Summary
The measurement of surface profiles is presented as a useful and simple approach to classifying statistically the essential features of rock joints. After introducing the reader to some existing analytical joint contact models for normal loading, a discrete numerical technique is developed. Using this technique the mechanical behaviour of a number of different slate joints is examined. The functional relationships between nominal stress, stiffness, true contact area and initial aperture are shown, for this class of joints, to be surprisingly simple. Experimental evidence is used to substantiate the numerical results. From the point of view of in-situ joint stiffness and hydraulic conductivity, numerical predictions seem feasible provided the degree of “mating” at some known stress level can be determined.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bury, K. V. (1975): Statistical Models in Applied Science. New York: Wiley & Sons.
Dershowitz, W., Baecher, G., Einstein, H. H. (1979): Prediction of Rock Mass Deformability. Proc. 4th I. S. R. M. Congress, Montreux1, 605–611.
Duncan, N., Hancock, K. E. (1966): The Concept of Contact Stress in Assessment of the Behaviour of Rock Mass as Structural Foundations. Proc. 1st I. S. R. M. congress, Lisbon2, 537–542.
Goodman, R. E. (1976): Methods of Geological Engineering in Discontinuous Rocks, St. Paul: West Publishing.
Greenwood, J. A., Tripp, J. H. (1971): The Contact of Two Nominally Flat Rough Surfaces. Proc. Inst. Mech. Engrs.185, 625–633.
Greenwood, J. A., Williamson, J. B. P. (1966): Contact of Nominally Flat Surfaces. Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A,295, 300–319.
Hungr, O., Coates, D. F. (1978): Deformability of Joints and its Relation to Rock Foundation Settlements. Can. Geotech. J.15, 239–249.
Iwai, K. (1976): Fundamental Studies of Fluid Flow through a Single Fracture. Ph.D. Thesis. University of California-Berkeley.
Kulhawy, F. M. (1978): Geomechanical Model for Rock Foundation Settlement. Geotechn. Eng. Div., A. S. C. E., 104, GT2, 211–227.
Nuri, K. A., Halling, J. (1975): The Normal Approach between Rough Flat Surfaces in Contact. Wear32, 81–93.
Pratt, H. R., Swolfs, H. S., Brace, W. F., Black, A. D., Handin, J. W. (1977): Elastic Transport Properties of an In Situ Jointed Granite. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr.14, 35–45.
Rengers, N. (1971): Influence of Surface Roughness on the Friction Properties of Rock Planes. Proc. 2nd I. S. R. M. Congress, Belgrad, 1–31, 229–234.
Rosso, R. S. (1976): A Comparison of Joint Stiffness Measurements in Direct Shear, Triaxial Compression, and In Situ. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr.13, 167–172.
Swan, G. (1981a): Tribology and the Characterization of Rock Joints. Proc. 22nd U. S. Rock Mech. Symposium, Boston, 402–407.
Swan, G. (1981b): The Stiffness of Joints — A Workshop Report. Research Report TULEA 1981: 22, Univ. of Luleå, Sweden.
Walsh, J. B., Grosenbaugh, M. A. (1979): A New Model for Analyzing the Effect of Fractures on Compressiblity. Jul. Geophysical Res.84, B7, 3532–3536.
Witherspoon, P. A., Tsang, Y. W., Long, J. C. S., Noorishad, J. (1981): New Approaches to Problems of Fluid Flow in Fractured Rock Masses. Proc. 22nd U. S. Rock Mech. Symposium, Boston, 1–20.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Swan, G. Determination of stiffness and other joint properties from roughness measurements. Rock Mech Rock Engng 16, 19–38 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01030216
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01030216