For the pertinent use of NMT method, both characteristics of joints (JRC, JCS and ${\phi}_r$) and characteristics of rock mass (Q-Value) must be investigated carefully. The main objective of the study presented is to investigate how sensitive the pred...
For the pertinent use of NMT method, both characteristics of joints (JRC, JCS and ${\phi}_r$) and characteristics of rock mass (Q-Value) must be investigated carefully. The main objective of the study presented is to investigate how sensitive the predicted behaviour of an underground excavation is to various realistic assumptions about some input parameter for the jointed rock mass. Joint pattern in the tunnel is predicted by statistical approach (chi-square test). In this paper, sensitivity studies involving in joint characteristics were carried out. The parametric studies involving change in Barton-Bandis joint model have shown that JCS is relatively insensitive to JRC and ${\phi}_r$. An increase in JRC value may not, according to the Barton-Bandis model, necessarily lead to a decrease in displacement. The importance of dilation in predicting the behaviour of a rock mass around an excavation is emphasized from a comparison of the Barton-Bandis joint behaviour model with the Mohr-Coulomb model. The Barton-Bandis model predicted higher stress, which allow for the build-up of stress caused by dilatant behaviour.