Re-evaluation of rock core logging for the prediction of preferred orientations of karst in the Kuala Lumpur Limestone Formation

Based on the relationship between the geological structures and river patterns, the preliminary prediction of the karstic features in the Kuala Lumpur Limestone Formation, based on the existing geological, map appears to be directed between N030° to 070° and N120° to 150°. The factual evidence of this occurrence is obtained from investigation in the field: first, using the two sites exposed for construction of the SMART tunnel under Kuala Lumpur and second, based on the SMART tunnel project rock cores recovery. A much detailed prediction was made by re-evaluating the TCR, RQD and SCR values. The reassessment of these values enables the drilled ground to be classified into four different qualities of rock mass: good quality limestone; moderate quality limestone; weathered limestone; and fully developed void-like karst. According to this new classification system, the tunnel appears to align generally in the heavily karstified limestone in the northern section and massive good quality limestone in the southern section of the study area; which is represented as rose diagrams. The evidence for this analysis is given and the methods used for these studies are explained.

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► A self-checked analysis by quantitatively identifying the distribution of the karst cavity formed in the Kuala Lumpur Limestone Formation.
► Classification was largely based on the Solid Core Recovery (SCR), the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and Total Core Recovery (TCR).
► Four types of limestone: good quality limestone; moderate quality limestone; weathered limestone and fully developed void (karst).
► Four qualities of limestone were translated into rose diagrams; reflecting good and poor quality of the ground.