Ground engineering · Rock mechanics
Joint shear strength (Barton–Bandis) calculator
Peak shear strength τ = σn tan(φr + JRC log10(JCS/σn)) and equivalent friction angle.
Standard: Barton & Choubey (1977)
Open the live calculator → All ground engineering calculators
Inputs in the worked example
The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.
| Input | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Normal stress | 0.5 | MPa |
| JRC | 8 | |
| JCS | 60 | MPa |
| Residual friction φr | 28 | ° |
Worked example — results
| Result | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Roughness term JRC log(JCS/σn) | 16.63 | ° |
| Equivalent friction (≤ 70°) | 44.63 | ° |
| τ peak | 0.494 | MPa |
- ✓ Equivalent angle below 70°
Method, formulas and assumptions
- Roughness term JRC log(JCS/σn) = 8*LOG10(60/0.5) = 16.633 °
- Equivalent friction (≤ 70°) = MIN(70,28+16.633) = 44.633 °
- τ peak = 0.5*TAN(RADIANS(44.633)) = 0.49364 MPa
Related ground engineering calculators
- Point load index (rock) — Is and size-corrected Is(50) for diametral or axial/block tests, AS 1726 strength term and estimated UCS.
- Rock wedge stability (3-D, Hoek & Bray) with stereonet — Tetrahedral wedge formed by two discontinuities, the slope face and the upper ground surface. Geometry by…
- Rock slope kinematic analysis (planar, wedge, toppling) — Discontinuity sets mapped in a rock cut are tested against the slope face. Planar sliding needs a set…
- Rock Mass Rating (RMR89) — Ratings for UCS, RQD and spacing from values, plus joint condition, groundwater and orientation adjustment…
- Q-system & support — Q = (RQD/Jn)(Jr/Ja)(Jw/SRF), equivalent dimension De = span/ESR, Q–RMR correlation and unsupported span.
- Hoek–Brown rock mass strength (GSI) — mb, s, a from GSI, mi and D; rock mass UCS, tensile strength, global strength and modulus.
- Block sliding / toppling criteria — Mode of a block of width b and height h on a plane of dip ψ with friction φ: stable, sliding, toppling or…
- Rock bolt pattern for a loose block / wedge — Bolt load from suspending a loosened zone of height h over the bolt tributary area, with bolt length guidance.
For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.