Mechanical and rheological characteristics of the siliceous mudstone at the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory site

Hashiba, Kimihiro*; Fukui, Katsunori*; Sugita, Yutaka ; Aoyagi, Kazuhei  

It is essential to understand the mechanical and rheological characteristics of diatomaceous and siliceous mudstones for the construction of underground structures and for the assessment of their long-term stability. In this study, the siliceous mudstone of the Wakkanai Formation was applied to various laboratory tests: compression test, creep test, relaxation test, drying shrinkage test, and slaking test. The test results showed that water has a major impact on the mechanical and rheological properties of the siliceous mudstone. In addition, water content at a tunnel wall was measured in the Horonobe URL. Comparing the results of the laboratory tests and the in situ measurement, the effect of water on the tunnel stability was discussed.