The shear behaviour of rock joints

The methods of prediction of rock joint behaviour have traditionally relied on empiricism or over-simplified theoretical approaches. In addition only limited boundary conditions are considered in many cases. Recent advancements into rock socketed piles have resulted in a theoretically based roughness model for the shear behaviour of concrete-rock interfaces. As there are many similarities between rock-joints and the concrete-rock interface of socketed piles it is likely that the new theories are also applicable to rock joints. This paper describes the beginning of a project to expand socketed pile research to rock joints.