Multivariate Analysis of Bore Hole Discontinuity Data

This paper describes a new and cost effective method of analyzing hard rock discontinuities from oriented core bore hole data. This algorithm uses multivariate cluster analysis to group discontinuities (joints) into sets based on orientation and spatial position (spacing) along the bore hole, and to display the data in a three dimensional stereonet. Although drift or surface exposure mapping data allows better characterization of discontinuities, bore hole data is often more readily available, because of lower costs. In addition, bore hole data may be more useful because bore holes can be drilled to the exact location where the ground needs to be characterized and bore hole data is usually available earlier in the life cycle of an engineering project.