A NEW BACK ANALYSIS METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ROCK MASS STRENGTH PARAMETERS BASED ON FIELD AE MONITORING DATA

Abstract

Most back-analyses in geotechnical engineering are based on field displacement monitoring data. In the present study, a novel method is developed to back-calculate rock mass strength parameters from AE monitoring data in combination with an FEM analysis. The method is based on the important concept of generalized AE initiation threshold of rock masses, established from comprehensive data analysis of laboratory tests and underground AE monitoring programs. One example is given to demonstrate the back analysis process using AE monitoring data recorded from the Kannagawa powerplant cavern. The rock mass strength parameters identified from this approach compare well with field test data.