MECHANICS OF JOINTED ROCK: EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL STUDIES

The stress strain behavior of intact rock and the phenomena of friction along a single plane as well as the relation to the underlying mechanisms are reviewed. The behavior of the modeling material is consistent with that of most brittle rock. Results of the tests with jointed models which are also supported theoretically, show that the transition from brittle to ductile behavior coincides with the transition from sliding along a pre-existing joint to fracture through the intact material. Multiple joints have a systematic influence on strength and deformability depending on joint orientation, joint spacing and number of joint sets. The study of analytical methods shows that the finite element technique with the feature of special joint elements is well suited for the analysis of jointed rock masses. (Author)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • See also report dated Sep 68, PB-180 248.
• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Civil Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Einstein, H H
  • Bruhn, R W
  • Hirschfeld, R C
• Publication Date: 1970-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 122 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deformation curve; Faults; Finite element method; Fracture mechanics; Fracture properties; Mathematical models; Rock mechanics; Shear stress; Sliding friction; Structural supports; Tunneling; Underground structures
• Old TRIS Terms: Formation pressure; Geological faults; Underground supports
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039244
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: R70-62 Intrm Rpt
• Contract Numbers: C-85-65t
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM