VRFSR: an empirical method for determining volcanic rock excavation safety on construction sites

A low cost, empirical method for quick determination of volcanic rock stability for excavations at construction sites is developed and described in this paper. This empirical methodology has been validated against established analytical methodology and found to be statistically reliable to reasonable levels of confidence. Forty-seven rock slopes were analyzed to test the method. The empirical methodology considers rock face parameters of material strength; discontinuity spacing, density, and rock condition; groundwater condition; relationships between slope angle, dip, and dip direction; height of rock face; excavation method; and overhang adjustment. The method developed follows from empirical evaluation techniques and principles first enunciated by Terzaghi in 1946. The technique described is a viable alternate to existing methods used.