Analysis of Engineering Geology Indices in Three Units of Atamir Formation in Kope Dagh Zone

Abstract

This is a field report on a comprehensive study of the Atamir Formation from the engineering geology perspective using the related indices. The Atamir Formation of the Cretaceous Period, which has outcropped in the form of thick frequencies of grey-knotted sandstone and black shales, is situated in the Kope Dagh zone. A survey of discontinuities together with bedding was carried out to study slope stability. The layers have a general east-west trend with a gentle slope towards the south. Because of the tectonic and stratigraphic differences, and with the purpose of facilitating surveys related to joint study of the outcrop, the formation in the study region was divided into three units. The lower unit is made of shale, the middle of sandstone, and the upper of marlstone. All three units were studied from the perspective of geomechanical classification, rock mass indices, geological strength, geomechanical indices, and wedge instability analysis under dry and wet conditions, and the results were investigated in the form of various images and figures. The Dips software was used to display the rose diagram and stereographic projection of each unit, the Swedge software to analyze instability of the wedges, and the Roctab software to analyze the geomechanical parameters and present the outputs along with the description of each unit.