16 - Stabilization principles

Abstract

This chapter explores the principles of stabilization whether for staying in the pre-peak region, or for allowing the rock to pass into the post-peak region and utilizing its residual strength. The chapter discusses two fundamental methods of stabilization, namely, rock reinforcement and rock support. In each case, the behavior of essentially continuous and discontinuous rock masses is discussed separately and considers the principles of stabilization when the rock mass behavior has attributes of both a continuum and a discontinuum (e.g. slip on planes of weakness). The chapter concentrates on two aspects of rock excavation. The first is that “one cannot prevent all displacements at the excavation boundary”. The second is that “a mistake in excavation design can be a major problem.” It also describes the three primary effects of excavation and then decides on the ramifications for stabilizing excavations of all kinds.