Stability assessment for large underground excavations and optimum design of rock anchors

It is well known that prestressed rock anchors are quite effective support measures for stabilizing large underground openings. However, it is extremely difficult for engineers to make an accurate prediction of the behaviour of jointed rock masses reinforced by the anchors. Therefore, in engineering practice, the stability assessment of large cavities and the design of rock reinforcements are carried out on the basis of the experience and judgement of well-trained engineers. In this paper, the authors propose a new method of stability assessment for large underground excavations and of optimum design for rock anchoring by the use of DSCT (Direct Strain Control Technique) and EJCM (Equivalent Joint Compliance Model) with the Finite Element Method.