A New Approach for Estimating Discontinuity Network in Rock Mass

Abstract

It is essential to reveal a rock mass network as realistic as possible for efficient production in natural stone quarries. To create an in-situ rock mass network model, data must first be obtained using one or more robust survey techniques. In addition, it is necessary to use an ideal network model that can reach as many intact blocks as possible that may be encountered in the production sector and even in the next cutting periods with their locations and dimensions. Due to the inhomogeneous and anisotropic structure of the rock mass, numerical and stochastic processes and methods are frequently used to simulate the discontinuity network. These require complex, computationally intensive operations, and the ability to represent the rock mass largely depends on the number and quality of data. In this paper, a practical approach that includes analytical and geometric solution methods for discontinuity network modelling, in which all survey techniques can be used, has been presented. The strategy aims to reflect discontinuities outside the relevant production sector to the rock mass too. Thus, an attempt is made to achieve a realistic rock mass network. The generated model has been tested on samples of highway slope and marble quarry bench, and the results have been presented.