Shear strength properties of artificial rock joints

The shear strength property of artificial rock joints with triangular and sinusoidal roughness was investigated in the laboratory by the aid of direct shear test machine. In particular, this paper includes literature review of past studies on shear strength properties of unfilled and infilled rock joints, experimental studies on shear strength properties of artificial rock joints with triangular, sinusoidal and plain roughness under various normal load and comparison between shear behaviour of these rock joints having different roughness patterns. This research presents the concepts development essential to envision the shear behaviour of rock slopes aided by artificial rock joints. It was concluded that the shear behaviour of rock joints is a function of normal stress, roughness value and pattern of asperity.