Research Projects

Rock mass failure at shallow depths often occurs along discontinuities in shear mode under constant normal load conditions due to low stresses, controlled by rock discontinuity shear behavior. The study of rock discontinuity shear behavior has been an important research theme for decades. Most studies have explored shear behavior either by inducing fractures in rocks or fabricating artificial/mimicked rock discontinuities made up of different materials. However, there is a limited number of researchers exploring the shear behavior issue of'real' natural un-matching rock discontinuities of hard and crystalline rocks. Major engineering constructions, such as dams, tunnels, and underground caverns, are not only confined within hard and crystalline rocks but also stretched within soft and anisotropic rocks. Comprehensive laboratory investigations are required under CNL and CNS conditions with reference to soft and anisotropic rocks, which has not gained much attention over the years. Determination of shear strength is crucial for designing safe structures on or within rock masses. Direct shear tests have gained significant attention for shear strength evaluation, but they require costly apparatuses and complex sample collection and preparation procedures. Empirical estimation of shear strength using existing criteria has advantages, but the effectiveness of these criteria in estimating shear strength for soft and anisotropic rocks remains debatable.