ROCK MECHANICS 451 Figure 18 The Kirsch solution for stresses around a circular opening in isotropic continuous rock, under conditions of plane strain for discontinua The background theory to these methods is complex, and their use is not straightforward However, they are able to produce models and simulations of great accuracy and detail, and as researchers continue to implement new developments, the results obtained using them become ever more realistic There is no doubt that the use of such procedures will become more widespread in the future See Also Geological Engineering Geotechnical Engineering Quarrying Soil Mechanics Further Reading Amadei B and Stephansson S (1996) Rock Stress and Its Measurement London: Chapman & Hall Figure 19 Simplified relations for the tangential stress at the boundary of an elliptical opening in isotropic continuous rock, under conditions of plane strain Harrison JP and Hudson JA (2000) Engineering Rock Mech anics: Illustrative Worked Examples Oxford: Pergamon Hoek E and Bray JW (1981) Rock Slope Engineering, 3rd edn London: Institution of Mining and Metallurgy Hoek E and Brown ET (1980) Underground Excavations in Rock London: Institution of Mining and Metallurgy Hudson JA (ed.) (1993) Comprehensive Rock Engineering Oxford: Pergamon Press Hudson JA and Harrison JP (1997) Engineering Rock Mech anics: An Introduction to the Principles Oxford: Pergamon Jaeger JC and Cook NGW (1979) Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics London: Chapman & Hall