An experimental study on strength behaviour of Jointed Rock Mass through modelling under uniaxial compression tests

Abstract

Stability analysis of a rock mass is an important and complicated problem related to the safety of engineering buildings. One of the major tasks of engineering geomechanics is to evaluate the rock mass stability both qualitatively and quantitatively. The ultimate strength and deformation of jointed rock mass are important parameters that designers look for in selecting sites for foundations of civil structures in rocks.

In nature rock is exists as a rock mass. It is a discontinuous medium with fissures, fractures, joints, bedding planes, and faults. These discontinuities may exist with or without gouge material. The strength of rock masses depends on the behaviour of these discontinuities or planes of weakness. The frequency of joints, their orientation with respect to the engineering structures, and the roughness of the joint have a significant importance from the stability point of view. Reliable characterization of the strength and deformation behaviour of jointed rocks is very important for safe design of various types of civil structures such as arch dams, bridge piers, and tunnels.