Estimation of geometrical parameters of key discontinuities within an engineering rock region

Abstract Discontinuities that have unfavourable orientation and are continuous within overall engineering rock regions can have a dominant effect on the strength, deformability and permeability of the rock mass. The concepts of geometrical parameters of basic discontinuities and engineering discontinuities are proposed in this communication. Further, the engineering discontinuities are divided into key discontinuities and non‐key discontinuities. Within any region of the rock mass, the spacing, trace length and probability of engineering discontinuities can be estimated from the geometrical parameters of the basic discontinuities. In general, the geometrical parameters are different from those of the basic discontinuities. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate how to apply these parameters to rock engineering problems.