ABSTRACT
Time-dependent behaviour of rocks has been experimentally studied since early times. Long term response and stability of rock engineering structures such as tunnels, underground openings, slopes and stone-made cultural assets have been receiving great attention since early times. The creep experiments are often used to determine the time-dependent strength and/or time-dependent deformation modulus of rocks. The device is capable of inducing loads, which is 10 times the applied load at the end of the arm. The diameter of the indenter is 3 mm and the device is of cantilever type and it is capable of inducing 10 times the applied load at the end of the arm. Since the deformation of the tunnel has been continuing for more than 1500 days after the completion of excavation along this section, it was understood that some investigations are necessary for the causes of time-dependent deformations.
