4.2.1 Geological Mapping A local map of the site should be prepared using a suitable scale and include the following information i f relevant: (a) Topographical features - depressions, gullies, saddles locally steep or flat areas, swampy ground and likely means of access and location of suitable areas for plant and stockpiles. (b) Geological surface features - rock outcrops, colluvial, elluvial and alluvial deposits. (c) Rock and soil features - rock and soil types and their boundaries, altered or weathered rock, mineralized zones etc. (d) Geological structures - the frequency, position, attitudes and description of structures and structural defects. 4.2.2 Diamond Core Drilling A diamond coring program should be carried out at each site being investigated. Core holes shall be drilled on a grid pattern to prove at least 150% of the required rock volume. No less than four diamond core holes shall be drilled. The grid pattern, spacings and angles of drilling etc. should be varied to suit site conditions as directed by the Geologist (see 4.1). Drills should be N Q or NQ3 type depending on subsurface rock condition.

A detailed drillers log of all operations and observations should be recorded at the time the cores are taken. A copy of the log should be sent to the Materials Engineer and the Divisional Engineer and a copy should be retained by the d r i l l e r s . This log should include the following information: (a Project (b Location, local description, AMG co-ordinates and distance from road and road SLK. (c Hole Number (d Date (e Type of drilling and equipment (f Bit type and diameter (g Barrel type (h Depth, l i f t location (i Direction of hole and angle from horizontal (j Drilling time (k Fluid type, circulation rate and loss (1 Core loss (m Drilling company or organisation (n Signature and name of logger Casing type and size (0 (P Groundwater level (q Remarks including description of core, hardness or ease of penetration and changes in penetration rate or feed pressure, levels at which fluid is lost, and casing operations. Core sites should be identified with steel pegs with aluminium tags or an alternative simialr permanent method (see 4.3). All cores shall be placed in suitable core boxes appropriately identified and labelled and shall be consigned to and stored at the Main Road Department, Materials Engineering Laboratory, 50 Pilbara Street, Welshpool. Plastic pipe or similar material should be placed in the core tray to substitute for lost core and marked accordingly.

10.

Core samples are to be examined in detail by the Geologist and geological logs prepared including appropriate data from the original drillers log, the following information and other relevant detail. (a) The location of the d r i l l hole referenced to AMG Co-ordinates. (b) The distribution of the main soil and rock types and their description in engineering geological terminology, (see AS 1725) (c) The distribution of overburden and decomposed zones and a description of the materials. (d) The positions and descriptions of defects and thickness of beds i f stratified (abundances and nature of joints, seams, fractures, bedding, cleavage etc). (e) Core loss. (f) Water inflows, water levels with dates and times of observations. (g) Date of drilling and logging. (h) Presence of asbestiform minerals. The cores shall be colour photographed in the sample trays with the shallowest core at the top left hand corner of each tray. The cores should be surface wetted to show grain detail. A typical photograph is shown in Appendix B. Those cores or parts of cores not used for petrographic examination or testing shall be retained in storage at MED for a minimum period of 12 months beyond completion of the associated quarrying contract. Cores

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for physical and mechanical testing shall be submitted for testing in accordance with paragraph 4.4 which shall be arranged by the Materials Engineer on the relevant sections of core as recommended by the Geologist. 4.2.3 Percussion Drilling Where directed by the Geologist, t r i a l percussion drilling may be carried out to provide information on overburden thickness and rock quality and an assessment of the rate of drilling for the information of tenderers. Rock chippings and dust recovered from percussion drilling should be retained for inspection by the Geologist. Drill holes should be pegged and identified with steel pegs with aluminium tags or an alternative similar permanent method, (see 4.3) A detailed drillers log of all operations and observations should be recorded at the time the drilling is carried out. A copy of the log should be sent to the Materials Engineer and the Divisional Engineer and a copy should be retained by the drillers. The log should include the following information: (a (b (c (d (e (f (g (h (i (j (k (1 (m (n
(0

Project Local map showing access and d r i l l sites Hole Number Date Type of drilling and equipment Bit type a diameter Overburden Depth and type Casing type and size i f used Direction of hole and angle from horizontal Drilling time Penetration rate rock type and condition and changes in either Depth Groundwater level Remarks 12.

4.2.4

Trial Blasting Where directed by the Geologist trial blasting should be carried out to provide large samples for examination and testing and to show fracture characteristics. Additional trial blastings may be carried out where certain minimum rock sizes must be achieved for such used as batter protection. Where trial blasts are carried out the hole diameter, hole spacing, powder factors, stemming and details of delays shall be recorded.

4.3

Site Identification The following items shall be clearly identified with appropriately marked steel pegs or other similar semi-permanent markers. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Quarry reserve boundaries Quarry area boundaries Core and percussion hole locations Blasting site locations Sample site locations

Divisional survey staff shall tie-in all locations with AMG Co-ordinates, land boundaries and reference to the nearest road. 4.4 Testing Samples for testing are to be obtained from d r i l l cores in preference to blasted rock fragments unless the Geologist considers the latter to be representative of the bulk of the source rock. Testing is to be carried out on the horizons or core sections requested by the Geologist. Cores should preferably be out in half parallel to the long core axis and half tested and half retained for future record. The minimum tests required and the minimuim mass of sample required for such testing is shown in 4.4.1 to 4.4.4. Additional tests may be specified by the Geologist, the Materials Engineer or the Engineer requesting the investigation. 13,

4.4.1

Rock for Use as Sealing Aggregate TEST METHOD TYPICAL ROCK LENGTH SAMPLE O F4 7 m m (NQ) DIAM CORE SIZE kg (m) 0.5 5 3.5 2.5

not specified 2 M R DW A 220.1 25 (single determination) 15 AS 1141.40 & 42 Aggregate Polishing 10 AS 1141.50 Resistance to Stripping (Optional at investigation stage) Petrological Assessment Los Angeles Abrasion 4.4.2 Rock for Use as Concrete Aggregate TEST METHOD TYPICAL ROCK SAMPLE SIZE kg

LENGTH OF 4 7 m m DIAM CORE (m) 0.5 6 2.5

Petrological Assessment Los Angeles Abrasion Alkali Reactivity

Unsuitable Sulphides 4.4.3

Not Specified 2 M R DW A 220.1 25 (single determination) . AS 1141 Sect 39 10 . AS 1141 section. 38 i f required. Not Specified

Rock for Use as Roadbase TEST METHOD TYPICAL ROCK SAMPLE SIZE kg LENGTH OF 4 7 m m DIAM CORE (m) 0.5 6 0.5

Petrological Assessment Los Angeles Abrasion Linear Shrinkage (on fines)

Not Specified 2 25 M R DW A 220.1 (single determination) M R DW A 123.1

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4.4.4

Rock for Use as Rock Armour for Batter & Embankment Protection TEST METHOD TYPICAL ROCK SAMPLE SIZE kg LENGTH OF 4 7 m m DIAM CORE (m) 0.5 5

Petrological Assessment Los Angeles Abrasion

Not Specified 2 M R D W A 220.1 25 (single determination)

4.5

Reporting Full details of the complete geological investigation should be systematically reported. The report should include engineering interpretations of the information obtained to assist the M R D to decide whether to proceed with use of a site and to formulate an appropriate specification. This information should include: (a) Site identification including M R D Division, nearest road & A M G co-ordinates. A map showing the general location of the site in relation to roads etc. A map showing detail of the proposed quarry reserve and quarry area boundaries referenced to A M G Co-ordinates and site location markers.
)

(b)

(c)

(d)

S A geological map of the site including core site locations and proposed quarryj boundaries referenced to site location markers and A M G Co-ordinates, levels to Australian Height Datum. Unsuitable areas should be clearly shown.
\

(e) (f) (g)

Core logs and core photographs (colour). Report on petrographic studies. M R D Test Results is completed. 15.

(h) (i) (j)

Report on percussion drilling rates (where investigated). Factual details on t r i a l blastings ( i f carried out). Interpretation of core logs and petrographic studies in terms of engineering use and quarry workability including comment on likely problems with drilling blasting, crushing and final particle shape and durability. Quality Estimates including overburden depth and quantity. Comment on access to site. Comment on adequacy of room for plant and stockpiles. Comment on topograph in relation to face development, and need for pumping to remove storm water. Comment on trail blasting. A report on slope stability and predicted stability after quarrying, i f appropriate. Comment on any special requirements with regard to aboriginal or archeological sites or environmental matters which may influence site development and use.

(k) (1) (m) (n)

(o) (p)

(q)

The report should be written in such a way to clearly distinguish matters of fact from matter of interpretation and opinion, eg. a test result is a matter of fact while comment on the adequacy fo the result in relation to the use of the material is a matter of interpretation. Reporting of the results should hence be separated from comment on the value. Some sections of the geological report may be d i f f i c u l t to separate into facts and opinions. If indoubt the section should be treated as opinion or interpretation of facts. An example of this is a petrology report. 16.

5.

CORE REGISTER

All cores shall be registered in the normal sample registers at the J J G Punch Materials Engineering Laboratory and given sample numbers inaccordance with routine practice. In addition a separate core register shall be maintained. This core register shall include date of coring, logging, photographing and registering plus provision for recording the names of persons inspecting the cores and the companies they represent plus the date of viewing. All cores shall be registered in the core register appropriately identified with the sample number. 6. MATERIALS ENGINEERING REPORTS

The Materials Engineer shall report on the suitability of the site being investigated for its intended use. This report will be based on the Geological Report and laboratory test results and forwarded to the Divisional Engineer concerned for his action. The report shall include recommendations regarding: (a) (b) (c) 7. The suitability of the site to provide satisfactory material. Material specifications. Provision of information to tenderers (see 7). PROVISION OF INFORMATION FOR TENDERERS

The Divisional Engineer shall collect information suitable for release to Tenderers as stated in 6 (c). This shall consist of copies of factual information and interpretations with a classification of the information clearly describing its status. The Divisional Engineer shall be responsible for forwarding the appropriate information to the Specifications Engineer following his decision to proceed with the use of a site.

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8.

QUARRY SITE ACQUISITION

The Divisional Engineer must initiate action to acquire legal right to use a site before proceeding with exploitation of that site. This aspect is beyond the scope of the materials investigation hence procedures are not dealt with in this report.

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REFERENCES STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA : Australian Standard 1141 Sampling and Testing Aggregates 1725 Site Investigation Code 2758 (Part 1&2) Aggregates and Rock for Engineering Purposes NATIONAL ASSOCATION OF AUSTRALIAN STATE R O A D AUTHORITIES (1982) : "Pavement Materials Part 1 - Search". (NAASRA Sydney).

CLASSIFICATION SUBJECT AREA KEYWORDS

Internal Geomechanics Quarri es Aggregates Geological Investigations

APPENDIX A CPM N E T W O R KQ U A R R Y SITE INVESTIGATION

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APPENDIX B TYPICAL CORE P H O T O G R A P H

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