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A nonlinear deformation modulus based on rock mass classification

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This paper describes the development of an empirical nonlinear stress dependent expression for the deformation modulus of rock masses based on rock mass classification. The expression defines the deformation modulus as the ratio of the deviator stress at failure to the major principal strain at failure. The Hoek and Brown failure criterion is used to predict the deviator stress at failure. Research was directed toward developing a failure criterion defining the major principal strain at failure. The expression for the deformation modulus was extended to rock mass conditions through correlations with observed deformations from case history studies and predicted deformations from finite element analyses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USAE Waterways Experiment Station, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, 39180-6199, Vicksburg, MS, USA

    G. A. Nicholson

  2. The Pennsylvania State University, 110 Mineral Sciences Building, 16802, University Park, PA, USA

    Z. T. Bieniawski

Authors
  1. G. A. Nicholson
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  2. Z. T. Bieniawski
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Nicholson, G.A., Bieniawski, Z.T. A nonlinear deformation modulus based on rock mass classification. International Journal of Mining and Geological Engineering 8, 181–202 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01554041

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01554041

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