Rock joints influence the stability of rock mass. Therefore, their shear strength is an important factor in determining the load a structure constructed on or in rock can withstand. Numerical and theoretical models are typically used to predict the shear mechanical behaviour of the rock mass as well as the rock joints and these models are validated based on laboratory testing.

The data generation process from laboratory testing consists of several parts, each of which is associated with various sources of uncertainties. However, no model is better than the accuracy of the results it is validated against. Therefore, in this work, several approaches have been developed using data from a comprehensive experimental shear testing program, with the overall aim of reducing the uncertainties associated with various parts of the process.

The work is part of an PhD study conducted at KTH under the supervision of Fredrik Johansson and Diego Mas Ivars with additional support from Erland Johnson, Lars Jacobsson, Mathias Flansbjer and from a reference group consisting of Christer Andersson, Axel Bolin, Mattias Roslin, Per Tengborg, Patrik Vidstrand and Thomas Wettainen.

The research has been co-funded by SKB (Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co, Sweden) and NWMO (Nuclear Waste Management Organization, Canada), RISE, KTH and BeFo.