Theory and practice in rock mechanics. Reflections upon twenty years of personal experience

Abstract

On the basis of his personal experience, gathered along a 20-year career, the author lectures upon applicability of theoretical developments in several branches of Rock Mechanics. Especially discussed are matters of particular concern to schistose rocks, viz., rheological behaviour, anisotropy interpretation and characterization, rupture mechanisms, and mechanical relevance of schistosity. The influence of confinement and the setting-up of natural stresses in rock masses are also dealt with. Finally, a number of problems are treated which are more closely connected with engineering preocupations, e. g., mechanical behaviour of mine pillars, deformation and failure of tabular stopes, behaviour of near-surface zones in rock masses, and rock workability.