Abstract
Shear strength of the discontinuity on which the pre-failure of rock slope was occurred during surface excavation was measured through the direct shear test using core samples obtained in-situ. Internal friction angle was increased as the roughness of discontinuity surface(JRC) was increased. Results of the tilt test using core samples of higher JRC also showed very similar trend as those of the direct shear test. When the samples replicated from natural cores were used int he tilt test, results of friction angles showed almost perfect continuation of the residual friction angles from the direct shear test. However, when the gouge material existed in the discontinuity the internal friction angle strongly depended upon the rate of filling thickness to the height of asperity irrespective of the JRC. Based on the results of both direct shear test and tilt test internal friction angle and cohesion of discontinuity, which reflect the in-situ conditions fo pre-sliding failure and also can be used for the optimum design of support system, were assessed. Two kinds of support measures which were expected to increase the stability of rock slope were considered; lowering of slope face angle and installation of rock cable. But, it was found that the first method might lead to more unstable conditions of rock slope when the cohesion of discontinuity plane was negligibly low and in that case the support systems of any kind which could exert actual resisting force were needed to ensure the permanent stability of rock slope.