ABSTRACT
Stability analysis for jointed rock structure is developed by taking account of contact condition at cracks based on the lower bound theorem in plasticity. The applicability of the proposed method is examined through the comparisons with the upper bound calculations conducted by Tamura(1990). The analysis is applied to the stability assessment of jointed rock slopes where typical inherent failure modes might take place. The non-linear shear strength of crack against the confined stress is also introduced into the analysis.
