Study of bearing capacity and settlement on jointed rock masses using empirical and numerical methods

In order to determine bearing capacity and settlement of foundation on jointed rock masses, first empirical and numerical methods were reviewed, then to obtain the exact properties of a rock masses, a site was selected and parameters were extracted from a real structure. In next stage, in-situ tests were done, and then intact parameters of rock were done in the laboratory. Then engineering classification of rock masses were carried out and parameters of the rock mass were calculated and to determine the bearing capacity and settlement of experimental and numerical methods were used. In due to discontinuous rock structure, UDEC software was used for numerical modeling. The results showed that the experimental methods for bearing capacity suggested a certain range of stress, which requires correction for engineering applications, but further details of the numerical methods; provide surcharge distribution in the foundation. Also results of modeling show that numerical methods for discontinuous rock structures and ground conditions closer to reality and its results are reliable.