APPENDIX A

GEOLOGY FACTUAL AND INTERPRETATION

PSM1059.TR1

APPENDIX A
GEOLOGY FACTUAL AND INTERPRETATION

A1.

INTRODUCTION

This Appendix discusses the geology of the Hornsby diatreme and presents the results
of a structural stability assessment. This work was undertaken as part of a larger
geotechnical study of the Hornsby Quarry on behalf of Hornsby Shire Council with the
overall objective to assess potential land use.
Specific objectives of the geological discussion include:

outlining the regional setting of the diatreme, and

providing an understanding of the formation of the diatreme.

This information is important to understanding the complexity of the diatreme geology

and provides the foundation for the structural stability assessment which is presented as
Part of this Appendix.

A2.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A2.1. Background, Methodology and Study Approach

This investigation has provided an opportunity to study what is known as a relatively
complex geological setting for the Sydney Region. The approach undertaken to
investigate the geological and geotechnical setting of Hornsby Quarry was in four main
stages:
1.

Desktop study.

2.

Initial site walkover.

3.

Detailed site investigation.

4.

Collation and analysis of relevant information.

A2.1.1. Desktop Study

A desktop study was initially completed that involved collating and examining the
material listed in Section 2.2 below.
A2.1.2. Initial Site Walkover
Following on from the desktop study, an initial site visit was undertaken by Principals, an
Associate, a Senior Engineering Geologist and an Engineer from PSM with the intention
of developing an investigation programme. Visual assessment of the conditions of the
pit walls were also made at this time. These assessments are included in Attachment
A1.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

All pit walls were visually assessed to be in poor condition as a result of previous
mining/quarrying activities. It was also noted that the geology of the four pit walls was
complex, with numerous minor geological features and some major geological features
that were likely to be the principal controls on potential large scale pit instability.
A2.1.3. Detailed Site Investigation Stage
Following on from the initial site walkover and in consideration of the desktop study, a
site investigation program was developed whereby the major geological features in the
pit would be mapped, rock types described and fill material surrounding the pit classified
from a series of excavated test pits.
A2.1.4. Drilling, Collation and Analysis of Relevant Information
After an initial evaluation of this data it was concluded that there was insufficient
information on the geological and hydrogeological condition in the south western corner
of the site. An inclined borehole was subsequently drilled with the aim of providing
additional structural information on the rock units as well as defining the nature of the
contact between the diatreme and surrounding Hawkesbury Sandstone. A vibrating wire
piezometer was installed in this borehole to provide information on the hydrogeological
conditions in this area of the pit.
From these studies and site investigations a geological map of the quarry has been
developed along with numerous cross-sections through the quarry and surrounding land.
Following on from this geological information stability analyses were undertaken to
provide an understanding on the stability conditions in the quarry faces. The results of
kinematic stability assessments are included as Section 6 of this Appendix whereas the
limit equilibrium analyses are included as Appendix E.
A2.2. Existing Data
Existing geological and geotechnical data on Hornsby Quarry has been gathered from
the following sources. The type of information from each source is also described.
1.

2.

Diatremes of the Sydney Basin by EA Crawford, C Herbert, G Taylor, R Helby, R

Morgan and J Ferguson, A Guide to the Sydney Basin, by H Herbert and R
Helby, Geological Survey of NSW, Bulletin 26, 1980, pages 294-323 (Reference
1):

provides a conceptual model for the development of diatremes in the

Sydney Basin, and

provides some photos of the quarry from c1980.

Herbert, C, 1983, Geology of the Sydney 1:100,000 Sheet, pages 93-103 and
Map (Reference 2):

provides similar information to that found in Reference 1, with

the sandstone-diatreme contact marked at a small scale of 1:100,000.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

3.

4.

5.

Branagan and Packham, 2000, Field Geology of New South Wales, pages 109111 (Reference 3):

provides information about the diatreme sandstone contact, (this contact

is more refined than that presented in Reference 2), and

describes nearby geological features that may be related to the formation

of the diatreme.

Barron L, Barron J, 2001, Photographs, Geology and Petrology of Hornsby

Diatreme, Geological Survey Report GS2001/226 (Reference 4):

this report was commissioned by Geological Survey of New South Wales

to provide a record of geological conditions found at the quarry site at the
end of quarrying operations, in case the quarry was to be used for land fill
in the near future,

it provides many detailed photographs and descriptions of rock types and

structures encountered, and

it provides a diatreme formation model that is conceptually different to the

commonly understood mechanism provided in Reference 1.

Two geotechnical investigation reports by Coffey and Partners (for Hornsby Shire
Council) (References 5 and 6):

6.

reports focus on stability of the eastern fill area and includes numerous
borehole and test pit logs, and laboratory data, along with remedial design
recommendations.

Parsons Brinckerhoff Report dated 2004 Volume 1, Technical Investigations for

Hornsby Quarry and Environs Land Capability Study and Master Plan
(References 7 and 8):

provides general information on the geological and geotechnical

conditions found on site, and

provides results of their series of field investigations (test pits and water
quality data).

7.

A statement by Dr Charles Gerrard in 2002 relating to geotechnical aspects of the

quarry (Reference 9).

8.

Aerial photos from Hornsby Shire Council:

stereo plots of aerial photos from 1930, 1956, 1965, 1972, 1975, 1978,
1985, 1986, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1997 and 2005 were studied to identify the
changes over time that have occurred at the quarry.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A2.3. Data from this Investigation

Data collected from this investigation has come from the following sources.
locations of investigations are shown on Figure A1.

The

1.

Inspection of nearby outcrops mentioned in Reference 3.

2.

Geological mapping of major geological features seen in the pit.

3.

Geomorphological mapping from both aerial photo interpretation and site

inspections.

4.

Excavation of test pits to verify previous investigations by Coffey (References 5

and 6) and Parsons Brinckerhoff (References 7 and 8) as well as to provide
additional information regarding the extent and nature of fill in areas not
previously investigated. The logs and photographs of these test pits are included
as Attachment A2.

5.

Collection of water samples to ascertain current water quality and to compare

with samples collected and reported by Parsons Brinckerhoff (References 7 and
8).

6.

Limited geomechanical material testing was undertaken to provide quantitive data

on:

strength testing of muddy breccia rock,

soil properties testing of fill material.

The results of this testing are included in Appendix B.

7.

Re-establishment of piezometer BH18 drilled by Coffey and Partners (1990).

Following a general assessment of the above data and considering previous data, a
decision to drill a hole in the south west area of the pit was made.
The borehole BH HQ1 was located to provide structural data behind the existing
southern face in an area where insufficient data was available from previous sub-surface
work and from mapping. The borehole logs, photographs and explanation sheets are
included as Attachment A3.
A vibrating wire piezometer was installed in this hole to provide detailed information on
groundwater in this area of the quarry.
To provide detailed structural data, borehole image processing was also undertaken by
RAAX Australia. The RAAX Report is included as Attachment A4.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A3.

GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL SETTING

A3.1. Physical and Geomorphological Setting

The Site Plan Drawing PSM1059-1 of the main Report, shows the following current
geomorphological features. These features have been located based on aerial photo
interpretation.

roads,
embankments and slopes,
historical locations, and
major buildings.

The site is centred around Old Mans Valley, which is the main source of drainage
through the site. The natural valley walls slope up to about 35 and are steeper in
sandstone than volcanic breccia. Quarry development over time has meant that Old
Mans Creek has been rediverted through a drainage channel midway along the north
wall. The current drainage pattern is shown on Drawing PSM1059-4 of the main Report.
The geomorphology of Hornsby Quarry has evolved over time, from its original land use
as an orchard to the recent large scale quarrying practices. A summary of the changes
in the land is presented in Table A1.
TABLE A1
QUARRY DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE
TIME

DEVELOPMENT

Prior to mid
1950s

Only a small excavation in the valley floor nestled up against the steep,
natural slopes at the western side of todays pit. High wall at western
and northern side of excavation.

Mid 1960s

Quarrying works begin to increase in this period with the pit doubling in
size since 1956. A crusher plant operation has been established at the
end of Quarry road. Some clearing works underway on the natural
slopes to the north. No works in eastern area (Old Mans Valley).

Early to Mid
1970s

Existing access roads at the south side of the quarry appear to be

established in this period. Excavations extend into the slopes to the
north of the site with haul road ramps established up the slopes at the
north eastern side of the quarry. The area of the sound barrier
appears to have been flattened. By 1972 some clearing and possible
dumping of fill has occurred in the approximate area now occupied by
the playing fields. Workshop is established at western side by at least
1972.

Late 1970s

South western fill area is cleared of old buildings with some fill placed
in zone. Fill dumping in eastern areas has ceased at this time. Works
at the northern slopes appears to have ceased. Pit is deepened and
extended to the east, approaching the final eastern advance achieved.

Mid 1980s

Quarry void is deepened significantly as the northern extent of steep

excavation is pushed north. In 1986 the playing field area is

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

TIME

DEVELOPMENT
reactivated with an embankment formed and new fill placed. Dumping
of fill in the south western area appears to have ceased.

Late 1980s

Placement of fill in the area behind the embankment constructed in the

eastern part of the site has ceased. Work commences to clear, and
possibly dump fill in the eastern area immediately north of the playing
field area. The northern batters above about RL88m are being cut
back.

Mid 1990s

Northern batter appears to have been cut back to its final geometry.
Concrete drain established at northern side. Excavation and minor
filling works in area north of playing fields completed by 1997.

Late 1990s

Quarry operations ceased.

Sept 2003

Lake Level at about RL17m (Reference 7).

Nov 2006

Lake Level at about RL28.5m.

A3.2. Regional Geological Setting

Hornsby Quarry is located within what is known as the Hornsby Diatreme. Surrounding
the diatreme is Hawkesbury Sandstone. Ashfield Shale outcrops to the east and
northeast of the quarry (see Figure A2).
Diatremes are common in the Sydney Region, with at least 10 identified by Rickwood in
the Hornsby Area (Reference 10) and another has recently been discovered nearby at
Hornsby train station by recent drilling (Greg Kotze, GHD, personnel communication).
Branagan and Packham (Reference 3) have identified some major faulting at Norman
Avenue and Vale Roads as well as Brushwood Place. These faults have a similar
southwest-northeast trend to the line of diatremes on Figure A2. This is suggestive of a
structural control on diatreme emplacement.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

HAWKESBURY
SANDSTONE

HORNSBY
QUARRY
ASHFIELD
SHALE
HORNSBY
DIATREME

WESTLEIGH
DIATREME

Figure A2: Extract from Sydney 1:100,000 Geological Map

A3.3. Formation of Hornsby Diatreme

Diatremes are formed by gaseous explosions forcefully intruding through the surrounding
country rock mass and depositing a pipe of tunnel shaped mass of volcanic breccia.
The Hornsby Diatreme is considered by many to represent more than one explosive
event, as alluded to by its dumbbell shape. However, the relationship and number of
intrusions is open to speculation. Two distinctly different mechanisms for the Hornsby
Diatreme have been postulated:
1.

Layers of breccia were initially deposited horizontally and subsequently slumped

to form a bowl shape (as described in References 1 and 2).

2.

Breccia laid insitu on steep slopes with little or no subsequent deformation

(described in Reference 4).

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

The eastern wall of the Hornsby Diatreme (see Photo A1) shows a classical example of
basinal layering within a diatreme and for this geological reason, the quarry is on the
Register of the National Estate as being worthy of preservation. This basinal layering
was previously assumed to have formed by the volcanic breccia subsiding back into the
pipe (mechanism 1 above). However, detailed observations by Barron and Barron
(Reference 4) indicate that this basinal layering may have formed insitu and there has
been very little post depositional deformation of the diatreme (mechanism 2 above).

Photo A1: Basinal layering on the East Wall of Hornsby Quarry

Barron & Barrons model for the creation of Hornsby Diatreme is as follows:
1.

Large blast or explosion excavates an open cavity or pipe east of the existing
quarry (just behind existing eastern wall).

2.

Repeated small explosions generate basal surge flows of volcanic breccia

material (similar to ash deposits) and which forms a broad shallow inverted cone.

3.

The explosive stages give way to a dormant stage whereby a deep crater lake
progressively fills with sediment that lithifies over geological time (turns from
sediments to rock).

4.

A second major explosion located within and below the quarry pit created a
second pipe and which also formed following stages 1 to 3 above.

5.

More explosions may have created additional pipes to the southwest as the
volcanic breccia has been identified in a reserve off Quarter Sessions Road,
Westleigh.

Basal surge flows produce instanteous lithification of the sediments and because the
surge flow is a thixotropic (has both fluid and solid properties) muddy ash, it is able to
deposit itself as thin to thick layers on steep to vertical (even overturned) surfaces.
Bedding orientations are expected to follow a bowl pattern. In addition, at many places
within the quarry, pieces of wood have been converted to charcoal insitu and
immediately after deposition. These pieces of wood are assumed to be remnants of
trees destroyed by the basal surges.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

If the basinal layering within the diatreme had been formed by post depositional
slumping, there should be evidence such as differential subsidence, minor faulting and
more randomly orientated bedding planes. Major defects such as bedding plane shears
and faults should be more prevalent than observed. These features generally do not
occur in Hornsby Quarry and where they do occur, they are small and represent
localised features only.
It is important to understand that the evidence seen in the quarry supports the Barron
and Barron model. In turn this model implies that there has been very little post
depositional deformation in the quarry and hence, large, deep seated shear planes, as
postulated in Mechanism 1, do not occur in this diatreme formation model.
A conceptual model of the formation of the diatreme bedding is shown in Figure A3.
N
E
E

Figure A3: Conceptual Model of Hornsby Diatreme

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A4.

SITE GEOLOGY

A geological map of Hornsby Quarry has been formulated and is produced in Figure A4
with the pit geology shown in greater detail in Figure A5. These figures show only major
geological features. Various units and features of the geological map are described
below.
The Hornsby Quarry provides a unique opportunity to study four sections of overprinting
diatreme events, with each wall showing a different section through the resulting
diatreme. The geology as seen on the four walls is structurally complex and the
relationship between various features is often difficult to understand.
A4.1. Volcanic Breccia
The Hornsby Diatreme is principally composed of what is commonly referred to as
volcanic breccia. At the quarry, the volcanic breccia is generally composed of a mix of
grey to green-grey angular to subrounded fragments of volcanic rock, fragments of
mantle material (rocks from deep in the earths crust), occasional clasts of sandstone,
shale and rare clasts of wood that has altered to charcoal.
The volcanic breccia is of high to very high strength when slightly weathered to fresh and
in places, in particular the eastern wall, is interlayered with fine grained and medium to
coarse grained beds.
A4.2. Muddy Breccia
Muddy breccia is a localised term used to describe volcanic breccia with a distinctly finegrained matrix. Beds of muddy breccia are generally 20mm to 2m in thickness. Major
muddy breccia units have been mapped and marked on Figures A4 and A5 as well as
the cross sections on Drawings PSM1059-6 to 16 of the main Report.
Muddy breccia is of low to medium strength and when exposed in the pit, contains
numerous microfractures, interpreted to be shrink-swell fractures.
Most contacts between volcanic breccia and muddy breccia have a fractured
appearance (see Photo A2) although some contacts are gradational. These contacts are
discussed in more detail in Section A4.6.
The muddy breccia as seen in Hornsby Quarry has similar geotechnical characteristics
as a muddy breccia unit that PSM has considerable experience with in Kelian Mine,
Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The Kelian muddy breccia is thought to have originated from reworked carbonaceous
sediments and consists of angular clasts of country rock in a black mud matrix.
It is interpreted that the Hornsby muddy breccia has originated from reworking of either
massive shale units from within the Hawkesbury Sandstone, or from the overlying
Ashfield Shale.

10

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

Photo A2: Contact between Muddy Breccia (lower right)

and Volcanic Breccia (upper left)
A4.3. Hawkesbury Sandstone
The Hornsby Diatreme is surrounded by Hawkesbury Sandstone (see Figure A4). The
Hawkesbury Sandstone is a more resistant unit than the volcanic breccia and therefore
tends to form escarpments to the north, east and south.
Visible outcrops of sandstone along Quarry Road and the eastern fill access track show
the sandstone is essentially no different from elsewhere in Sydney, although sandstone
at the contact zone (refer to Section 4.5 below) has a more brecciated, yet healed or
recrystallised matrix, as was seen in BH HQ1.
Sandstone is generally of high strength when slightly weathered or fresh and may even
be stronger near the contact where heat from the eruption has thermally metamorphosed
the sandstone.
A4.4. Effect of Weathering
The effect of weathering is to alter and generally weaken the rock mass. Figures A4 and
A5 and the cross sections, Drawings PSM1059-6 to 19, show the units divided into three
main weathering categories, namely, residual and extremely weathered (RES/EW),
highly to moderately weathered (HW/MW) and slightly weathered to fresh (SW/FR). The
geotechnical properties within the three groups are similar (refer to Appendix B for

11

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

collated results). Standard weathering terminology has been used and is described in
Table A2.
TABLE A2
WEATHERING TERMINOLOGY
TERM

DESCRIPTION

FR

Fresh

Rock substance unaffected by weathering.

SW

Slightly
Weathered

Rock substance affected by weathering to the extent that partial staining

or partial discolouration of the rock substance usually by limonite has
taken place. The colour and texture of the fresh rock is recognisable;
strength properties are essentially those of the fresh rock substance.

MW

Moderately
Weathered

Rock substance affected by weathering to the extent staining extends

throughout whole of the rock substance and the original colour of the fresh
rock is no longer recognisable.

HW

Highly
Weathered

Rock substance affected by weathering to the extent that limonite staining

or bleaching affects the whole of the rock substance and signs of chemical
or physical decomposition of individual minerals are usually evident.
Porosity and strength may be increased or decreased when compared to
the fresh rock substance, usually as a result of the leaching or deposition
of iron. The colour and strength of the original fresh rock substance is no
longer recognisable.

EW

Extremely
Weathered

Rock substance affected by weathering to the extent that the rock exhibits
soil properties, i.e. it can be remoulded and can be classified according to
the Unified Soil Classification System, but the texture of the original rock is
still evident.

RES

Residual

Soil developed on extremely weathered rock. The rock mass structure

and substance fabric is no longer evident, there is a large change in
volume but the material has not been significantly transported.

Weathering of the diatreme is deeper than the surrounding sandstone and this is
reflected in the fact that Old Mans Creek has preferentially eroded along the diatreme.
The depth of weathering of the volcanic breccia is detailed in Table A3.

12

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

TABLE A3
DEPTH OF WEATHERING OF VOLCANIC BRECCIA

WALL

DEGREE OF WEATHERING

NORTH

EAST

SOUTH

WEST

ZONE OF WEATHERING
RL (m AHD)

RES/EW

95m 100m 140m

HW/MW

85m 95m

SW/FR

<8m 95m

RES/EW

95m 125m

HW/MW

90m 110m

SW/FR

<8m 90m

RES/EW

~7m 8m (from BH HQ1)

HW/MW

90m 130m

SW/FR

8 80m

RES/EW

~110m

HW/MW

~80 110m

SW/FR

<8 80m

A4.5. Diatreme Sandstone Contact

The nature and location of the contact between the diatreme and surrounding sandstone
is important to define because this defect in the rock mass may be the most critical from
a stability viewpoint.
The location of the contact between the intruding diatreme and the sandstone that
surrounds the quarry is shown in Figure A4. This contact has been collated from the
following sources:

Sydney 1,000,000 Geological Map (Reference 2).

Field Geology of New South Wales (Reference 3).

Coffey & Partners Geotechnical Report (Reference 5 and 6).

Results of drilling and test pit excavations from this investigation.

The contact drawn by Branagan and Packham (Reference 3) is more accurate than the
contact drawn on the Sydney 1,100,000 Geological Map. Coffey and Partners refined
the contact to the east and this investigation confirms the contact location to the south.
A4.5.1. Contact South of the Pit
Coffey and Partners borehole BH 103, located in the south east corner of the pit and BH
HQ1, located in the south west corner, from this investigation have both intersected the
contact. BH 103 found an approximately 70m transitional zone between volcanic

13

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

breccia and sandstone, where this transitional zone had zones of volcanic breccia,
siltstone and interbedded sandstone and volcanic breccia. This transitional zone is
interpreted to be interfingering of the contact. BH HQ1 also found interfingering of the
contact. In both holes, the interfinger contacts were found to be fractured to highly
fractured with no evidence of shearing observed.
BH HQ1 also showed a 13m long (true thickness of about 6m to 7m) zone at the lower
contact where sandstone has undergone a process of thermal or contact metamorphism.
This process has effectively cooked the sandstone, turning sandstone grains into
crystals of mainly quartz. This has in fact made the sandstone in this zone of higher
relative strength than typical Hawkesbury Sandstone. It is not clear from the log of BH
103 whether or not this effect was seen in this borehole.
Surrounding the volcanic breccia interfingers in BH HQ1, the sandstone was actually
sandstone breccia. These units had angular to rounded 10mm to 50mm sized clasts of
sandstone in a fine sand and silt recrystallised matrix. As with the lower contact zone,
this sandstone breccia has undergone thermal metamorphism, which in turn has also
made the sandstone in these zones of higher relative strength than typical Hawkesbury
Sandstone.
A4.5.2. Contact Near the West Wall
The west wall of the quarry does not intersect the contact. Branagan and Packham
(Reference 3) show the contact to be west of Old Mans Creek. This investigation has
not seen any borehole logs through the contact near this pit wall. The nature of the
contact and its interfingering, as seen in the southern wall, is also expected at this
location.
A4.5.3. Contact Near the North Wall
This investigation has not uncovered any borehole logs in the area of the north wall that
intersect the contact. However, the contact shown in Branagan and Packham
(Reference 3) appears to follow changes in surface topography. A walkover of the north
wall during the site visits for this investigation confirm their observations. The nature of
the contact is interpreted to be similar to that found in the south wall and this is reflected
in Cross Sections 4 and 5 that have been drawn through the north wall (Drawings
PSM1059-9 and 10 of the main Report).
A4.5.4. Contact Near the East Wall
Coffeys Report (Reference 6) delineates the location of the contact through a series of
shallow boreholes and testpits through the overlying fill material (refer to Figure A1 for
the location of these investigation locations). The nature of that contact is interpreted to
be the same as the south wall and is shown in Cross Sections 1 to 3 (Drawings
PSM1059-6 to 8 of the main Report).
A4.6. Major Geological Structures
The investigating program included a walkover of most of the accessible benches
identifying major geological structures that are expected to control large scale pit wall
stability. It should be noted that there are numerous features that are considered to be
minor in nature, namely small non-persistent joints, veins, some bedding planes and
blast damage features. These features generally only control bench scale instability.

14

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A4.6.1. Muddy Breccia Volcanic Breccia Contacts (CN)

The surface expression of major muddy breccia units is shown in Figure A5. These units
are very persistent, being longer than 300m on the north and west walls of the pit. The
contact zone is generally planar, rough about 100mm to 400mm in thickness and is
composed of significantly more fractured material than the surrounding units. There is
no evidence of shearing or soil material as infill on any of the contacts. Contacts on the
north and west walls generally dip about 45 to 70 towards the south east, whereas on
the south wall, contacts dip at about 50 to 60 towards the north east. Photo A3 shows
two examples of the contact between muddy breccia and volcanic breccia.

Photo A3: Examples of Contacts between Muddy Breccia and Volcanic Breccia.
Refer also to Photo A2 in Section A4.2.
A4.6.2. Sheared Zones
A sheared zone is a zone along which movement may have taken place, but
displacement is not recognisable. The evidence for movement may be slickenside
striations or polished surfaces and/or clay gouge. Crushed zones are zones containing
disorientated, usually angular rock fragments in a soil matrix. Both sheared zones and
crushed zones are similar in nature and therefore have been referred to as sheared
zones in this Appendix.
Sheared zones in Hornsby Quarry were mainly identified on the north wall. They
typically have subhorizontal to moderate dips (0 to 40) and are discrete, that is, they do
not occur in sets or swarms. Sheared zones are infilled with 100mm to 300mm of soil
like material, are traceable between benches and often have vegetation growing along
their trace. A sheared zone on the north wall has been supported with rockbolts. Two
examples of sheared zones are shown in Photo A4.

15

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

Photo A4: Two examples of sheared zones in Hornsby Quarry

A4.6.3. Joint Swarms
A joint swarm is a zone where numerous joints of a similar orientation occur in close
proximity. Two major joint swarms were identified, one on the west wall, and one on the
south wall. Both swarms have persistent joints, with traces as long as 50m, are
subvertical (dips of 80 to 90) and trend from the south west to the north east, on a
similar orientation to the muddy breccia zones in the north and west walls. A photo of
the joint swarm in the south wall is shown in Photo A5.

Photo A5: Joint Swarm in South Wall

16

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A4.6.4. Bedding Planes

A bedding plane or parting is a continuous plane of mineral grains or crystals that were
laid parallel to the deposition surface. As mentioned in Section 3.3 above, in the
diatreme creation model proposed by Barron and Barron (Reference 4), bedding partings
either form with a steep dip (explosive stages) or a shallow dip (dormant stage).
Bedding partings formed during the explosive stage represent separate explosive events
or basal surge flows. They often separate different rock types, for example finer grained
volcanic breccia and coarse grained volcanic breccia. On the east wall, these bedding
partings are typically 200mm to 1,000mm apart. For example, the muddy breccia shown
in the south east corner of the pit (Figure A5) is one bedding parting related to a muddy
breccia unit about 1m in thickness (Photo A6). Horizontal to shallow bedding partings
formed during the dormant stage and represent sediments settling in a lake. These
bedding partings are also persistent and separate 2m to 3m thick beds. They have
mainly been mined out as they only occur in the centre of the diatreme, although they
are exposed on the lower north wall (Photo A7).
Some of the bedding partings in Hornsby Quarry are grouped in with the major structures
in the stability assessment because of their unfavourable orientation and size. Major
failures on steeply dipping bedding planes have occurred on the south wall during mining
and shallow dipping bedding partings, because of their persistence, may provide a
release plane to a sheared zone or other major defect that is not exposed or daylights
into the pit.

Photo A6: Steeply Dipping Bedding on the South Wall

17

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

Photo A7: Subhorizontal Bedding on the Lower North Wall

A4.7. Fill Material
Fill material is found in four zones within the study area:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Eastern fill area

Crusher plant area
South western fill area
Upper north slope.

Both Coffey and Partners (Reference 5 and 6) and Parsons Brinckerhoff (Reference 7)
have described fill from these areas. This investigation also excavated 16 testpits from
zones 1 to 3 above. Zone 4 was not accessible to earthmoving machinery.
A comparison of contours from a 2m interval contour map generated from 1961 aerial
photos (pre major quarry development; Drawing PSM1059-5) and the current topography
(2005, 2m contours; Drawing PSM1059-4) has enabled an assessment of the thickness
of fill around the quarry area. Isopachs of the thickness of fill have been drawn as
Drawing PSM1059-20 in the main Report and they are also shown on Figure A4.
Test pit logs and photographs are reproduced in Attachment A2. Soil Test Certificates
from laboratory tests are included in Appendix B and the fill material at each location is
described below.
A4.7.1. Eastern Fill Zone
Coffey and Partners (Reference 6) completed a series of test pits and boreholes to
delineate the quality of fill in this zone. Testpits from this investigation and previously by
Parsons Brinckerhoff have confirmed the Coffey and Partners findings.
Section G3 of Appendix G discusses the fill material properties found in the eastern
zone, but in summary, fill material does not appear to have been properly engineered or
compacted with any control. Therefore, in this zone the fill should be considered to be
non-engineered fill.

18

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A4.7.2. Crusher Plant Fill Zone

Three test pits from this investigation were excavated in the vicinity of the crusher plant.
The upper approximately 1.2m is engineered fill of well graded, medium dense silty
sandy gravel. Below this engineered fill is non-engineered clayey sandy gravel and
gravely sand with numerous boulders up to 1.0m.
Fill material from this area is discussed in more detail in Section H3 to H5 of Appendix H.
A4.7.3. South Western Fill Zone
A total of four test pits were dug in fill material from this zone. Fill in this zone may be
divided into two areas, namely, the main body and the lower fill area. The main body of
fill is composed of sandy gravels with some cobbles and boulders up to 1.0m. The lower
fill area contained clayey gravely sands, also with some large boulders and also
including a range of man-made objects such as car seats, air conditioning units and so
on. Both of these areas of fill material should be considered non-engineered. Further
discussion on the fill material found in the south western zone may be found in Section I2
to I4 of Appendix I.
A4.7.4. Fill on the Northern Slope
Access limitations prevented an excavator from accessing this slope but from the
changes between the 1961 contour plan and 2005 contour plan, zones of fill have been
delineated.
At the northern extreme of the study area, an approximately 5m high sound barrier was
constructed. It is assumed that non-engineered fill has been used here as well. Three
other zones of fill on the north wall may represent material dumps from when the north
slope was excavated/cut back to its current profile (refer to Figure A4 or Drawing
PSM1059-20 of the main Report).

19

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A5.

STRUCTURAL DOMAINS AND PIT SECTORS

A structural domain is a zone that contains similar geological conditions, namely rock
types, defect type and orientation. Following the collation of geological data described in
Section 4 above, the pit and the immediate slopes have been divided into four structural
domains, as shown on Figure A6.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Western Domain
North Eastern Domain
Eastern Domain
Southern Domain

Each domain has been further subdivided into pit sectors, whereby a specific pit sector
has a different pit wall orientation. The relationship between the geological structures in
a domain and the orientation and angle of the pit wall generally dictates the type of
structural failure that is possible at that location.
Table A4 lists the domains and pit sectors and other relevant information such as typical
batter and inter ramp heights and angles. This information has been used to assess the
kinematic failure mechanisms in each pit sector and which is discussed in further detail
in Section A6.
TABLE A4
STRUCTURAL DOMAINS AND PIT SECTORS
DIP
BENCH
DIRECTION
PIT
HEIGHT
DOMAIN
OF PIT
SECTOR
(m)
WALL ()

Western

North
Eastern
Eastern

Southern

TYPICAL INTERRAMP
HEIGHT
BENCH
INTERRAMP
SLOPE
(2 OR 3
SLOPE
ANGLE ()
BENCHES)
ANGLE
(m)
()

W1

095

20-26

60-70

46

50

W2

140

16-22

55

40

37

W3

170

10-16

50

40

40

W4

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

NE1

175

16

55

32

30

NE2

200

20-24

36-50

42

45

E1

275

12-26

60-75

70

48

E2

N/A

N/A1

N/A

N/A

N/A

S1

030

20-50

55

80

55

S2

350

14-26

70

72

66

S3

020

14-26

70

54

60

S4

N/A

N/A1

N/A

N/A

N/A

Pit sectors W4, E2 and S4 are zones of fill material.

20

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A6.

KINEMATIC FAILURE ASSESSMENT

The assessment of potential structural failure mechanisms that could occur on any of the
pit walls is based on the mapped major geological structures. As stated previously,
numerous bench scale failures have occurred or are likely to occur given the current
condition of the bench slopes. The kinematic failure assessment in this Section of the
Appendix, therefore, only deals with potential large scale failures that could affect two to
three batters (interramp scale) or the entire slope.
A6.1. Objective and Approach
The objective of a kinematic failure assessment is to assess what potential or critical
failure mechanism for each pit sector might be.
The first stage was to plot all relevant major structural defects in a given domain onto a
stereoplot and for each pit sector, the wall orientation and slope angle was marked on
the relevant stereoplot.
The second stage was to perform the Markland Test, as described in Hoek and Bray
(Reference 11). This test is a simple test to assess what failure mechanism, such as
planar sliding or wedge block failure is kinematically possible. For each pit sector, the
Markland Test was performed for:

planar sliding, and

wedge block sliding.

A toppling assessment was not performed as toppling in the pit is considered to be a

bench scale problem, caused by a combination of unfavourably orientated joints and
blast damage to the pit walls.
The third stage involved a mechanical assessment of potential failure mechanisms
highlighted in the kinematic assessment. This was achieved using ROCSCIENCE
programs; Rocplane 2.0 for planar sliding and Swedge 4.0 for wedge block failures.
The results of the kinematic and mechanical assessments for each pit sector are
discussed below. Stereoplots are reproduced in each section. This information has also
been summarised into Drawing PSM1059-2 of the main Report.
A6.2. Western Domain
The kinematic assessment for pit sectors W1 to W3 are reproduced in Figures A7 to A9.
These figures also show the geological map of the sector and provide a simple visual
block model of the failure mechanism. Table A5 collates this information and provides a
comment regarding the visual and mechanical assessment. Definitions of the defect
types may be found in the borehole explanation sheet in Attachment A2.

21

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

TABLE A5
WESTERN DOMAIN KINEMATIC AND MECHANICAL ASSESSMENT

SECTOR

FAILURE
MECHANISMS

CRITICAL
DEFECTS IN
KINEMATIC
WINDOW

VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL
ASSESSMENT

COMMENT

CN

Failure not likely

Defect lies just outside the kinematic

window and is at an angle greater
than 30 to the face.

Failure not likely

Sheared zone is discrete zone that

does not occur in this pit sector. No
evidence in the field of any other
similarly orientated shears in this pit
sector.

Failure not likely

Sheared zone is discrete zone that

does not occur in this pit sector. No
evidence in the field of any other
similarly orientated shears in this pit
sector.

Failure not likely

Sheared zone is discrete zone that

does not occur in this pit sector. No
evidence in the field of any other
similarly orientated shears in this pit
sector.

SZ-SZ

Failure not likely

Sheared zone is discrete zone that

does not occur in this pit sector. No
evidence in the field of any other
similarly orientated shears in this pit
sector. Both shears are discrete
structures.

CN

Possibility of large
scale failure

SZ

Failure not likely

Sheared zone is a discrete zone that

does not occur in this pit sector.

CN-SZ

Failure not likely

Sheared zone is a discrete zone that

does not occur in this pit sector.

CN-SZ

Failure not likely

Sheared zone is a discrete zone that

does not occur in this pit sector.

SZ-SZ

Failure not likely

Sheared zones are discrete zones

that do not occur in this pit sector.

Possibility of
failure

Steep slope of ~30 coupled with

weathered breccia materials could
result in a circular failure similar to
one that has occurred in W3 during
mining activities.

Planar Sliding
SZ

CN-SZ
W1

Wedge Block

CN-SZ

Planar

W2

Wedge

Circular

W3

Planar

Weathered
Breccia

SZ

Possibility of large
scale failure

22

Contact is unfavourably orientated

and lies above and below the haul
road.

Discrete sheared zone occurs in this

pit sector. Rockbolts already support
this sheared zone on the upper
bench immediately below the access
road.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

SECTOR

CRITICAL
DEFECTS IN
KINEMATIC
WINDOW

VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL
ASSESSMENT

COMMENT

Possibility of large
scale failure

Discrete sheared zone occurs in this

pit sector. Rockbolts already support
this sheared zone on the upper
bench immediately below the access
road. Contact acts as a side release
plane or tension crack, thereby
facilitating planar sliding on the
sheared zone.

Failure not likely

Swedge indicates a factor of safety

of ~1.6, therefore planar sliding
along sheared zone is more likely to
occur.

SZ-SZ

Failure not likely

Swedge indicates a factor of safety

of ~1.3, therefore planar sliding
along sheared zone is more likely to
occur.

Circular

Weathered
Breccia

Possibility of
failure

Failure has occurred during mining

activities.

Circular

Fill material

Possibility of large
scale failure

FAILURE
MECHANISMS

SZ-CN

Wedge
CZ-JN

W4

Fill has not been placed in an

engineered manner and therefore its
properties will be highly variable.

Where a potential failure is possible, a limit state equilibrium stability analysis has been
undertaken. The results of these analyses are included as Appendix E.
A6.3. North Eastern Domain
The kinematic assessment for pit sectors NE1 and NE2 are reproduced in Figures A10
to A11. These figures also show the geological map of the sector and provide a simple
visual block model of sliding. Table A6 collates this information and provides a comment
regarding the visual and mechanical assessment.

23

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

TABLE A6
NORTH EASTERN DOMAIN KINEMATIC, VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL ASSESSMENT

SECTOR

FAILURE
MECHANISMS

CRITICAL
DEFECTS IN
KINEMATIC
WINDOW

VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL
ASSESSMENT

COMMENT

Planar

None indicated

Large scale failure

not likely

Bedding is either too steep

or too shallow for failure to
occur.

Wedge Block

SZ-BD

Large scale failure

not likely

Discrete shear that dips

from 0 to 30, therefore
wedge geometry not
realistic.

Planar

None indicated

Large scale failure not

likely to occur

Wedge

None indicated

Large scale failure not

likely to occur

NE1

NE2

No large scale failure mechanisms have been identified as being kinematically feasible in
this domain. However, a potential failure mechanism exists whereby failure occurs
through the rock mass, using a steep bedding parting as a tension crack. A limit state
equilibrium stability analysis for this mechanism has been undertaken and is included in
Appendix E.
A6.4. Eastern Domain
The kinematic assessment for pit sector E1 is reproduced in Figure A12. This figure also
show the geological map of the sector and provide a simple visual block model of sliding.
Table A7 collates this information and provides a comment regarding the visual and
mechanical assessment.
TABLE A7
EASTERN DOMAIN KINEMATIC, VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL ASSESSMENT

SECTOR

FAILURE
MECHANISMS

CRITICAL
DEFECTS IN
KINEMATIC
WINDOW

VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL
ASSESSMENT

Planar

None

No large scale
failure likely.

Wedge

None

No large scale
failure likely

E1

E2

Circular

Fill material

Possibility of failure

24

COMMENT

Fill has not been placed in

an engineered or
controlled manner and
therefore its properties will
be highly variable.

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

No kinematic large scale failure mechanisms have been identified in Sector E1.
However, there is a potential for circular failures to occur in Sector E2 located in the fill
material. Limit state equilibrium stability analyses of the potential circular failure in the fill
material in this sector are discussed in Appendices E and G.
A6.5. Southern Domain
The kinematic assessment for pit sectors S1 to S3 are reproduced in Figures A13 to
A15. These figures also show the geological map of the sector and provide a simple
visual block model of sliding. Table A8 collates this information and provides a comment
regarding the visual and mechanical assessment.
TABLE A8
SOUTHERN DOMAIN KINEMATIC, VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL ASSESSMENT

SECTOR

FAILURE
MECHANISMS

CRITICAL
DEFECTS IN
KINEMATIC
WINDOW

VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL
ASSESSMENT

BD

Possibility of large
scale instability

Failure along bedding parting has

already occurred during mining.
Refer to Photo A6.

CN

Failure not likely

Contact is a discrete structure that

does not occur in this pit sector.

BD-JNS

Possibility of large
scale instability

Joint swarm may act as a side

release plane to planar sliding along
the bedding plane.

BD

Failure not likely

Bedding is at angle greater than 30

to the pit wall, therefore failure is not
likely.

CN

Failure not likely

Contact is a discrete structure that

does not occur in this pit sector.

Planar
S1

Wedge

Planar

S2

Joint swarms acts as a side release

plane that may facilitate planar
sliding along bedding. Wedge
geometry indicates failure will be
small only, therefore this is expected
to be bench size instability only.

BD-JN

Possibility of small
failures

BD-CN

Failure not likely

Contact is a discrete structure that

does not occur in this pit sector.

JN-CN

Failure not likely

Contact is a discrete structure that

does not occur in this pit sector.

BD

Possibility of large
scale instability

Failure along bedding partings in this

sector have already occurred during
mining.

Failure not likely

Contact is discrete and occurs in this

domain, however it is located at the
boundary of S3 and W1 where the
wall geometry is slightly different
such that planar sliding is unlikely at
this location.

Wedge

S3

COMMENT

Planar
CN

25

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

SECTOR

FAILURE
MECHANISMS

CRITICAL
DEFECTS IN
KINEMATIC
WINDOW

VISUAL AND
MECHANICAL
ASSESSMENT

BD-CN

Failure not likely

Possibility of small
failures

CN-JN

Possibility of large
scale instability

Potential wedge formed with factor

of safety <1.0. However, large scale
failures have not occurred in this
sector, indicating that the potential
wedge is not formed in reality. A
reason for this may be because the
joints are not as persistent adjacent
to the contact.

Fill material

Possibility of
failure

Wedge

Circular

Unrealistic wedge geometry found.

Joint swarms acts as a side release
plane that may facilitate planar
sliding along bedding. Wedge
geometry indicates failure will be
small only, therefore this is expected
to be bench size instability only.

BD-JN

S4

COMMENT

Fill has not been placed in an

engineered or controlled manner
and therefore its properties will be
highly variable.

There is the possibility of large scale failures occurring, principally as a result of sliding
on bedding planes. Large scale failures have already occurred during mining. Where
large scale instability mechanism has been assessed, a limit state equilibrium stability
analysis has been undertaken. The results of these analyses are in Appendices E and
H.
A6.6. Kinematic Assessment Summary
This assessment was performed to consider what type of large scale instability is
structurally feasible. Possible large scale failure mechanisms in each domain are
discussed below. Drawing PSM1059-2 summarises the findings of the assessment.
A6.6.1. Western Domain
Large scale instability is not likely to occur in Pit Sector W1. In W2 there is a possibility
of planar sliding along contacts between muddy breccia and volcanic breccia. In W3
there is the possibility of large scale failure along an existing sheared zone. Rockbolts
already support a section of this sheared zone on the bench above the haul road.
Failure of this sheared zone could occur by planar sliding and with muddy brecciavolcanic breccia contacts acting as a side release plane.
Circular features in RES-HW breccia and in fill material is also possible in pit sectors W2,
W3 and W4.
A6.6.2. North Eastern Domain
No large scale instability mechanisms are kinematically feasible. However, block sliding
that utilises a steep bedding parting as a tension crack could occur.

26

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A

A6.6.3. Eastern Domain

No large scale instability mechanisms are kinematically feasible.
possibility of circular failure occurring in fill materials.

However, the

A6.6.4. Southern Domain

Large scale instability is possible in pit sector S1 along bedding partings with a large
scale failure understood to have occurred during mining. Subvertical joints may also act
as side release planes to facilitate planar sliding. In S2 only bench scale stability
occurring along unfavourably orientated bedding planes. Large scale failures in this
zone have already occurring during mining.

A7.

REFERENCES

1.

Crawford, E et al, 1980, Diatremes of the Sydney Basin, in A Guide to the

Sydney Basin by C Herbert and R Helby, Geological Survey of NSW, Bulletin 26.

2.

Herbert, C, 1983, Geology of the Sydney 1:100,000 Sheet.

3.

Branagan and Packham, 2000, Field Geology of New South Wales.

4.

Barron, L and Barron, J, 2001, Photographs, Geology and Petrology of Hornsby

Diatreme, Geological Survey Report GS2001/226.

5.

Coffey and Partners, May 1990, Rock Mechanics Study, Hornsby Quarry, Old
Mans Valley, Report No. S8463/4-AD.

6.

Coffey and Partners, July 1990, Old Mans Valley Geotechnical Investigations,
Report No. S8463/3-AG.

7.

Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2004, Volume 1, Technical Investigations for Hornsby

Quarry and Environs Land Capability Study and Master Plan.

8.

Parsons Brinckerhoff, 2004, Master Plan Report for Hornsby Quarry and
Environs Land Capability Study and Master Plan.

9.

Gerrard, C, 2002, Witness Statement Relating to Geotechnical Aspects of the

Quarry.

10.

Rickwood, P G, 1985, Igneous Intrusives in the Greater Sydney Region, in

Engineering Geology of the Sydney Region, edited by P J N Pells.

11.

Hoek, E and Bray, J, 1981, Rock Slope Engineering, Revised 3rd Edition.

27

PSM1059.TR1
Appendix A