Abstract The Himalayas comprise a wide diversity of rock types with variations in the rock mass’s inherent textural characteristics and structural features. This terrain has been explored frequently for numerous rock engineering projects and is witnessing progressive infrastructure development owing to the potential of tourism and the prospect of producing hydroelectricity. Moreover, the instability of rock masses continues to be a cause of concern in the region. Therefore, the insight into the physico-mechanical properties of the Himalayan rocks has significant implications for determining appropriate support systems and ensuring cost-effective, sustainable and efficient construction of various structures such as dams, bridges, underground openings, or rock excavations and for optimising the drilling and blasting parameters. Over the period, several researchers have evaluated the engineering properties of the Himalayan rocks from different perspectives. However, a brief review of the variation of rock properties for different tectonostratigraphic zones through the available literature is somewhat elusive to date. In line with this, the present study focused on an in-depth analysis of this issue by scrutinising and assessing accessible research articles on the engineering characteristics of Himalayan rocks. Secondly, possible avenues for further investigations have been presented to provide insight to researchers by identifying the scope and potential of future research in the Himalayan region. This review article can serve as a reference for geotechnical practitioners seeking insights into the properties of rock materials across various rock types in the region. Research highlights <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> Comprehensive review of the physico-mechanical properties of Himalayan rocks across distinct tectono-stratigraphic zones, linking deformation, mineralogy, and anisotropy to engineering behavior. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Himalayan rocks exhibit pronounced strength anisotropy influenced by foliation angle, deformation, mineralogy, and weathering; empirical correlations show wide variability, while dynamic loading further amplifies strength differences, particularly in high-grade metamorphic rocks. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Compilation of generalized property tables and discussion of future research directions for improving geotechnical characterization and empirical estimation of rock properties in the Himalayas. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList>

Engineering properties of Himalayan rocks: a comprehensive review across tectono-stratigraphic zones

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年5月11日

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Bikash Kumar Ram,
Divyanshoo Singh,
Hemant Kumar Singh,
Vikram Gupta,
Deepak Amban Mishra,
Sandeep Kumar

摘要

Abstract

The Himalayas comprise a wide diversity of rock types with variations in the rock mass’s inherent textural characteristics and structural features. This terrain has been explored frequently for numerous rock engineering projects and is witnessing progressive infrastructure development owing to the potential of tourism and the prospect of producing hydroelectricity. Moreover, the instability of rock masses continues to be a cause of concern in the region. Therefore, the insight into the physico-mechanical properties of the Himalayan rocks has significant implications for determining appropriate support systems and ensuring cost-effective, sustainable and efficient construction of various structures such as dams, bridges, underground openings, or rock excavations and for optimising the drilling and blasting parameters. Over the period, several researchers have evaluated the engineering properties of the Himalayan rocks from different perspectives. However, a brief review of the variation of rock properties for different tectonostratigraphic zones through the available literature is somewhat elusive to date. In line with this, the present study focused on an in-depth analysis of this issue by scrutinising and assessing accessible research articles on the engineering characteristics of Himalayan rocks. Secondly, possible avenues for further investigations have been presented to provide insight to researchers by identifying the scope and potential of future research in the Himalayan region. This review article can serve as a reference for geotechnical practitioners seeking insights into the properties of rock materials across various rock types in the region.

Research highlights

Comprehensive review of the physico-mechanical properties of Himalayan rocks across distinct tectono-stratigraphic zones, linking deformation, mineralogy, and anisotropy to engineering behavior.

Himalayan rocks exhibit pronounced strength anisotropy influenced by foliation angle, deformation, mineralogy, and weathering; empirical correlations show wide variability, while dynamic loading further amplifies strength differences, particularly in high-grade metamorphic rocks.

Compilation of generalized property tables and discussion of future research directions for improving geotechnical characterization and empirical estimation of rock properties in the Himalayas.