Abstract
A computational is derived to analyse the stability of a single three-dimensional rock block. It is assumed that the block is rigid and that it is located in an otherwise fixed body of rock and bounded by a combination of flat discontinuities and excavation surfaces. In common with most other solutions for three-dimensional blocks, possible block movements are assumed to be limited to translation only, and rotation is excluded. The block geometries that can be handled by the new procedure are more complex and realistic than those in existing solutions. To start with, the block can be an arbitrary polyhedron with various re-entrant surface features, such as notches and cavities. In addition, any number of its faces may be free and exposed at excavation surfaces. The computational procedure is based on a vector analysis of the block's stability. Part of the computation tests the geometrical configuration of the fixed faces initially in contact with the block to find whether they permit it to move. If so, the procedure can determine the nature and direction of the attempted movement and can usually calculate a factor of safety indicating the likelihood that such movement will be prevented by friction. A method is also outlined for calculating areas of block faces, together with the block's volume and centre of mass. These quantities are relevant to a few of the parameters in the stability analysis.
Published Version
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 call