Strain Distribution Around Underground Openings. Finite Element Analysis of Jointed Systems

As a part of the total effort to determine if the element method analysis will permit prediction of safe spans for existing and proposed underground openings, it was the objective of this portion of the project to extend the continuum model for underground openings, employing the finite element method to consideration of the rock mass as a two-dimensional jointed medium, in order to improve prediction of stresses around and displacement within underground openings. Three-dimensional effects were also considered. See also AD735376.