Evaluation of weathering effects by CIELAB color space and image analysis technique for interbedded metasedimentary rock in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Weathering process affect the engineering behavior of rock masses, reduced strength, and structural stability. In addition to the prior technology, rapid weathering evaluation by CIELAB to characterize the rock surface color. The various colors appearing on the surface of the rock slope indicated the differential weathering grades of the rock mass. UCS-Schmidt obtained by the Schmidt hammer strongly validates the color changes and can be classified into different grades. A high value in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) indicates the rock is weathered. The results were further revealed using image analysis to confirm the analysis. The weathering zoning processed by image analysis clearly interpreted different weathering grades. This study revealed the enhanced technique as an effective tool in the preliminary evaluation of weathering effect.