Strength theory of homogeneous jointed rock mass

Estimating strength in order to predict failure of rock mass is one of the major tasks for rock mechanicians. However, this is the most difficult topic in rock mechanics, although there has been much research over several decades (Greenwald, 1941; Barton, 1974; Hoek, 1990).

Two approaches are currently used to determine rock mass strength: in situ tests and empirical methods by rock mass classification. For technical reasons, in-situ tests are mostly used for measuring the shear strength of individual discontinuities. They are very rarely used for rock mass strength, as it is difficult to obtain the compressive strength...