Probabilistic stability analysis of excavations in jointed rock

Abstract

Excavations in jointed rock may liberate rock blocks that may fall by gravity or slide along the discontinuity. The orientation of discontinuities is one of the major input parameters in the conventional deterministic stability analysis of rock blocks. As the mean orientation of a discontinuity is often derived from a large number of joint-set data obtained from site investigation, Fisher's constant is commonly employed to represent the degree of dispersion of individual discontinuity orientation. However, such dispersion factors are rarely used in the conventional analysis. A probabilistic-based approach is proposed in this paper to incorporate Fisher's constant in the stability analysis of rock blocks. To account for the uncertainty reflected by the sample dispersion, data are generated systematically around each mean discontinuity normal, based on its Fisher's constant. The probability of rock block failure at a certain location and the largest possible block volume are determined in a logical manner. A microcomputer program has been developed to automate the analysis, and illustrative examples are shown to demonstrate the importance of incorporating the Fisher's constant of individual discontinuity in the stability analysis. In addition, risk mapping plots are presented to enable visual selection of an optimal route for excavation from one location to another. Key words : discontinuity, factor of safety, probability of failure, rock block, rock excavation, stability analysis.