Hoek-brown failure criterion – 2002 edition

Abstract

The Hoek-Brown failure criterion for rock masses is widely accepted and has been applied in a large number of projects around the world. While, in general, it has been found to be satisfactory, there are some uncertainties and inaccuracies that have made the criterion inconvenient to apply and to incorporate into numerical models and limit equilibrium programs. In particular, the difficulty of finding an acceptable equivalent friction angle and cohesive strength for a given rock mass has been a problem since the publication of the criterion in 1980. This paper resolves all these issues and sets out a recommended sequence of calculations for applying the criterion. An associated Windows program called “RocLab” has been developed to provide a convenient means of solving and plotting the equations presented in this paper.