ABSTRACT
Time-dependent deformations in a hard rock mass may be manifested as creep of the intact material and creep along the discontinuities. In intact crystalline rock at normal temperatures creep is primarily the product of time-dependent micro fracturing of the rock; which will produce both shear and volumetric strains if the rock is dilatant (Schwartz & Kolluru 1981, Rummel 1982). The main factors controlling creep rates in intact rock are applied deviator stress, effective confining pressure and moisture content (Kirby & McCormick 1984).
