Approach to complete limit equilibrium analysis for rock wedges ? the method of ?artificial supports?

Abstract

Approach to Complete Limit Equilibrium Analysis for Rock Wedges — The Method of “Artificial Supports” Since the movement of rock wedges or blocks is the primary phenomenon in rock mass failure, it is convenient to use limit equilibrium approaches for stability analysis. In spite of their wide use, limit equilibrium analysis is often restricted due to: 1) the usual procedural simplifications (regarding geometry, force application, failure modes), and 2) basic deficiencies of the limit equilibrium approach (the fundamentally indeterminate rigid body problem requires assumptions regarding the force reactions). The method of artificial supports intends to circumvent or reduce many of these restrictions. In particular, the problem of unknown force distribution on the supporting plane is reduced by specifically considering and optimizing a variety of reactions on these planes. All sliding modes of failure — i. e., translational, free and restrained rotational sliding — can be correctly modelled. Particularly significant is the result that the usual assumption oftranslational sliding can be incorrect andunsafe, if forces other than the weight are significant. The methodologies employed in the artificial support model can be extended to all modes of failure, i. e., lifting off and toppling in addition to the previously mentioned sliding modes; this is demonstrated with a procedure for a “complete” stability analysis for a 2-joint wedge.