Safe Excavation in Jointed Limestone

[kyoussef]

I am planning to excavate a road to access a certain facility, which is about 20 meters higher than lowest elevation of road. The road is to be excavated in a limestone formation right at the border with another property. This formation has several vertical and horizontal joints. The use of a rock hammer in the excavation would cause fall of large rock blocks of neighboring property. Does any on know a better approach to execute such a road?

 

[jdmm]

I presume from your description that the excavation is down into the limestone creating a slope from the road up to the adjacent property. If it is not possible to encroach on the adjacent property with a stable slope then you will have to shore the excavation. Rock anchors would be the easiest but requires encroachment of the anchors on to the adjacent property. You likely need advice from a geotechnical engineer that specializes in rock.