Effects of confinement on rock mass modulus: A synthetic rock mass modelling (SRM) study

The main objective of this paper is to examine the influence of the applied confining stress on the rock mass modulus of moderately jointed rocks (well interlocked undisturbed rock mass with blocks formed by three or less intersecting joints). A synthetic rock mass modelling (SRM) approach is employed to determine the mechanical properties of the rock mass. In this approach, the intact body of rock is represented by the discrete element method (DEM)-Voronoi grains with the ability of simulating the initiation and propagation of microcracks within the intact part of the model. The geometry of the pre-existing joints is generated by employing discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling based on field joint data collected from the Brockville Tunnel using LiDAR scanning. The geometrical characteristics of the simulated joints at a representative sample size are first validated against the field data, and then used to measure the rock quality designation (RQD), joint spacing, areal fracture intensity (P₂₁), and block volumes. These geometrical quantities are used to quantitatively determine a representative range of the geological strength index (GSI). The results show that estimating the GSI using the RQD tends to make a closer estimate of the degree of blockiness that leads to GSI values corresponding to those obtained from direct visual observations of the rock mass conditions in the field. The use of joint spacing and block volume in order to quantify the GSI value range for the studied rock mass suggests a lower range compared to that evaluated in situ. Based on numerical modelling results and laboratory data of rock testing reported in the literature, a semi-empirical equation is proposed that relates the rock mass modulus to confinement as a function of the areal fracture intensity and joint stiffness.     

Bayesian data analysis to quantify the uncertainty of intact rock strength

One of the main difficulties in the geotechnical design process lies in dealing with uncertainty. Uncertainty is associated with natural variation of properties, and the imprecision and unpredictability caused by insufficient information on parameters or models. Probabilistic methods are normally used to quantify uncertainty. However, the frequentist approach commonly used for this purpose has some drawbacks.First, it lacks a formal framework for incorporating knowledge not represented by data. Second, it has limitations in providing a proper measure of the confidence of parameters inferred from data. The Bayesian approach offers a better framework for treating uncertainty in geotechnical design. The advantages of the Bayesian approach for uncertainty quantification are highlighted in this paper with the Bayesian regression analysis of laboratory test data to infer the intact rock strength parameters σ_(ci) and m_i used in the Hoek-Brown strength criterion. Two case examples are used to illustrate different aspects of the Bayesian methodology and to contrast the approach with a frequentist approach represented by the nonlinear least squares(NLLS) method. The paper discusses the use of a Student's t-distribution versus a normal distribution to handle outliers, the consideration of absolute versus relative residuals, and the comparison of quality of fitting results based on standard errors and Bayes factors. Uncertainty quantification with confidence and prediction intervals of the frequentist approach is compared with that based on scatter plots and bands of fitted envelopes of the Bayesian approach. Finally, the Bayesian method is extended to consider two improvements of the fitting analysis. The first is the case in which the Hoek-Brown parameter, a, is treated as a variable to improve the fitting in the triaxial region. The second is the incorporation of the uncertainty in the estimation of the direct tensile strength from Brazilian test results within the overall evaluation of the intact rock strength.     

The Hoek–Brown failure criterion and GSI – 2018 edition

The Hoek–Brown criterion was introduced in 1980 to provide input for the design of underground excavations in rock. The criterion now incorporates both intact rock and discontinuities, such as joints, characterized by the geological strength index (GSI), into a system designed to estimate the mechanical behaviour of typical rock masses encountered in tunnels, slopes and foundations. The strength and deformation properties of intact rock, derived from laboratory tests, are reduced based on the properties of discontinuities in the rock mass. The nonlinear Hoek–Brown criterion for rock masses is widely accepted and has been applied in many projects around the world. While, in general, it has been found to provide satisfactory estimates, there are several questions on the limits of its applicability and on the inaccuracies related to the quality of the input data. This paper introduces relatively few fundamental changes, but it does discuss many of the issues of utilization and presents case histories to demonstrate practical applications of the criterion and the GSI system.     

Influence of data analysis when exploiting DFN model representation in the application of rock mass classification systems

Discrete fracture network (DFN) models have been proved to be effective tools for the characterisation of rock masses by using statistical distributions to generate realistic three-dimensional (3D) representations of a natural fracture network. The quality of DFN modelling relies on the quality of the field data and their interpretation. In this context, advancements in remote data acquisition have now made it possible to acquire high-quality data potentially not accessible by conventional scanline and window mapping. This paper presents a comparison between aggregate and disaggregate approaches to define fracture sets, and their role with respect to the definition of key input parameters required to generate DFN models. The focal point of the discussion is the characterisation of in situ block size distribution (IBSD) using DFN methods. An application of IBSD is the assessment of rock mass quality through rock mass classification systems such as geological strength index (GSI). As DFN models are becoming an almost integral part of many geotechnical and mining engineering problems, the authors present a method whereby realistic representation of 3D fracture networks and block size analysis are used to estimate GSI ratings, with emphasis on the limitations that exist in rock engineering design when assigning a unique GSI value to spatially variable rock masses.     

Estimating the geotechnical properties of heterogeneous rock masses such as flysch

The design of tunnels and slopes in heterogeneous rock masses such as flysch presents a major challenge to geologists and engineers. The complex structure of these materials, resulting from their depositional and tectonic history, means that they cannot easily be classified in terms of widely used rock mass classification systems. A methodology for estimating the Geological Strength Index and the rock mass properties for these geological formations is presented in this paper. Electronic Publication     

A comparative review in regards to estimating bearing capacity in jointed rock masses in northeast Jordan

There are a number of different methods used for estimating the bearing capacity in jointed rock masses. In this paper, the geological strength index (GSI) introduced by Hoek et al. (1995) was used to estimate the bearing capacity of the rock mass via rock mass rating (RMR). An empirical relationship is proposed to estimate the bearing capacity of the rock mass using the GSI-dependent toughness factor (TF). The proposed formula was correlated with bearing capacity equations used in the literature. The regression analyses showed exponential relationships with a high correlation coefficient.     

A simplified approach to directly consider intact rock anisotropy inHoekeBrown failure criterion

Many rock types have naturally occurring inherent anisotropic planes, such as bedding planes, foliation,or flow structures. Such characteristic induces directional features and anisotropy in rocks＇ strength anddeformational properties. The HoekeBrown （HeB） failure criterion is an empirical strength criterionwidely applied to rock mechanics and engineering. A direct modification to HeB failure criterion toaccount for rock anisotropy is considered as the base of the research. Such modification introduced a newdefinition of the anisotropy as direct parameter named the anisotropic parameter （Kb）. However, thecomputation of this parameter takes much experimental work and cannot be calculated in a simple way.The aim of this paper is to study the trend of the relation between the degree of anisotropy （Rc） and theminimum value of anisotropic parameter （Kmin）, and to predict the Kmin directly from the uniaxialcompression tests instead of triaxial tests, and also to decrease the amount of experimental work.
2014 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.     

A generic method for rock mass classification

Rock mass classification (RMC) is of critical importance in support design and applications to mining, tunneling and other underground excavations. Although a number of techniques are available, there exists an uncertainty in application to complex underground works. In the present work, a generic rock mass rating (GRMR) system is developed. The proposed GRMR system refers to as most commonly used techniques, and two rock load equations are suggested in terms of GRMR, which are based on the fact that whether all the rock parameters considered by the system have an influence or only few of them are influencing. The GRMR method has been validated with the data obtained from three underground coal mines in India. Then, a semi-empirical model is developed for the GRMR method using artificial neural network (ANN), and it is validated by a comparative analysis of ANN model results with that by analytical GRMR method.     

Development of a new classification system for assessing of rock mass drillability index (RDi)

The drilling process and its results are affected by various parameters of the rock material and rock mass. The effects of rock material have been emphasized in various studies; however lack of perfect knowledge of rock mass structural parameters may lead to unpredictable results. This paper presents a new classification system for specifying the rock mass drillability index (RDi). For this purpose, six parameters of the rock mass, including texture and grain size, Mohs hardness, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), joint spacing, joint filling (aperture) and joint dipping have been investigated by physical modeling and rated. Physical modeling in particular has been used for investigating the effects of joint characteristics on drilling rate. In the proposed RDi system, each rock mass is assigned a rating from 7 to 100, with a higher rating corresponding greater ease of drilling. Based on the RDi rating, the drilling rate may be classified into five modes: slow, slow-medium, medium, medium-fast, and fast.     

含断续节理岩体强度的各向异性研究

根据断续节理岩体结构的力学效应和压剪断裂破坏特征，用Ｈｏｅｋ－Ｂｒｏｗｎ经验准则预测含断续节理岩体的强度，建立强度参数ｍ，ｓ值与断续节理的几何尺寸、结构形式以及岩桥和节理面物理力学参数之间的定量关系，阐明含断续节理岩体强度的各向异性特征，提出合理确定断续节理岩体强度参数ｍ，ｓ的定量分析法。     

Physical and mechanical properties of rock masses at Stromboli: a dataset for volcano instability evaluation

Stromboli island has a complex geological history with repeated changes in the volcanic activity alternating with destructive events, caldera collapses and flank landslides. The last activity resulted in the creation of the Sciara del Fuoco depression which was modified by the recent 2002–2003 landslide. The variation in lithology, degree of tectonization and disturbance has resulted in the presence of a wide spectrum of geotechnical materials. This paper summarises the physical and mechanical properties of Stromboli’s intact rocks, rock masses and loose deposits, based on field surveys and laboratory tests. A new classification of the rock succession is introduced and four lithotechnical units defined: Lava, Lava-Breccia, Breccia and Pyroclastic deposit. The range of variability in bulk volume, porosity, intact rock compressive strength and geological strength index is presented. The Hoek and Brown’s failure criterion was applied for each lithotechnical unit and the rock mass friction angle, apparent cohesion, tensile and compressive strength, global strength and modulus of deformation calculated in a specified stress range.      

Strength classification of rock material based on textural properties

Rock, as a construction material, has great importance during the construction and service phases in a rock environment. The classification of rock materials based on their strength behavior provides a simple and fast solution to determine the type and application of support system as well as the method for opening underground structures. Intact rock materials are generally classified with regard to the strength, such as uniaxial compressive and point load strength. Rock texture, which consists of grains and matrix, directly affects the strength. The relation between the textural and mechanical properties of rock materials has been investigated, and rock texture was quantified from the texture coefficient (TC). The coefficient can be used to put a number on rock textures with experimental studies carried out on thin sections of rock material using image analysis. The main scope of this research is to classify the rock material according to its TC values based on the binary and fuzzy domain. In this study, TC is divided into five classes from very low to very high, and a fuzzy model is proposed to predict the uniaxial compressive strength from TC. A dataset is prepared to construct an objective study with 12 litho-type rock materials from 19 locations in Turkey. The binary and fuzzy classification as well as fuzzy model for the prediction of compressive strength is also applied to the dataset to illustrate the use of the proposed classification and model for underground construction in rock engineering. The model is applied to determine the intact rock material’s rating in rock mass rating classification (RMR) from the proposed classification as well as from the fuzzy model. The results of the example encourage the application of the proposed methods, especially for pre-feasibility studies of rock engineering projects.     

Overhanging rock slope by design: An integrated approach using rock mass strength characterisation,large-scale numerical modelling and limit equilibrium methods

Overhanging rock slopes(steeper than 90°) are typically avoided in rock engineering design, particularly where the scale of the slope exceeds the scale of fracturing present in the rock mass. This paper highlights an integrated approach of designing overhanging rock slopes where the relative dimensions of the slope exceed the scale of fracturing and the rock mass failure needs to be considered rather than kinematic release of individual blocks. The key to the method is a simplified limit equilibrium(LE) tool that was used for the support design and analysis of a multi-faceted overhanging rock slope. The overhanging slopes required complex geometries with constantly changing orientations. The overhanging rock varied in height from 30 m to 66 m. Geomechanical modelling combined with discrete fracture network(DFN)representation of the rock mass was used to validate the rock mass strength assumptions and the failure mechanism assumed in the LE model. The advantage of the simplified LE method is that buttress and support design iterations(along with sensitivity analysis of design parameters) can be completed for various cross-sections along the proposed overhanging rock sections in an efficient manner, compared to the more time-intensive, sophisticated methods that were used for the initial validation. The method described presents the development of this design tool and assumptions made for a specific overhanging rock slope design. Other locations will have different geological conditions that can control the potential behaviour of rock slopes, however, the approach presented can be applied as a general guiding design principle for overhanging rock cut slope.     

Assessing the ability of rock masses to support block breakage at the TBM cutter face

In order for tunnel boring machines to efficiently cut or break rock, it is necessary that the block of rock in contact with the cutter be adequately supported by the surrounding rock mass. This support is provided by the interlocking of blocks and the friction of the surfaces. If blocks are inadequately supported or become free without breakage the result can be jamming at the TBM face. Such blocky ground conditions are typically assessed according to the spacing and orientation of discontinuities (including joints) within the rock mass, typically using a rock mass classification system. In laboratory tests on cuttability or abrasivity of rocks, test samples are typically supported securely in a frame or jig. Numerical models of rock breakage also assume boundary conditions in which the sample is completely supported. Therefore the applicability of the results from laboratory and numerical studies depends on the same degree of support of blocks in the ground. The conditions required to adequately support a block for breakage are investigated and related to rock mass parameters, in particular, the three-dimensional patterns of discontinuities. A rock mass can be capable of providing adequate support to a block of rock such that the cuttability is adequately described by conventional methods. However, there are some rock mass conditions where support of blocks is not well developed, potentially resulting in otherwise unexpected poor TBM progress or jamming of TBM with loose blocks. Three-dimensional discontinuity patterns can be assessed using stereographic methods or borehole (α–β) methods. It is proposed that problematic conditions may occur where: two or more oblique (α between 20° and 70°) discontinuity sets are present (and over-represented relative to a uniform distribution); one or more of these discontinuity sets are dipping into the opening (β = 180° ± 90°) and additional discontinuities (in sets or randomly oriented) are present to form complete tetrahedral wedge blocks.     

基于区间理论与GSI的岩质边坡稳定可靠性分析方法

针对采用结构面表面特征与岩体结构的定性描述确定岩体地质强度指标GSI存在较强主观性的特点,首先以结构面表面等级SCR与岩体结构等级SR对其进行量化处理,并根据组成SCR与SR的量化指标取值过程中所具有的不确定性,采用区间值表示参数取值,建立岩体量化GSI区间值确定方法;其次,根据Hoek-Brown准则等效岩体抗剪强度参数转换关系,采用区间数学理论建立出岩体力学参数区间值确定方法;然后,通过区间组合法求解岩质边坡安全系数区间值,并在确定安全系数要求值的基础上采用非概率可靠性分析方法进行稳定可靠性评价,进而建立出基于区间理论与GSI的岩质边坡稳定可靠性分析方法;最后,将其应用于分析湖南省柘溪水电站进水口高边坡稳定性,结果表明该方法具有一定的合理性与可行性。在缺乏现场岩体力学试验与大量样本数据的情况下,该方法为岩质边坡从岩体力学参数确定到稳定可靠性评价提供了一条新途径。