A modified model of a single rock joint shear behavior in limestone specimens

TL;DR

This study modifies the Goodman model to better predict shear behavior of limestone rock joints under constant normal load, validated with experimental data and requiring fewer variables.

Contribution

A modified Goodman model for limestone rock joint shear behavior under CNL, with improved accuracy and simplicity.

Findings

The modified model correlates better with experimental data.

It requires fewer variables than the original model.

The model's applicability was successfully validated.

Abstract

The shear behavior of a single rock joint in limestone specimens, under a constant normal load (CNL), was analyzed in this study. Test specimens with different asperity roughness were prepared and tested. The Goodman model of a rock joint shear behavior, under CNL, was modified to render a better representation of the data obtained. The model applicability was validated. The proposed model shows better correlation with experimental data. It also, requires fewer variables. The steps to calculate all the necessary variables for the model are discussed.