..., is being used (Hoek et al. 1995). The Q, RMR and GSI systems are discussed. 2 DATA ACCURACY FOR ROCK CLASSIFICATION Most of the commonly used classification systems are based on four general rock mass properties: 1. Strength of the intact rock 2. Strength of discontinuities in the rock mass 3. Size...

..., the orientation, continuity, spacing and strength of the discontinuities and the in-situ stress. Combined finite element/discrete element models are suitable for simulating rock engineering problems, such as block caving, that are characterised by a transformation from a continuous to a discontinuous state...

... fault and at the top, it is controlled by two joint sets perpendi- cular to bedding. Bedding joints are persistent over tens to hundreds of meters, while cross joints are discontinuous. Fossey (1986) further mapped the area at the southern end of the slide, known as South Peak, where he undertook a more...

... operations commencing in 1998. metals & mining back analysis discontinuity sequence stope back analysis technique characteristic orientation rock mass quality Kanowna Reservoir Characterization rock mass damage strength rock mass variability rock mass condition geometry open stope...

... by diastroph- ism: folds are cut by faults and discontinuities, from the smaller to the larger scales, are clearly visible along the slopes. Alternating strata with contrasting geomechanical properties characterize the slope. The main causes of instability include appreciable thicknesses of marly- clay soils...

... classification rms discontinuity gms reservoir geomechanics strength right bank classification system rock mass classification system khorram-roud dam site SLT rock unit rock unit consolidation dam site ROCK mass CHARACTERIZATION dominant discontinuity rock mass foundation 1 INTRODUCTION...

... developed by Hedley & Grant (1972). Table 2. Summary of observed pillar instability associated with bench mining. Case W:H Develop W:H Benched Average Pillar stress (MPa) Instability Observed 1 1.3 0.59 13.1 Large discontinuities exposed by benching, evidence of high horizontal stress, diagonal shearing...

... Artificial Intelligence failure criteria coulomb failure criteria rock slope probability distribution Upstream Oil & Gas criterion failure criterion plane jointed rock slope reserves evaluation stability analysis probabilistic analysis basic variable discontinuity probability...

... models were constructed and tested for their stability response to varying rock mass and discontinuity strength parameters. Several indicators provided by the distinct element code UDEC were used in combination with field observations to assess the likely failure mechanism, and identify the geological...

... pipe is the subject of a feasibility study. metals & mining Upstream Oil & Gas hydraulic fracturing orientation fluid modeling complex reservoir kimberlite pipe Proportion continuity equation of state strength stability discontinuity rock mass fracture rock bridge safety...

... element simulations in rock masses largely depends on joint pattern and orientation, accurate discontinuities orientation, spacing and location of discrete surface features have been directly gathered from data provided by TLS. This paper describes the stability analyses carried out on simulating...

... lining rock mass construction tunnel lining intrusive body Furen tunnel discontinuity widening the valley tunnel Reservoir Characterization shear zone foliation shotcrete eastern portal alignment perpendicular 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1.1 Location The Susten Pass is located in central...

.... The failure analysis was done by GALENA software based on limit equilibrium method and optimum slope de- sign was recommended. 4 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISATION OF DISCONTINUITIES Geotechnical mapping was done on the exposed benches of the surface mine. The mapping was done as per the norms of ISRM (1978...

...) and the geometry of the excavations. Brady & Brown (1993) discussed crown pillar failure mechanisms based on the different types of discontinuous ground surface subsidence. They included in their study progressive crown pillar failure associated with block caving mining. Figure 2 summarises the most common classes...

... is applied on a regular basis (every round) in order to support the underground exploration program. From the acquired 3D images thorough geological mapping is performed as the system allows directly measuring geometric information on visible discontinuities such as dip and dip direction. The major benefits...

... characteristics including discontinuity orientation, spacing, persistence and roughness. In this paper, the authors, using laser scans of several rock slopes, illustrate the limitations and bias in structural data collection that must be allowed for. Orientation bias can occur both horizontally (laser plan angle...

..., we generate various combinations of geometric conditions of discontinuities using UDEC. Non-persistent joints generated in the UDEC models are assigned distributed joint properties randomly. A degradation model is developed in UDEC to simulate the combined failure process of intact rock and joints...

... Upstream Oil & Gas mechanism hammah discontinuity Strength Reduction total displacement fe-ssr method displacement contour rock mass blocky rock slope blocky rock mass fe-ssr analysis slope problem failure mechanism slope stability analysis element shear strength reduction...

... of discontinuity data and ending with stability analyses. Discontinuities in a rock mass such as joints, foliation or faults form blocks. While the blocks usually consist of competent rock, discontinuities represent zones of weakness. The properties and the behaviour of the discontinuities are therefore critical...

... knowledge management strength slope failure interslice boundary rock mass sensitivity analysis Upstream Oil & Gas discontinuity safety factor inclination dip slope Reservoir Characterization stability analysis bedding slip surface shear strength metals & mining mechanism...