Joint network modelling with a validation exercise in Stripa mine, Sweden

In this paper, eight joint geometry modelling schemes are suggested and applied to a set of Stripa mine joint data to build 3-D joint networks to a granitic rock mass. These modelling schemes include investigations for statistical homogeneity of the rock mass, corrections for sampling biases, and applications of stereological principles, to estimate 3-D joint geometry parameters from 1-D or 2-D joint geometry parameter values. Results show the possibility of obtaining different estimates for both joint size and joint intensity parameters through these different schemes. This indicates the importance of performing validation studies for developed joint geometry modelling schemes. Validation procedures developed and performed indicated the need to try out different schemes in modelling joint geometry parameters in order to establish realistic 3-D joint geometry modelling schemes which provide good agreement with field data during verification. It is important to realize that different types of joint geometry modelling schemes are needed to model joint networks in different types of rock formations.