HoekBrownkriterier

HoekBrownkriterier refers to a constitutive model used in rock mechanics to predict the failure of rock masses. Developed by E. Hoek and E. T. Brown, it is an empirical criterion that describes the shear strength of intact rock and rock masses. The criterion relates the major and minor principal stresses at failure.

The original Hoek-Brown criterion was developed for intact rock and was later extended to account for the influence of geological structure, such as joints, faults, and bedding planes. The extended criterion introduces a factor that quantifies the influence of these discontinuities, effectively reducing the overall strength of the rock mass compared to intact rock.

The parameters of the Hoek-Brown criterion are determined through laboratory testing of rock samples and field investigations of the rock mass. These parameters include the unconfined compressive strength of the intact rock, a material constant, and the geological strength index (GSI). The GSI is a qualitative system used to assess the condition of the rock mass based on its structure and the surface conditions of discontinuities.

The Hoek-Brown criterion is widely used in geotechnical engineering for the design of tunnels, slopes, foundations, and other underground excavations. It provides a relatively simple yet effective method for estimating the strength and stability of rock masses under various stress conditions. However, it is important to note that the criterion is empirical and relies on the accurate estimation of its input parameters.