THE INFLUENCE OF JOINT PROPERTIES IN MODELLING JOINTED ROCK MASSES

Prediction of likely response to excavation, and production of final designs for the rock reinforcement, require realistic descriptions of the components of rock mass behaviour. This article explores some of the methods that have proved reasonably successful in describing and modelling rock joints and rock masses, despite the complexities involved. Index testing of rock joints and rock mass characterisation, including geophysical methods, are the essential activities in preparation for two- and three-dimensional distinct element modelling. Recent improvements are described. (A)