3-D Rock Mass Strength Criteria—A Review of the Current Status

The presence of complex discontinuity patterns, the inherent statistical nature their geometrical parameters, uncertainties involved in estimation and geo-mechanical properties three dimensional (3-D) in-situ stress make accurate prediction rock mass strength a difficult task. It has been great challenge for mechanics engineering professions to develop criterion dimensions that incorporates effect minor intermediate principal stresses captures scale dependent anisotropic resulting from geometry such as number sets, 3-D intensity, distributions orientation size. Rock researchers have dealt with this topic more than 55 years. paper provides critical review current state art regarding jointed criteria. shortcomings several criteria are discussed. historic development incorporate capture is presented. most advanced currently available literature presented, including suggested future improvements.