Methods for Determining In situ Deformation of Rock Masses

摘要

Deformability is recognized as one of the most important parameters governing the behavior of rock. Several researchers have suggested that deformation rather than stress should be used as a basis for stability assessment of rock masses. The advantage of this approach is that deformation can be observed and measured directly, whereas stress, an inferred physical quantity, cannot. Stress can only be deducted from measurements of its effects (i.e., strain or deformation). The many methods used to determine in situ deformation of rock masses pose a number of uncertainties. The paper briefly describes some popular methods and their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations.