Static analysis of the stability of three-dimensional blocky systems around excavations in rock

Abstract This paper describes the development of a procedure for three-dimensional analysis of the static stability of an assembly of polyhedral rock blocks around an underground excavation. The method is based on graph theory, and involves systematic analysis of the spatial arrangement of the blocks. The relationship between a structured graph and block system topology is investigated in order to identify removable blocks, i.e. blocks that are geometrically and kinematically free to become detached from the remaining system of blocks. Algorithms to construct paths of removable blocks from a given block system are described, together with post-processing procedures for creating graphic computer displays of the blocky system, and of the stable and unstable blocks.

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