Developments in the characterization of soft rocks in Taiwan

Local Experience has indicated that the weak sedimentary rocks in northern and central regions of Western Taiwan were poorly cemented. Sampling in these types of rock formations has been difficult and test results on recovered samples were often scattered. The authors have been developing improved field sampling and testing techniques to enhance our capabilities in characterizing the soft rocks. These included modifications of rock coring procedure, development of a high stress pressuremeter, a borehole testing device, and laboratory triaxial tests with local strain measurements. These techniques have been applied for various construction and research projects. The paper describes the development of these new or modified techniques and experience gained in the characterization of the soft rocks in this region.