Engineering geology of the Bukit Timah Granite for cavern construction in Singapore

This granite forms one-third of the surface area of Singapore. In recent studies, the engineering geology and hydrogeology as well as the rock mass properties of the granite formation were investigated to assess its potential as a host medium for large rock caverns. This paper presents the results of the recent field and laboratory investigations, including engineering and mechanical properties, weathering characteristics, discontinuity systems, groundwater regime and general rock mass quality. The results conclude that the Bukit Timah Granite has good potential for underground cavern construction. -Authors