The Design of Rock Slopes and Foundations

General report for Third Congress of the International Society for Rock Mechanics.–Denver, 1974.–78 с.
A critical review of the present "State of the Art" of the design of surface workings in rock is
presented in this report which is divided into four sections:
Appraisal of rock masses
Design methods
Rock slopes
Rock foundations
Site investigation techniques, laboratory tests, mathematical and physical models are all
examined in the light of their relevance to engineering design. The use of the factor of safety as
a design index is discussed and an assessment is given of the most practical approach to
designing rock slopes and foundations. The influence of groundwater on the stability of surface
workings is considered and the use of drainage and grouting for groundwater control is
discussed. Other methods for improving stability, including the use of controlled blasting
techniques and the reinforcement of the rock mass, are considered.