Rock engineering case histories: key factors, mechanisms and problems

Following introductory discussion on the nature and value of case history information, the fact that different factors dominate in different case histories is demonstrated by highlighted case history examples from the literature. These examples illustrate how, for example, the geological setting, the in situ stress state, the intact rock, the fractures, permeability, anisotropy and inhomogeneity, and time dependency can each be critical in given construction circumstances. The implications for using this type of case history information to support future rock engineering design are discussed in the framework of eight basic design methodologies.