ABSTRACT:
This paper describes a process of cutting blocks from statistically generated finite joint polygons in 3-d space. If the ratio of joint length divided by joint spacing is less than 10, the rock mass is likely connected and stable. If this joint length ratio is greater than 10, the rock is likely to be blocky and removable blocks should be found. The paper also presents an algorithm for finding all removable blocks along any given moving direction. The rock mass boundary can be any excavated and natural free surfaces. The algorithm works for both joint sets and for any joint system where each joint has its own direction. This is an application of polygon cutting code DC of 3 -d DDA.
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2006. American Rock Mechanics Association
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