Analysis of various factors influencing deformation and strength characteristics of soft rock

At present, much attention is being focuss-ed on problems of deformation and strength of rock comprising the foundation of structures. A variety of in situ and laboratory tests are available for investigation of foundation rock. Due to such factors as weathering, geological discontinuity and anisotropy resulting from stratum structure, mechanical behaviour due to deformation and strength characteristics is difficult to analyse. As another complication factor, it is conceivable that the rock shows varying responses in accordance with different testing method, loading patterns and test conditions.