Geometric identification of stochastic block in block theory

The shapes, sizes and locations of blocks in rock mass cut by discontinuities are stochastic. The geostatistics and computer technology are applied to simulate the 3-D stochastic discontinuities. Then, the 3-D stochastic block can be searched by means of block theory and topology analysis, so that the distributions of shapes, sizes and locations of blocks can be analyzed statistically. In the procedure of searching the approaches of combination of intersections of discontinuity traces, judgment of rotation directions and the judgment of spatial positions of intersections are to be applied. The applications of the proposed method for searching the blocks in the joints of slope surfaces and the arch roof of cavern are presented.