A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations
The disturbance factor (<i>D</i>) in the Hoek–Brown criterion quantifies excavation-induced rock mass disturbance. Although <i>D</i> is conceptually defined as a continuous parameter ranging from 0 to 1, the most recent Hoek–Brown guidelines provide descriptions only for boun...
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2025-06-01
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| author | Gulseren Dagdelenler Harun Sonmez |
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| description | The disturbance factor (<i>D</i>) in the Hoek–Brown criterion quantifies excavation-induced rock mass disturbance. Although <i>D</i> is conceptually defined as a continuous parameter ranging from 0 to 1, the most recent Hoek–Brown guidelines provide descriptions only for boundary conditions related to slopes and tunnels. In slope excavations, the degree of disturbance is governed not only by the excavation method but also by the thickness of the removed overburden, with its influence becoming particularly significant in deep excavations. In recent years, the concept of a transitional disturbance factor, varying with depth from the excavation surface, has gained increasing attention. To address this need, the EXCASS system, an empirical method for selecting appropriate excavation techniques based on the Geological Strength Index (<i>GSI</i>) and point load strength (<i>I<sub>s50</sub></i>) values, was integrated into the transitional disturbance factor framework in this study. EXCASS allows for the selection of stronger or weaker excavation methods, offering flexibility to control the degree of disturbance induced in the rock mass. Moreover, the disturbance factor at the excavation surface was determined by incorporating both the operational excavation power index and the thickness of the removed overburden. This integrated approach enables a more realistic evaluation of excavation-induced damage in slope stability analyses. |
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| spelling | doaj-art-e8dbff44c5a24177aa0340580df40b2c2025-08-20T03:26:49ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011512671410.3390/app15126714A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope ExcavationsGulseren Dagdelenler0Harun Sonmez1Department of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, TürkiyeDepartment of Geological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, 06800 Ankara, TürkiyeThe disturbance factor (<i>D</i>) in the Hoek–Brown criterion quantifies excavation-induced rock mass disturbance. Although <i>D</i> is conceptually defined as a continuous parameter ranging from 0 to 1, the most recent Hoek–Brown guidelines provide descriptions only for boundary conditions related to slopes and tunnels. In slope excavations, the degree of disturbance is governed not only by the excavation method but also by the thickness of the removed overburden, with its influence becoming particularly significant in deep excavations. In recent years, the concept of a transitional disturbance factor, varying with depth from the excavation surface, has gained increasing attention. To address this need, the EXCASS system, an empirical method for selecting appropriate excavation techniques based on the Geological Strength Index (<i>GSI</i>) and point load strength (<i>I<sub>s50</sub></i>) values, was integrated into the transitional disturbance factor framework in this study. EXCASS allows for the selection of stronger or weaker excavation methods, offering flexibility to control the degree of disturbance induced in the rock mass. Moreover, the disturbance factor at the excavation surface was determined by incorporating both the operational excavation power index and the thickness of the removed overburden. This integrated approach enables a more realistic evaluation of excavation-induced damage in slope stability analyses.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6714disturbance factorEXCASS systemHoek–Brown failure criterionslope excavationrock mass disturbance |
| spellingShingle | Gulseren Dagdelenler Harun Sonmez A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations Applied Sciences disturbance factor EXCASS system Hoek–Brown failure criterion slope excavation rock mass disturbance |
| title | A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations |
| title_full | A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations |
| title_fullStr | A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations |
| title_short | A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations |
| title_sort | practical quantitative tool based on the excass system for the use of hoek brown s disturbance factor in slope excavations |
| topic | disturbance factor EXCASS system Hoek–Brown failure criterion slope excavation rock mass disturbance |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6714 |
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