Rock mass structure

Abstract

Rock differs from most other engineering materials in that it contains fractures of one type or another which render its structure discontinuous. Thus a clear distinction must be made between the rock element or rock material on the one hand and the rock mass on the other. Rock material is the term used to describe the intact rock between discontinuities; it might be represented by a hand specimen or piece of drill core examined in the laboratory. The rock mass is the total in situ medium containing bedding planes, faults, joints, folds and other structural features. Rock masses are discontinuous and often have heterogeneous and anisotropic engineering properties.