Geo-Design is a world leader in the characterisation of rock masses for engineering purposes, and this provides expertise that is fundamental to the design and analysis approach used by the practice.

The Barton-Bandis model of discontinuity behaviour, developed by Stavros Bandis, relies on the physical characterisation of discontinuity properties. Geo-Design undertake assessment of these properties both by direct inspection of outcrop or core and by sample testing measurement in the laboratory.

Geo-Design have developed in-house procedures which facilitate the direct integration of fully characterised geological cross sectional models into discontinuum numerical models.  Such an approach allows deterministic assessment  of potential failure modes and excavation – deformation response based directly on borehole data.  Geo-Design have developed particular models for the assessment of intrinsic stability of layered or bedded rock masses.

Schmidt Hammer Testing of Joint Wall Strength