Blog

Geotechnical insights

Field-tested articles on rock mechanics, slope stability, foundations and tunnel design — shared from active projects.

Comparison of Rock Mass Properties Calculator with Rocscience Roclab

This blog post demonstrates how the Rock Mass Properties Calculator accurately estimates rock mass strength parameters using the Hoek-Brown failure criterion, providing a user-friendly and reliable alternative to Rocscience RocLab. By comparing specific tunnel case study results, the article highlights key geotechnical features such as the Instantaneous MC Sampler and Batch Calculator for streamlined engineering analysis.

10 May 2026

Stability Analysis of Step-In and Step-Out Gabion Walls

2 May 2026

Engineering Flexible Structures: The Essentials of Gabion Wall Design

Learn how to choose and design gabion walls for complex terrain. Discover why gabions outperform concrete in hilly areas and follow our step-by-step design guide for height, stability, and drainage.

29 April 2026

Slopes

Mechanics of Slope Stability (Practical Geotechnical Guide)

Slopes are everywhere in civil and infrastructure projects: road batters, rail cuttings, residential excavations, embankments, quarry walls, and natural hillsides. When a slope moves, the consequences can be significant.

6 April 2026

Rock Mass ClassificationsGeotechnical InvestigationGeotechnical Engineering

How to Determine GSI from Core Logging?

Estimating rock mass quality is a key step in geotechnical design, but it's often slowed down by inconsistent descriptions and manual chart reading.

19 March 2026

TunnelsFEM AnalysisGeotechnical Engineering

The Stress Distribution Around a Circular Opening

The attached image illustrates the stress distribution around a circular opening, such as a borehole or a tunnel, in a material that exhibits both elastic and plastic behaviour.

2 March 2026

Slopes

How to Design Rock Anchor?

As geotechnical engineers, we often spend valuable time on repetitive calculations during rock bolt and anchor design. A free, web-based Rock Bolt Design Calculator has been developed to streamline this process.

22 February 2026

Rock Mass ClassificationsTunnels

Uses and Practical Limitations of 2D Numerical Analysis

Tunnelling is inherently 3D, but 2D numerical analysis remains the primary tool for preliminary tunnel design and support performance assessment.

21 January 2026

Geotechnical EngineeringGeotechnical InvestigationSlopes

Building on a Slope: Challenges, Risks, and How to Get It Right

Building a home on a hillside offers stunning views and architectural opportunities but requires careful planning and engineering to mitigate risks.

3 January 2026

Rock Mass ClassificationsRock Mass Property Calculator

Comparison of Rockmass Properties Calculator with Roclab

Rock Mass Properties Calculator is a specialized software for calculating rock mass strength parameters using the Hoek–Brown criterion.

31 December 2025

Rock Mass ClassificationsRock Mass Property Calculator

AI Powered Rock Mass Properties Calculator

A comprehensive digital solution for modern rock engineering.

28 December 2025

Geotechnical EngineeringGeotechnical Investigation

The Hidden Cost of Skipping a Soil Test Before Building

Soil tests are critical for identifying subsurface risks. Skipping them can lead to unforeseen costs during construction.

22 December 2025

Geotechnical Investigation

Mastering Geotechnical Challenges in Construction

Navigating hidden subsurface challenges requires expertise in geotechnical analysis.

19 December 2025