| Citation: | Jinyu Dong, Shang Shi, Handong Liu, Minghao Ren, Jianyong Li. Alteration Mechanism, Classification, and Mechanical Properties of Altered Granite. Journal of Earth Science, 2025, 36(6): 2658-2673. doi: 10.1007/s12583-025-0172-y
|
Altered rock, often encountered in major engineering projects, can seriously affect the stability of rocks and slopes surrounding deeply buried tunnels. This study addressed the alteration mechanism, alteration degree classification, and mechanical parameters of altered rock in engineering project areas using field testing, thin slice identification, X-ray diffraction, and major element testing. Results showed that the altered rock types in the areas of the Pingjiang Pumped Storage Power Station, Hunan Province, and a diversion tunnel in northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region include biotite granodiorite, biotite monzogranite, and cataclastic granite, and that the main alteration mechanisms are chloritization of biotite and clayization of feldspar minerals. The altered rocks were classified as slightly, moderately, or strongly altered according to their apparent characteristics, rebound value, longitudinal wave velocity, metamorphic mineral content, and porosity. The bulk density, elastic modulus, cohesion, and internal friction angle (Poisson's ratio) of the altered rocks decreased (increased) with increase in the degree of alteration. Numerical simulations showed that in altered rock slope areas, the zone of strong rock alteration and the moderate-strong alteration contact zone exhibit locally large deformations that represent a certain hazard to engineering projects. These results provide valuable guidance and support for major projects in altered rock areas.
| Bamba, T., Togaried, K., 1988. Wall Rock Alteration Ore Genesis. The Society of Mining Geologists of Japan, Tokyo |
| Barker, S. L. L., Hood, S., Hughes, R. M., et al., 2019. The Lithogeochemical Signatures of Hydrothermal Alteration in the Waihi Epithermal District, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 62(4): 513–530. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288306.2019.1651345 |
| Basu, A., Celestino, T. B., Bortolucci, A. A., 2009. Evaluation of Rock Mechanical Behaviors under Uniaxial Compression with Reference to Assessed Weathering Grades. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 42(1): 73–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-008-0170-2 |
| Booden, M. A., Mauk, J. L., Simpson, M. P., 2011. Quantifying Metasomatism in Epithermal Au-Ag Deposits: A Case Study from the Waitekauri Area, New Zealand. Economic Geology, 106(6): 999–1030. https://doi.org/10.2113/econgeo.106.6.999 |
| Bozkurtoğlu, E., Karakaş, A., Özdamar, Ş., 2022. Evaluation of Weathering and Alteration Effects by Rock Change Value (RCV) and Weathering Indices of Volcanic Rocks in the Şile Region (NW Turkey). Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 15(19): 1543. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10683-5 |
| Cao, P., Tang, H. M., Wang, M., et al., 2025. Exploring the Failure Mechanism of the Baige Landslide via Field Observations and Physical Model Tests. Journal of Earth Science, 36(4): 1682–1699. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-025-0267-5 |
| Chen, L. L., Chen, Y., Guo, H., et al., 2022. Characteristics of Altered Ilmenite in Uranium-Bearing Sandstone and Its Relationship with Uranium Minerals in the Northeastern Ordos Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 33(2): 342–357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-021-1468-1 |
| Ci, Q., Zheng, Y. Y., Wu, S., et al., 2025. Discovery and Significance of Beimulang Porphyry Cu-Mo Deposit, Xizang. Earth Science, 50(4): 1305–1318. https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2024.120 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Coggan, J. S., Stead, D., Howe, J. H., et al., 2013. Mineralogical Controls on the Engineering Behavior of Hydrothermally Altered Granites under Uniaxial Compression. Engineering Geology, 160: 89–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2013.04.001 |
| Deng, T., Chi, G. X., Zhang, X. J., et al., 2022. Mass Transfer during Hematitization and Implications for Uranium Mineralization in the Zoujiashan Deposit, Xiangshan Volcanic Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 33(2): 422–434. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-021-1479-y |
| Fontana, E., Renac, C., Mexias, A. S., et al., 2019. Mass Balance and Origin of Fluids Associated to Smectite and Chlorite/Smectite Alteration in Seival Mine Cu-Mineralization-Camaquã Basin-Brazil (Part Ⅱ). Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 196: 20–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gexplo.2018.10.001 |
| Freire-Lista, D. M., Gonçalves, G. V., Vazquez, P., 2022. Weathering Detection of Granite from Three Asynchronous Historical Quarries of Sabrosa Municipally (North Portugal). Journal of Cultural Heritage, 58: 199–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2022.10.008 |
| Freski, Y. R., Hecker, C., van der Meijde, M., et al., 2021. The Effects of Alteration Degree, Moisture and Temperature on Laser Return Intensity for Mapping Geothermal Manifestations. Geothermics, 97: 102250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2021.102250 |
| Frolova, J. V., Chernov, M. S., Rychagov, S. N., et al., 2021. The Influence of Hydrothermal Argillization on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Tuffaceous Rocks: A Case Study from the Upper Pauzhetsky Thermal Field, Kamchatka. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 80(2): 1635–1651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-020-02007-2 |
| Frolova, J., Ladygin, V., Rychagov, S., et al., 2014. Effects of Hydrothermal Alterations on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rocks in the Kuril-Kamchatka Island Arc. Engineering Geology, 183: 80–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2014.10.011 |
| Gahlan, H. A., Azer, M. K., Asimow, P. D., et al., 2023. Geochemistry, Petrogenesis and Alteration of Rare-Metal-Bearing Granitoids and Mineralized Silexite of the Al-Ghurayyah Stock, Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Earth Science, 34(5): 1488–1510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-022-1708-z |
| Gupta, A. S., Rao, S. K., 2001. Weathering Indices and Their Applicability for Crystalline Rocks. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 60(3): 201–221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s100640100113 |
| Harnois, L., Moore, J. M., 1988. Geochemistry and Origin of the Ore Chimney Formation, a Transported Paleoregolith in the Grenville Province of Southeastern Ontario, Canada. Chemical Geology, 69(3/4): 267–289. https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(88)90039-3 |
| Hashemnejad, A., Fatemi Aghda, S. M., Talkhablou, M., 2020. Mechanized Tunnelling in Hydrothermally Altered Grounds: The Effect of Hydrothermal Fluids on the Rock Behaviour in the Central Iran. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 99: 103340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103340 |
| Heidari, M., Momeni, A. A., Naseri, F., 2013. New Weathering Classifications for Granitic Rocks Based on Geomechanical Parameters. Engineering Geology, 166: 65–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2013.08.007 |
| Hu, S. X., 1980. Petrography of Sympatric Alteration Rocks. Geological Press, Beijing (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Huang, J., Ma, C. Q., Zhang, S. H., et al., 2024. Characteristics, Distribution Patterns, and Classification of Volcanic Reservoirs in the Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Journal of Earth Science, 35(5): 1464–1481. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-022-1781-3 |
| Huang, R. Q., Zhang, C. Y., Wang, S. T., 1994. On the Epigenetic Modification of Rock Structure. Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, (4): 1–6 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Huang, Z. Q., Hou, H. M., Wang, Z., 2011. Alteration and Engineering Characteristics of Altered-Rock in Tianchi Pumped-Storage Power Station. Journal of North China Institute of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Power, 32(5): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.19760/j.ncwu.zk.2011.05.001 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Irfan, T. Y., Dearman, W. R., 1978. The Engineering Petrography of a Weathered Granite in Cornwall, England. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 11(3): 233–244. https://doi.org/10.1144/gsl.qjeg.1978.011.03.03 |
| Jaques, D. S., Marques, E. A. G., Marcellino, L. C., et al., 2020. Changes in the Physical, Mineralogical and Geomechanical Properties of a Granitic Rock from Weathering Zones in a Tropical Climate. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 53(12): 5345–5370. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-020-02240-x |
| Jiang, T., Pan, X. W., Ren, M., et al., 2019. Analysis of Rock Alteration in a Hydropower Engineering Project, Southeastern China. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 12(8): 272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-019-4428-7 |
| Khanlari, G. R., Heidari, M., Momeni, A. A., 2012. Assessment of Weathering Processes Effect on Engineering Properties of Alvand Granitic Rocks (West of Iran), Based on Weathering Indices. Environmental Earth Sciences, 67(3): 713–725. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-011-1518-6 |
| Khanlari, G. R., Naseri, F., 2016. Investigation of Physical Deterioration of Malayer Granitic Rocks Using a New Weathering Coefficient (Kr4). Environmental Earth Sciences, 75(5): 414. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-5046-7 |
| Kilic, R., Ulamis, K., Yurdakul, M., et al., 2014. The Alteration Degree of the Metacrystalline Rocks Based on UAI, Bolu (Turkey). Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 73(1): 193–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-013-0548-6 |
| Lin, C. G., Yao, X. F., Mao, J. W., et al., 2023. Source of Ore-Forming Fluid and Material in the Baiyun Gold Deposit, Liaoning Province, NE China: Constraints from H-O-S-Pb Isotopes and in-situ Analyses of Au-Bearing Pyrites. Journal of Earth Science, 34(1): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-021-1420-4 |
| Liu, D. M., Liang, M. X., Feng, J., et al., 2024. Response Characteristics and Its Prospecting Signs of Geophysical Well Logging in Xiaotongjiabuzi Gold Deposit, Eastern Liaoning Province. Earth Science, 49(3): 1066–1080. https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2022.185 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Liu, X. Y., Zhang, X. W., Kong, L. W., et al., 2022. Chemical Weathering Indices and how They Relate to the Mechanical Parameters of Granite Regolith from Southern China. Catena, 216: 106400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2022.106400 |
| Londe, P., 1987. The Malpasset Dam Failure. Engineering Geology, 24(1/2/3/4): 295–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7952(87)90069-x |
| Miao, Z., Shen, J. H., Li, W. G., et al., 2014. Argillization and Mechanism Characteristics of altered-Dolerite in Dagangshan Hydropower Station. Journal of Engineering Geology, 22(1): 130–136. https://doi.org/10.13544/j.cnki.jeg.2014.01.010 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Muff, S., Frei, B., Breitenmoser, T., 2006. Gotthard Base Tunnel, Lot Amsteg—Restart of the TBM after Collapse in Hydrothermally Altered Rock. Felsbau: Rock and Soil Engineering, 24(5): 58–62 |
| Nesbitt, H. W., Young, G. M., 1982. Early Proterozoic Climates and Plate Motions Inferred from Major Element Chemistry of Lutites. Nature, 299(5885): 715–717. https://doi.org/10.1038/299715a0 |
| Pandarinath, K., García-Soto, A. Y., Santoyo, E., et al., 2020. Mineralogical and Geochemical Changes due to Hydrothermal Alteration of the Volcanic Rocks at Acoculco Geothermal System, Mexico. Geological Journal, 55(9): 6508–6526. https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.3817 |
| Pola, A., Crosta, G. B., Fusi, N., et al., 2014. General Characterization of the Mechanical Behaviour of Different Volcanic Rocks with Respect to Alteration. Engineering Geology, 169: 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2013.11.011 |
| Potro, R. D., Hürlimann, M., 2009. The Decrease in the Shear Strength of Volcanic Materials with Argillic Hydrothermal Alteration, Insights from the Summit Region of Teide Stratovolcano, Tenerife. Engineering Geology, 104(1/2): 135–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2008.09.005 |
| Ren, M. H., Wang, W., Huang, Z. Q., et al., 2022. Effect of Alteration on the Geochemistry and Mechanical Properties of Granite from Pingjiang, Hunan Province, China. Environmental Earth Sciences, 81(3): 60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10197-z |
| Sandström, B., Annersten, H., Tullborg, E. L., 2010. Fracture-Related Hydrothermal Alteration of Metagranitic Rock and Associated Changes in Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Degree of Oxidation: A Case Study at Forsmark, Central Sweden. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 99(1): 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-008-0369-1 |
| Semple, R. M., 1974. The Effect of Time-Dependent Properties of Altered Rock on Tunnel Support Requirements: [Dissertation]. University of Illinois, Urbana |
| Tang, P., Tang, J. X., Lin, B., et al., 2025. Genesis of the South Pit Deposit in Jiama District, Tibet: Constraints from Geology, Geochronology and Amphibole Geochemistry. Journal of Earth Science, 36(4): 1479–1492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-023-1855-x |
| Tu, X. B., Jian, B., Wang, S. J., et al., 2005. Swelling Behavior Induced by Alteration in Granite and Its Implications on Underground Excavation. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 20(4): 378–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2005.01.003 |
| Ulsay, R., Hudson, J., 2007. The Complete ISRM Suggested Methods for Rock Characterization, Testing and Monitoring. International Society on Rock Mechanics 1974–2006. ISRM Turkish National Group, Ankara, Turkey |
| Wang, A. M., Li, X. G., Huang, Z. Q., et al., 2015. Laboratory Study on Engineering Geological Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Altered Rocks of Henan Tianchi Pumped Storage Power Station, China. Environmental Earth Sciences, 74(6): 5063–5075. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4520-6 |
| Wang, G. G., 2015. Study on Development Law and Engineering Classification of Altered Rocks in Songzong Basu Area, Tibet: [Dissertation]. Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Wang, H. L., Xu, W. Y., Shao, J. F., 2014. Experimental Researches on Hydro-Mechanical Properties of Altered Rock under Confining Pressures. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 47(2): 485–493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-013-0439-y |
| Wang, X. R., Yan, D. D., Pan, B. Z., et al., 2021. Logging Response Characteristics and Alteration Degree Evaluation of Altered Volcanic Reservoir in Nanpu Area. Logging Technology, 45(1): 68-73. https://doi.org/10.16489/j.issn.1004-1338.2021.01.012 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Wyering, L. D., Villeneuve, M. C., Wallis, I. C., et al., 2014. Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hydrothermally Altered Rocks, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 288: 76–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2014.10.008 |
| Yang, G. L., 2007. Study on the Characteristics of Altered Rocks and Their Engineering Response: [Dissertation]. Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Yıldız, A., Bağcı, M., Çetintaş, S., et al., 2019. The Determination of Alteration Extent Using Minero-Petrographical, Geochemical, and Geomechanical Properties in Granitic Rocks from the Tavşanlı Zone (NW Turkey). Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 12(12): 386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-019-4512-z |
| Yıldız, A., Kuşcu, M., Dumlupunar, İ., et al., 2010. The Determination of the Mineralogical Alteration Index and the Investigation of the Efficiency of the Hydrothermal Alteration on Physico-Mechanical Properties in Volcanic Rocks from Köprülü, Afyonkarahisar, West Turkey. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 69(1): 51–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-009-0245-7 |
| Yu, W. J., Pan, B., Zhang, F., et al., 2019. Deformation Characteristics and Determination of Optimum Supporting Time of Alteration Rock Mass in Deep Mine. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 23(11): 4921–4932. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-019-0365-y |
| Zhang, G. H., Jiao, Y. Y., Ma, C. X., et al., 2018. Alteration Characteristics of Granite Contact Zone and Treatment Measures for Inrush Hazards during Tunnel Construction—A Case Study. Engineering Geology, 235: 64–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.01.022 |
| Zhang, G. H., Jiao, Y. Y., Wang, H., et al., 2017. On the Mechanism of Inrush Hazards when Denghuozhai Tunnel Passing through Granite Contact Zone. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 68: 174–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2017.05.008 |
| Zhang, G. H., Wang, C. T., Jiao, Y. Y., et al., 2019. Deposits Sources of Inrush Hazards for the Liangshan Tunnel Passing through Deeply Buried Granite. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 92: 103058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2019.103058 |
| Zhang, Y. C., Rong, H., Jiao, Y. Q., et al., 2024. Occurrence State of Fe-Ti Oxides and Its Response to Uranium Mineralization Process in Interlayer Oxidation Zone of Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit. Earth Science, 49(6): 2024–2043. https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2023.181 |
| Zhao, Z. T., Shen, J. H., Zhu, H. P., et al., 2016. Study on Comprehensive Deformation Modulus of Altered Rock Dense Zone of Mengdigou Hydropower Station. Journal of Engineering Geology, 24: 459–464 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
| Zhu, L., Zhan, X. T., Xu, W., et al., 2025. Altered Mineral Zoning and Its Element Geochemical Characteristics of Pyrophyllite Deposit in Jialiangshan, Fuzhou, and Its Enlightenment to the Genesis of the Deposit. Earth Science, 50(4): 1319–1334. https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2024.092 (in Chinese with English Abstract) |
Figures(9) / Tables(5)
Copyright © 2013-2020 Journal of Earth Science 鄂ICP备15021562号-2
Tel: +86-27-67885075 Fax: +86-27-67885075 E-mail: xbb@cug.edu.cn
Address: Editorial Office of Journal, China University of Geosciences, Yujiashan, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China
Supported by:
Beijing Renhe Information Technology Co. Ltd
E-mail:
info@rhhz.net
DownLoad:
