This paper addresses the problem of obtaining the information to support rock mechanics modelling and rock engineering design. A large amount of relevant material exists worldwide on previous rock parameter determinations, modelling exercises, design work, and construction projects. However, the information learnt from these activities is not easily accessible and useable, i.e. there has been no attempt to develop a ‘corporate memory’ system for rock mechanics and rock engineering. A structure for such a system is outlined comprising tables of intact and rock mass properties, libraries of standard and case example modelling solutions, and libraries of design and construction case examples. The procedure for initial implementation of the memory system under the aegis of the ISRM is described.
When conducting rock mechanics modelling and incorporating the results into rock engineering design, it is clearly advantageous to use all the relevant techniques and information that are available. Currently, this is often not achieved because knowledge of the techniques and information is not readily available, i.e. there is no overall mechanism for recalling the relevant information. In other words, the modelling and design is not supported by a ‘memory system’. We will term this memory the ‘corporate memory’ or ‘organisational memory’ of the rock mechanics and rock engineering community. The thrust of this general description of the corporate memory requirement applies directly to rock mechanics modelling and rock engineering design and is the motiva-tion for the content of this paper. Those of us involved in rock mechanics use our memory extensively in the modelling and design process, from understanding the rock mechanics principles, to estimating typical rock properties from experience, to having expertise with computer programs, to knowledge of previous modelling exercises, to rock construction designs that have succeeded, and sometimes failed.
