ABSTRACT
Site-based geotechnical engineers have a limited number of numerical tools to apply to the design of ground support in stratified rock. A simplification of the discontinuous rock mass to be an equivalent transversely-isotropic continuum is necessary. The consequent inability to invoke plasticity is not a limitation as near the excavation boundary the rock mass is more likely to be behaving in a brittle manner. Compared to assuming isotropy, the transversely isotropic approach is less dependent on strength reduction factors and provides a better prediction of stress redistribution after the excavation is formed. Improvements in the understanding of shear stiffness of bedding and foliations are required.
