Rock reinforcement systems

Abstract

A terminology for reinforcement practice is proposed based on the idea that a reinforcement device, rock mass and reinforced rock mass are all systems of components. It follows that the force-deformation behaviour of each system is a consequence of the particular physical and mechanical characteristics of the system components and their interactions. Using this systems approach and the associated terminology, a method is proposed for the design of reinforcement for excavations in jointed rock. The design method is based on identifying and stabilising the blocks of rock that may form at the excavation boundary. It uses the early developments in block theory for identification and stability assessment of the blocks. These developments are supplemented with new reinforcement design and stability assessment procedures for the unstable blocks.