Abstract
When the normals to two discontinuities forming a tetrahedral wedge in a rock slope lie in the opposite halves of a spherical projection divided by a diameter through the line of intersection of the discontinuities, sliding will take place down the line of intersection of the discontinuities if this is statically possible. This new criterion simplifies the analysis of the stability of rock wedges whose motion is driven only by gravity and resisted only by friction. A factor of safety can be simply calculated for all these wedges from plots of the normals to discontinuities on an overlay of a polar, equal-area spherical projection to which the great circles of a similar equatorial projection have been added. Key words: rock, slope analysis, rock wedge, graphical methods.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
