Our Services

Using the Stochastic Approach to Discontinuity Shear Strength (StADSS) approach developed at the University of Newcastle, we can characterise the discontinuity shear strength of a natural rock joint/discontinuity at full scale. This process requires access to a daylighting seed trace ideally, of the full length of the discontinuity, a detailed material strength characterisation, and normal stress as inputs. Our modelling approach also allows for variability of input parameters to conduct efficient sensitivity analyses.

Using the Newcastle Deterministic Shear Strength (NDSS) model we can determine the shear strength of an exposed surface. If a characteristic joint has been exposed on site, a 3D point cloud of the surface can be captured with a laser scanner or by photogrammetry and input into our model with material strength parameters and normal stress. The model produces a single value for peak and residual shear strength which can be used for back analyses or design. Monte-Carlo simulations with variable material strength can also be performed.

We can conduct material strength testing to support StADSS or NDSS analyses. This testing will be conducted in accordance with relevant standards. Whilst this is not a standard service offered by us, the data is essential to our analysis. Hence, we can help you characterise your material to enable us to apply StADSS. We can:

• Characterise Hoek-Brown intact material strength parameters in accordance with ISRM Suggested Method,
• Characterise the basic friction angle of a material in accordance with ISRM Suggested Method, and
• Determine the material dry/in-situ density.