An analytical model for stability analysis of rock layers over a circular opening (Q5938353)

The paper provides a simplified solution of the problem of stability of a flexible rock layer overlying a circular opening made in plastic material. The proposed solution is based on the assumption that both the caprock (i.e. the overlying hard stratum) and the overlying soil behave plastically under compression, namely as Mohr-Coulomb materials. A plastic region in the form of a cylinder is assumed to develop above the caprock. The authors estimate the pressure transmitted to caprock from the overlying soil, and examine the caprock response to the applied load. Finally, the authors compare analytical results with numerical ones obtained by a commercial finite difference program.