Three hinge beam analysis for buckling of stratified rock strata

A three hinge model for analyzing buckling movements of rock beams or slabs has been developed for microcomputers using Turbo Pascal. The work was part of a study funded by Canada Centre for Mineral & Energy Technology (CANMET) which developed new methods for analysis and design of footwalls in mountain surface coal mines. The model analyzes the buckling zone as discrete blocks with pin connections. Pore pressure, self weight and external forces are included. The program is capable of analyzing a wide variety of geometries including plane and curved strata. The algorithm used for the calculations is discussed. The program uses a spreadsheet-like screen editing method of data input which facilitates rapid trials. The number of stability conditions which can occur is much larger than in conventional stability analyses. These are discussed in the paper.