Abstract The Paleozoic rocks are well exposed in the Taungnyo area and the main purpose of classification is taxonomic status of the invertebrate fossils and describing the systematic paleontology of brachiopod fossils from Taungnyo Formation. Mainly distributed clastic sedimentary rocks of Taungnyo Forma tion (Early Carboniferous) and carbonate rocks of Moulmein Limestone Group (Permian to Middle Triassic) are well exposed in the Taungnyo area. In this study, mainly, a total of five species are recognized in the clastic sediments of Taungnyo Formation. Most brachiopods are generally found abundant and well preserved in the mudstone unit. Among them, most of the taxa have not been recorded previously. The brachiopods include: Fim brispirifer venustus, Ovetensispirifer ovetensium, Aullacella sp., Kayserellae emanuelensis, and Chonopectus sp. All of the species are first recorded in Myanmar.

Abstract The process of evaluating rock mass strength requires that major structural features such as joints that influence rock strength are considered. In carbonate rock masses, however, the strength of the rock mass is largely dependent on intact rock strength and structural features play a secondary role. Laboratory experiments on porous rock have shown that intact rock strength reduces with increasing porosity, which has a direct effect on the rock mass strength. Rock porosity has however not been well accounted for in rock mass characterization methods currently in use. This research applies the modified GSI method for carbonate rock masses which is based on a combination of GSI and total porosity. The main aim is to quantify the GSI with respect to rock porosity which is a direct indicator of the state of karstification, as an inherent feature that affects rock mass strength. An empirical equation is proposed whereby the GSI as observed in the field is modified by a natural log of the value of porosity, giving rise to a modified GSI (GSIm). The GSIm together with laboratory properties of rock is used to determine the proper ties of Vipingo coral limestone from RocLab software. A deterministic para metric slope stability analysis is done using the finite element software Phase 2 with the rock mass properties as input parameters. The analysis results point to a direct dependence of the slope stability on slope angle, slope height and rock mass strength of the lithological unit. The graphs make a useful de sign guide for slopes engineered in this type of rock mass.

Abstract Mari Bugti hills and surroundings belong to Sulaiman basin (fragment of Gondwana) lies under the territory of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan) but luckily have diverse marine and terrestrial sediments varying in age from Triassic to Recent, petroleum and a large number of mineral resources especially huge gypsum and cement resources, numerous suitable anticlinal structures and world-famous paleontology. The large-sized poripuchian titanosaurs, theropods, mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird and snake were reported from the latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation, and largest terrestrial mammals and eucrocodiles were reported from the Oligocene Chitarwata Formation and other mammals were also reported from Late Paleogene and Neogene terrestrial deposits. Previously part of this area was not mapped due to remoteness and security problems but recently the mapping of these areas was started. Further, the structural and geological maps of previously omitted parts are added here. After performing the multidisciplinary field investigations by senior author, the corresponding results were obtained. The main objective of this work is to focus on the lithostratigraphic deposits, structure, geological history, economic geology and paleontology of the Mari Bugti Hills and surrounding areas.

Abstract Mosul and Haditha dams are two large earthfill dams in Iraq constructed on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, respectively. The two dams were con structed almost at the same period in the mid-eighties of the last century. Both dams suffer from karstification within their foundations. In the former, however, the problem is more severe than the latter. Mosul Dam was constructed on karstified gypsum and limestone beds; different grouting techniques were used, but the works in grouting are still going on to keep the dam as safe as possible as the sealing of the foundation is hampered by the type of geology. Haditha Dam was constructed on karstified limestone and gypsum rocks also. To avoid the effect of the karstification on the safety of this dam, an exceptionally long grout curtain was constructed as foun dation treatment work. The length of the grout curtain extended under the earth fill dam and the concrete structures in the river channel and extended beyond the abutments forming left and right sides extensions to cut off water percolation around the dam which could cause the formation of sinkholes. The depths of all parts of the curtain varied following the karstification zones and intensities. The details of both dams are discussed using updated data and relying on the experience of the authors. The current status of both dams is also discussed with some recommendations to keep both dams as safe as possible.