Additional points 37 1Computer programs are available for many rock mechanics purposes
including the analysis of rock mass geometry, the blocks which will
be intersected by an excavation and which blocks will be unstable, the
stresses and strains induced by excavation, and other subjects such as
coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical predictions. The diagram in Fig. 19.7
of the predicted unstable blocks in shaft excavation was compiled from
outputs of UNWEDGE ’.
The seminal book on the design of underground excavations is Hoek
and Brown (1980), which includes chapters on planning considera-
tions, classification of rock masses, geological data collection, graphical
presentation of geological data, stresses around underground excava-
tions, strength of rock and rock masses, underground excavation failure
mechanisms, underground excavation support design, rockbolts and
shotcrete and mesh, blasting in underground excavations, and instru-
mentation.
UNWEDGE and other programs are available from http://www.rocscience.com