Development of a New Methodology for Rock Engineering Design
Abstract
The research conducted for this contract was aimed at developing a new methodology for rock engineering design using a systems approach termed 'Rock Engineering Systems' (RES). The basis of this 'top-down' approach is to first establish the engineering objective(s), and then construct a diagram, an interaction matrix, in which all the variables relevant to the problem are listed, together with their interactions. The matrix device enables all the interactions, or mechanisms, to be coherently and comprehensively identified. Mechanism pathways through the interaction matrix enable all potential concatenations of mechanisms and consequences to be listed. The work was successfully completed following the objectives and milestones in the contract. The flow charts for the design methodology were improved following further literature study and research in the first year. Also, the link between this interaction matrix approach and the maths associated with set theory, matrix theory and network theory was clarified in the first year. In the second year, the problem of computerizing the methodology was addressed. In the third year, the methodology was refined and successfully tested on a surface site (rock slopes in Spain) and an underground site (the AECL Underground Research Laboratory in Canada). Thus, the Rock Engineering Systems design methodology was successfully developed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA285996
Entities
People
- John A. Hudson