Geocryological Analysis of Rocks to Predict Adverse Freeze-and-Thaw Effects

Abstract

The geophysical investigations are carried out at the Kangalass open pit coal mine using the round penetrating radar and electrical tomography. The main frost effects in rock mass and in water retaining dam are described. The investigation procedure is developed, and the wave fields are characterized. The GPR surveys aimed to reveal water invasion zones in a rock block to be blasted and to trace dynamics of a seasonal thawing layer are presented. The integrated analysis of GPR and electrotomography data is performed to determine adverse freeze-and-thaw processes at the dam bottom. Applicability of GPR in prediction of unfavorable freeze-and-thaw activities is demonstrated.