CVEN 5768 INTRODUCTION TO ROCK MECHANICS
Final Exam, Spring 2006
Due by Friday May 05, 5:00 p.m.
Problem 1:
Consider a circular opening of radius R1 subjected to a hydrostatic stress po=(z acting at
infinity. The internal pressure in the tunnel is pi. The rock is assumed to be isotropic and has a
linearly elastic - perfectly plastic behavior. Failure of the rock is assumed to be described by a
Mohr-Coulomb criterion with
(2)
with q = tan2(B/4 + N/2) and Co = 2Sotan(B/4 + N/2). In equation (1), N and So are the internal
friction angle and shear strength (cohesion) of the rock, respectively.
For certain values of the applied stresses and the rock strength properties, failure of the rock may
occur in a region R1 # r # R in which equation (2) is satisfied. Outside this region (r > R), the
rock behaves elastically.
Consider the following equation of equilibrium
(3)
Also, assume that F2 > Fr.
(a) Determine the expressions for the stresses in the plastic and elastic zones. Determine the
expression of R/R1 in terms of po/pi and Co/pi.
(b) Assume pi = 5 psi, R1 = 20 ft, ( = 160 pcf, N = 40° and So = 1,000 psi. Show the variation of
R/R1 with depth z. Select a depth z for which R/R1 is much larger than unity. For that depth show
the stress distribution around the opening. How do those stresses differ from those obtained
assuming elastic response only ?
(Hint: Read section 16.5 in “Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics” by J.C. Jaeger and N.G.W.
Cook)
Problem 2
A block weighing 200 MN rests on a plane P, striking N 10 E and dipping 60 NW (60/280).
The available friction angle is believed to be 30 degrees.
1) Find the minimum force for stabilizing the block with a safety factor of 2.5 using rock
bolts
2) Find the force for stabilizing the block with a safety factor of 2.5 if the bolts are installed
10 degrees below horizontal to the N 88 E.
3) What water force acting on plane P could cause failure after the rock bolts are installed as
in case b)?