Application of rock mass weakening coefficient for stability assessment of slopes in heavily jointed rock mass

ABSTRACT A geotechnical investigation in a large quarry was carried out in order 10 evaluate the rock mass strength parameters for designing slopes in jointed rock formations. The quantitative and qualitative parameters of rock miss discontinuities together with the laboratory strength parameters of intact rock were used for modifying rock mass weakening coefficient The RMR system and rock mass weakening coefficient in conjunction to Hoek and Brown empirical criterion was used to predict rock mass strength. It was found that the new rock mass classification system is consistent and cheaper alternative to the RMR rating system.