AbstractIn this paper a coupled finite and boundary element formulation is developed for the analysis of excavation in jointed rock. The presence of joints in the rock mass has been included implicitly by treating it as an appropriate anisotropic elastic continuum. The boundary element formulation for an anisotropic medium is briefly discussed. Good agreement has been found between numerical and analytical solutions for several example problems, demonstrating the accuracy of the present formulation. Numerical solutions are also presented for the problems of a deep circular tunnel and a basement excavated in a variety of jointed rock masses.