ABSTRACT

Traditional models of discontinuity shear strength have often provided different estimates of shear strength based on variations in input parameters. Two of the most commonly used failure criteria are the Mohr-Coulomb (MC) and Barton-Bandis (BB) models. In an attempt to obtain a clearer understanding of when different criteria may be used most effectively, the shear resistance mobilized at the onset of deformation in a rock slope has been compared with the estimates of strength using MC and BB failure criteria. This was done using a Discrete Element Method for the rock slope in question.