THE EFFECT OF DISCONTINUITY PERSISTENCE ON ROCK SLOPE STABILITY

Discontinuity persistence has a major effect on rock mass resistance (strength) but, as direct mapping of discontinuities internal to a rock mass is not possible, persistence is a difficult parameter to measure. As a result, the conservative approach of assuming full persistence is often taken. In this paper a method is developed for relating rock mass stability and hence persistence to the geometry and spatial variability of discontinuities. The method is applied to slope stability calculations in which the probability of failure is related to discontinuity data, as obtained in joint surveys. The complete method makes use of dynamic programming and simulation, but a closed form expression satisfactory for most purposes is also presented. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01489062
• Corporate Authors:

  Pergamon Press, Incorporated

  Headington Hill Hall
  Oxford OX30BW,    
• Authors:
  • Einstein, H H
  • Veneziano, D
  • Baecher, G B
• Publication Date: 1983-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 227-236
• Serial:
  • Intl J of Rock Mech & Mining Sci & Geomechanic Abs
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Pergamon Press, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0148-9062

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Discrete systems; Dynamic programming; Failure; Mass; Mathematical models; Mechanical stability; Rock jointing; Rocks; Shape; Simulation; Slope stability; Strength of materials
• Uncontrolled Terms: Discontinuity; Discontinuous; Rock mass
• Old TRIS Terms: Resistance
• ITRD Terms: 9015: Discontinuous; 5520: Failure; 4089: Joint (geomorphol); 6473: Mathematical model; 4154: Rock; 9073: Shape; 9103: Simulation; 5783: Slope stability; 5930: Stability; 5544: Strength (mater)
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I43: Rock Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00384537
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: May 30 1984 12:00AM