Using stereological methods to estimate the volumetric proportions of blocks in melanges and similar block-in-matrix rocks (bimrocks)

Melanges are part of a larger family of bimrocks (block-in-matrix rocks), composed of hard blocks within weak matrices. Since recent work by other shows that the overall strength of a bimrock is proportional to the volume of blocks, means of estimating the volumetric proportion of blocks insitu must be developed. A stereological method is described in which the volumetric proportion is estimated by measurements of block intercept lengths in drill core, and the results compared to data for a California construction site. RESUME: Mélanges sont une parte d’une famille plus grande de bimrocks (les roches de bloc-en-matrice), composées de blocs durs dans matrices faibles. Parce que les travaux récents par les…