A NUMERICAL STUDY OF EXCAVATION SUPPORT LOADS IN JOINTED ROCK MASSES

A computer study of excavation support loads in tunnels and other excavations in discontinuous rock masses was undertaken with the distinct element method introduced by Cundall (1971). In the distinct element method the rock mass is modelled as a composition of individual blocks of rock defined by the joint planes. Normal and shear deformation laws are ascribed to the joint surfaces; the blocks of rock themselves are considered to be rigid. The particular version of the program utilized in this study ran a mini computer and used interactive techniques for the input of geometrical data such as joint orientation and spacing and subsequent display of rock mass deformation and other data. Two major aspects of the behaviour of excavations in jointed rock masses are examined in this paper: 1) the behaviour of unsupported excavations in rock masses with varying joint configuration, joint properties and in situ stress fields; and 2) the modification of the behaviour of similar excavations when support is provided. In the latter case the excavation behaviour was examined through the use of ground reaction curves. For the covering abstract of the symposium see IRRD 284392. (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0895202972
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Issues in Rock Mechanics. Proceedings of the 23rd Symposium on Rock Mechanics, University of California, Berkeley, August 25-27, 1982.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Institute of Mining, Mettalurgy & Petroleum Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017
• Authors:
  • Voegele, M D
  • Fairhurst, C
• Conference:
  • Issues in Rock Mechanics. Proceedings of the 23rd Symposium on Rock Mechanics, University of California, Berkeley, August 25-27, 1982.
• Publication Date: 1982

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 673-683

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Conferences; Deformation; Digital computers; Excavation; Finite element method; Loads; Minicomputers; Pits; Rock jointing; Rock mechanics; Rocks; Shape; Shear strength; Stiffness; Structural design; Tunnel supports; Tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Geometry (Shape); Interactive models; Support (Tunnel); Tunnel design
• Old TRIS Terms: Excavation technology; Rock joints
• ITRD Terms: 8525: Conference; 5595: Deformation; 8673: Digital computer; 5702: Excavation pit; 6462: Interactive model; 4089: Joint (geomorphol); 5567: Load; 4154: Rock; 9073: Shape; 5531: Shear; 8645: Software; 5931: Stiffness; 3605: Timbering
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; Public Transportation; I43: Rock Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00452601
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-89520-297-2
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 1986 12:00AM