Maximum Strength of Opening in Crack-Weakened Rock Mass

Abstract

Based on the uniform strength and minimized stress intensity factor, the maximum strength shape of an opening in rock mass is theoretically analyzed. The criterion and solution method are proposed for the problem on prevention of failure in rock mass with opening under the action of tectonic forces and gravity. The constructed closed system of algebraic equations enables minimization of stress intensity factors depending on mechanical and geometrical parameters of rock mass.