METHODS & VALIDATION

Evidence you can inspect. Limits you can see.

Rocklytics combines published engineering methods, software verification and explicit human review. "Validated" never means universally applicable.

HOW A METHOD REACHES A RESULT

How a method reaches a result.

MODEL_01
Published methods
Implementations start from established analytical and empirical methods, with each module documenting its inputs, outputs and applicable assumptions.
MODEL_02
Software verification
Verification focuses on equations, units, validation rules and benchmark cases. Evidence must be reviewed for the specific method and release being evaluated; this is not a claim of complete product validation.
MODEL_03
Engineering review
Warnings and limitations remain part of the result. A qualified practitioner decides whether a method is appropriate for the site and design stage.

PUBLISHED FOUNDATION

One workflow, documented end to end.

Published work

A Computational Approach to Preliminary Tunnel Design: Integrating Kirsch Equations and the Generalized Hoek–Brown Criterion

Preliminary elastic assessment of circular tunnel openings using Kirsch and generalized Hoek–Brown methods.

DOI 10.3390/app16052347

Illustrative · Kirsch elastic solution · uniaxial load · circular opening

Illustrative · generalized Hoek–Brown envelope · example parameters

Preliminary circular-tunnel assessment

A Computational Approach to Preliminary Tunnel Design: Integrating Kirsch Equations and the Generalized Hoek–Brown Criterion — DOI 10.3390/app16052347

Inputs

Far-field in-situ stress and horizontal/vertical stress ratio
Opening geometry (circular radius)
Rock-mass strength parameters for the generalized Hoek–Brown criterion (σci, mb, s, a)

Outputs

Elastic tangential stress distribution around the opening (Kirsch solution)
Comparison of induced stress against the Hoek–Brown strength envelope
Preliminary indication of potentially overstressed zones

Assumptions

Linear-elastic, homogeneous, isotropic rock mass
Plane-strain, circular opening in an effectively infinite medium
No support interaction or excavation sequencing
Idealized far-field stress field

Applicability

Preliminary screening of circular openings only. Not a substitute for numerical modelling, site investigation, code compliance or qualified review.

WORKFLOW COVERAGE

Method categories across the workspace.

Stress
Strength
Classification
Support
Slope
Soil
Field

SOFTWARE VERIFICATION

What the software checks.

Equation checks against published closed-form solutions
Explicit unit handling and conversion checks
Method-specific validation rules and required-field checks
Known benchmark and example cases from the literature
Regression tests that run as the software changes

EVIDENCE, BY TYPE

Where each claim stands.

Evidence by claim, type and status
Claim	Evidence type	Status
Kirsch elastic stress solution	Analytical + literature	In published workflow
Generalized Hoek–Brown criterion	Peer-reviewed + literature	In published workflow
Equation, unit and validation-rule checks	Software tests	Ongoing per release
Site / pilot field validation	Field evidence	Planned

DECISION BOUNDARIES

Appropriate use, and what it never replaces.

Appropriate for

Screening alternatives and checking calculations
Documenting assumptions and exploring sensitivity
Preparing preliminary engineering evidence

Not a substitute for

Site investigation or monitoring
Project-specific numerical modelling
Code compliance, independent checking or professional engineering judgment

ACADEMIC ORIGIN

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering

Bring one representative workflow.

See the methods applied in the Rocklytics workspace, or discuss a technical evaluation.

Explore Rocklytics Validation register Research centre