Analysis of structural homogeneity of rock masses

The salient features and capabilities of the statistical tests suggested by Miller (1983) and Mahtab and Yegulalp (1984) to investigate structural homogeneity in rock masses are reviewed. The difficulty in making a decision about statistical homogeneity only through the results of any one of these two tests or through equal-area polar plots, is shown through a case study. New interpretations are suggested for these two tests to use them in assigning relative ranks for the strength of homogeneity of different regions in rock masses. An example is given to illustrate how one can use Miller's method with new interpretations along with equal-area plots in making decisions about statistical homogeneity in rock masses. The example also shows an attempt to incorporate results of Mahtab and Yegulalp's test with new interpretations to the decision-making process.