Design solutions for the problems of the rock side slope stability, in general, are one of the
most critical issues in geo-technical engineering profession, due to the fact that the values of
rock parameters are difficult to be considered reliable, because of the uncertainties existing in
geological system. This research aims to introduce reliability based design of the rock side
slope stability considering optimal cost value. The idea for obtaining the optimal cost value
depends on two main critical parameters. These two main critical parameters are uni-axial
compressive strength (U.C.S) and geologic strength index (G.S.I). Both of them have been
calculated based on statistical calculations of mean and standard deviations. A strength
criterion is needed to characterize the rockmass in geotechnical engineering. There are three
criteria are used to describe the strength of a material: bilinear Mohr-Coulomb criterion,
nonlinear Hoek-Brown criterion and special spalling criterion must be used in special case of
massive, brittle rocks. Nonlinear Hoek-Brown criterion has been used in this study; because
of some limitations associated with the use of the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. RocData program
have been utilized for obtaining the Hoek-Brown parameters (m, s), Slide program has been
employed for calculating the reliability index, factor of safety and probability of failure for
middle plateau in Mokattam area. The concept of design is based on the necessity of using
reinforcement. If the design of using rock parameters is safe and reliable, there is no need for
reinforcement; otherwise design of rock bolts should be used as a support system to improve
reliability and factor of safety. The current simplified method has been utilized to consider the
cost of failure to find the optimal length of support and optimal reliability index. The study
concluded that the suggested technique of nonlinear Hoek Brown Criterion is effective for
helping the designer in finding the optimal length of support that meets the optimal reliability
index and optimal cost value for 2 main critical parameters.