Determination of discontinuity friction by rock mass classification

An empirical relation (‘sliding criterium’) was found between simple field descriptions of discontinuity characteristics and friction angle for discontinuities under low normal stress. The relation was established by analysing the stability of a large amount of slopes. The large amount of slope stability assessments and descriptions of discontinuity characteristics on which the relation is based, made a probability analysis of the relation possible. Une rélation empirique (‘sliding criterium’) est déterminée entre des descriptions simples du terrain des caractéristiques de discontinuité et l’angle de friction sons des conditions du stress bas normal. Cette rélation est obtenne par l’analyse la stabilité d’un…