Barton-Bandis Joint Parameters Database (CSV)

The Barton-Bandis model is a cornerstone empirical framework in rock mechanics for predicting the peak shear strength (τ_peak) and normal stiffness (k_n) of rock joints under varying stress conditions. Developed by Nick Barton and colleagues in the 1970s–1980s, it bridges field observations with numerical modeling by relating measurable joint surface characteristics—such as roughness, wall strength, and aperture—to mechanical behavior. The CSV database serves as a practical implementation of this model, aggregating published and validated joint parameter sets from diverse geological settings (e.g., granite, schist, limestone), often accompanied by site context, measurement methods (e.g., JRC estimated via profile tracing or visual comparison), and uncertainty notes. Each row typically represents a discrete joint or joint set, enabling users to filter, calibrate, or benchmark numerical models (e.g., in UDEC, Phase2, or RS2) or perform statistical analysis of joint property distributions. Beyond deterministic analysis, the database facilitates probabilistic ground support design and risk-informed stability assessments by capturing variability in JRC, JCS, and φ_b across lithologies and tectonic histories.