EMPIRICAL STRENGTH CRITERION FOR ROCK MASSES

An empirical strength criterion for rocks and rock masses is proposed. The nonlinear criterion includes the uniaxial compressive strength of the intact rock material and introduces two dimensionless parameters, m and s. The parameter m varies with rock type, the angle of interblock or interparticle friction and the degree of block or particle interlock. The parameter s varies from 1.0 for intact rock material to zero for granular aggregates and depends on the interparticle tensile strength and the degree of interlock within the rock mass. For anisotropic rock, both m and s vary with the orientations of the planes of weakness to the principal stress directions. Approximate relationships between rock type, rock mass quality indices, and the rock mass strength parameters m and s, are presented. These relationships have been found useful in preliminary design calculations for slopes and underground excavations in jointed rock. (ASCE)

Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/3519342
Corporate Authors:
American Society of Civil Engineers

345 East 47th Street
New York, NY United States 10017-2398
Authors:
- Hoek, E
- Brown, E T
Publication Date: 1980-9

Media Info

Features: Figures; References; Tables;
Pagination: p. 1013-35
Serial:
- Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
- Volume: 106
- Issue Number: GT9
- Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
- ISSN: 1090-0241
- Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/gto

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Aggregates; Anisotropy (Physics); Compressive strength; Design; Mass; Particles; Rock excavation; Rock jointing; Rocks; Slopes; Strength of materials; Tensile strength
Uncontrolled Terms: Criteria; Rock mass
Old TRIS Terms: Anisotropy
Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 00322657
Record Type: Publication
Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE 15715
Files: TRIS
Created Date: Mar 12 1981 12:00AM