The significant differences between hard rocks (more brittle) and soft rocks (more ductile) may suggest the use of different failure criteria. A strength criterion for soft rocks that includes intermediate principal stress was proposed. The new criterion includes two independent parameters: the uniaxial compressive strength (σ_ci), which can be obtained from common laboratory tests or indirectly estimated by alternative index tests in the laboratory or field; and f(joint), which is used to characterize the rock mass quality and can be easily estimated. The authors compared the predictive capabilities of the new criterion with other criteria using the database of soft rocks under two conditions: with and without triaxial data. For the estimation of triaxial and true-triaxial strengths, the new criterion generally produced a better fit. The proposed criterion is practical for an approximate first estimation of rock mass strength, even without triaxial data, as it balances accuracy (lower prediction error) and simplicity (fewer independent parameters).

.     EDITORIAL TRACKING SYSTEM is utilized for manuscript submission, review, editorial processing and tracking which can be securely accessed by the authors, reviewers and editors for monitoring and tracking the article processing. Manuscripts can be upload online at Editorial Tracking System (https://www.longdom.org/submissions/geology-geosciences.html) or forwarded to the Editorial Office at geology@journalsci.org

Media Contact:               

Rooba

Journal Manager

Geology and Geophysics

Email: geology@journalsci.org