裂隙岩质边坡渗流与非连续变形耦合过程分析

 裂隙岩体中的渗流–应力耦合作用是岩质边坡失稳的重要因素之一。离散裂隙网络(DFN)模型用于研究裂隙岩体渗流,具有概念简单、效率高、适用性强的优点,是研究裂隙岩体渗流问题最为有效的手段之一。非连续变形分析(DDA)方法是专门针对裂隙岩体的非连续特性提出的一种变形场求解方法,能够更加真实地刻画工程岩体。将DFN模拟和DDA方法结合起来,提出基于DDA-DFN的渗流–应力耦合模型,给出考虑裂隙渗流情况下岩体块体系统的瞬时平衡方程,用于研究裂隙岩体变形对渗流的影响和渗流–应力耦合作用下裂隙岩体的变形破坏特征。利用该耦合模型,对一大型水利水电工程边坡稳定性进行分析。结果表明,水库蓄水后,地下水大幅度抬升,渗流–应力耦合作用加剧,导致边坡裂隙岩体中的关键部位发生大变形甚至破坏,进而触发边坡的进一步失稳。实例分析验证了这种方法用于边坡稳定性分析的有效性。     

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.     

Assessment of strain bursting in deep tunnelling by using the finite-discrete element method

Rockbursting in deep tunnelling is a complex phenomenon posing significant challenges both at the design and construction stages of an underground excavation within hard rock masses and under high in situ stresses. While local experience, field monitoring, and informed data-rich analysis are some of the tools commonly used to manage the hazards and the associated risks, advanced numerical techniques based on discontinuum modelling have also shown potential in assisting in the assessment of rockbursting. In this study, the hybrid finite-discrete element method (FDEM) is employed to investigate the failure and fracturing processes, and the mechanisms of energy storage and rapid release resulting in bursting, as well as to assess its utility as part of the design process of underground excavations. Following the calibration of the numerical model to simulate a deep excavation in a hard, massive rock mass, discrete fracture network (DFN) geometries are integrated into the model in order to examine the impact of rock structure on rockbursting under high in situ stresses. The obtained analysis results not only highlight the importance of explicitly simulating pre-existing joints within the model, as they affect the mobilised failure mechanisms and the intensity of strain bursting phenomena, but also show how the employed joint network geometry, the field stress conditions, and their interaction influence the extent and depth of the excavation induced damage. Furthermore, a rigorous analysis of the mass and velocity of the ejected rock blocks and comparison of the obtained data with well-established semi-empirical approaches demonstrate the potential of the method to provide realistic estimates of the kinetic energy released during bursting for determining the energy support demand.     

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.     

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.     

Hydraulic properties of fractured rock masses with correlated fracture length and aperture

Permeability of fractured rocks is investigated considering the correlation between distributed fracture aperture and trace length, based on a newly developed correlation equation. The influence of the second moment of the lognormal distribution of apertures on the existence of representative elementary volume (REV), and the possibility of equivalent permeability tensor of the fractured rock mass, is examined by simulating flow through a large number of stochastic discrete fracture network (DFN) models of varying sizes and varying fracture properties.The REV size of the DFN models increases with the increase of the second moment of the lognormal distribution, for both the correlated and uncorrelated cases. The variation of overall permeability between different stochastic realizations is an order of magnitude larger when the aperture and length are correlated than when they are uncorrelated. The mean square error of the directional permeability increases with increasing value of the second moment of the lognormal distribution function, and good fitting to an ellipsis of permeability tensor can only be reached with very large sizes of DFN models, compared with the case of constant fracture aperture, regardless of fracture trace length.     

New approaches to quantify progressive damage and associated dynamic rock mass blockiness

In the past decade, numerical modelling has been increasingly used for simulating the mechanical behaviour of naturally fractured rock masses. In this paper, we introduce new algorithms for spatial and temporal analyses of newly generated fractures and blocks using an integrated discrete fracture network (DFN)-finite-discrete element method (FDEM) (DFN-FDEM) modelling approach. A fracture line calculator and analysis technique (i.e. discrete element method (DEM) fracture analysis, DEMFA) calculates the geometrical aspects of induced fractures using a dilation criterion. The resultant two-dimensional (2D) blocks are then identified and characterised using a graph structure. Block tracking trees allow track of newly generated blocks across timesteps and to analyse progressive breakage of these blocks into smaller blocks. Fracture statistics (number and total length of initial and induced fractures) are then related to the block forming processes to investigate damage evolution. The combination of various proposed methodologies together across various stages of modelling processes provides new insights to investigate the dependency of structure's resistance on the initial fracture configuration.     

Hydromechanical effects of shaft sinking at the Sellafield site

Under the auspices of the DECOVALEX II project, the coupled hydromechanical responses, in the fractured volcanic rocks at Sellafield site, to a pump test and shaft sinking were studied. The aim of this paper is to describe the methodology for determining the hydromechanical effects of the shaft excavation. This methodology is based on the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach for hydraulic analysis and the discrete approach, where the main discontinuities are explicitly represented in the mechanical model. The principal advantage of using the DFN approach is to easily change the scale of the study without important modifications of the network. Hydraulic properties of the different types of discontinuities were evaluated by calibration of the flow rates induced by a long-term pump test in borehole RCF3 drilled on the centreline of one of the proposed shafts. The same fracture network generated to analyse the RCF3 pump test was used to predict the hydromechanical responses of the rock mass to the excavation of a shaft centred on the RCF3 borehole. This methodology offers some additional possibilities such as studies of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) and its influence on hydraulic conductivity.     

Seepage–stress coupled analysis on anisotropic characteristics of the fractured rock mass around roadway

Anisotropic properties of the fractured rock masses are investigated considering the coupled effect of the seepage and stress. The equivalent permeability and damage tensor of the fractured rock mass are initially examined using a series of Discrete-Fracture-Network (DFN) models with varied size and orientations from the geological investigation data of the sandstone roadway on the floor of 12# coal seam in Fangezhuang Coal Mine. A seepage–stress cross-coupling anisotropic model considering the coupled effect of the seepage and stress is described and applied to analyze the influence of the principal orientations of the joint sets on the anisotropic properties of the rock mass. It appears that the anisotropic properties of the rock mass have a great influence on the stress distribution, hydraulic conductivity coefficient and damage zone. The model may contribute to a more reasonable explanation on the dominant effect of the joint sets on deformation and failure of rock mass.     

三维裂隙网络建模技术修正及其工程应用

三维裂隙网络建模技术是分析地下硐室围岩中裂隙分布规律的技术手段之一,可为硐室稳定性评价提供基础模型。本文以北山坑探设施围岩为研究对象,利用地表裂隙调查结果,分析裂隙产状、直径和密度的概率密度特征,采用蒙特卡洛方法构建三维裂隙网络模型,并通过围岩楔形体分析检验模型。继而引入硐室裂隙编录数据,修正模型参数和建模方法,建立具有高可信度的三维裂隙网络模型。最后,利用修正模型实现巷道尺寸设计和危险部位预测。上述研究修正了三维裂隙网络建模技术,并提出了模型在硐室围岩稳定性评价和辅助设计领域的应用方案,为我国高放废物处置地下实验室及类似工程的研发提供了技术支撑。     

Influence of tensile strength on toppling failure in centrifuge tests

In toppling of rock slopes, thin slabs of rock displace out of the slope, eventually forming a rupture surface. This toppling process involves slip between the thin slabs and tensile rupture across the slabs. A numerical modelling methodology based on a discrete element framework was used to investigate centrifuge model tests of a toppling slope. The methodology, which includes internal flaws in the intact rock slabs, was able to predict the rupture surface inside the rock mass more accurately than is possible with the conventional discrete element method. Also, this modelling approach predicted the horizontal deformation patterns observed in the experimental study. The effect of tensile strength on the flexural toppling failures was investigated to further our understanding of the flexural toppling. The tensile strength was found to be a key factor in this failure mechanism, and the failure load was found to be controlled by the tensile strength. Moreover, the friction angle of the intact rock did not have a significant effect on the toppling failure mechanism.     

裂隙岩体渗流应力耦合机制研究

隧洞开挖前,岩体中的地下水与围岩应力处于一种相对平衡状态,由于隧洞的开挖,一方面使地下水排泄有了新的通道,加速了水循环,破坏了原有的补给一运移一排泄系统的平衡;另一方面,造成围岩应力重分布,部分结构面由于增压而闭合,部分岩体卸荷松弛或产生剪切滑移,人为破坏了原有的地下水渗流条件,使得隧洞自身成为地下水向外排泄的地下廊道...     

A discrete model for prediction of radon flux from fractured rocks

Prediction of radon flux from the fractured zone of a propagating cave mine is basically associated with uncertainty and complexity. For instance, there is restricted access to these zones for field measurements, and it is quite difficult to replicate the complex nature of both natural and induced fractures in these zones in laboratory studies. Hence, a technique for predicting radon flux from a fractured rock using a discrete fracture network (DFN) model is developed to address these difficulties. This model quantifies the contribution of fractures to the total radon flux, and estimates the fracture density from a measured radon flux considering the effects of advection, diffusion, as well as radon generation and decay. Radon generation and decay are classified as reaction processes. Therefore, the equation solved is termed as the advection-diffusion-reaction equation (ADRE). Peclet number (Pe), a conventional dimensionless parameter that indicates the ratio of mass transport by advection to diffusion, is used to classify the transport regimes. The results show that the proposed model effectively predicts radon flux from a fractured rock. An increase in fracture density for a rock sample with uniformly distributed radon generation rate can elevate radon flux significantly compared with another rock sample with an equivalent increase in radon generation rate. In addition to Pe, two other independent dimensionless parameters (derived for radon transport through fractures) significantly affect radon dimensionless flux. Findings provide insight into radon transport through fractured rocks and can be used to improve radon control measures for proactive mitigation.     

Anisotropic characteristics of jointed rock mass: A case study at Shirengou iron ore mine in China

Rock mass is characterized by the existence of distributed joints whose properties and geometry strongly affect the mechanical behavior of jointed rock masses. A finite element model considering the anisotropic characteristics of fractured rock mass was proposed which could deal with a wide variety of joint distribution in rock mass and then applied in Shirengou iron ore mine in Tangshan, China. First, the scale effects and anisotropy were investigated by using multi-scale discrete fracture network models under uniaxial compression tests. Then, the principal direction of elasticity was found and used in the constitutive law of the equivalent continuum model. Finally, the deformation and failure behavior were studied and verified through site-specific microseismic data. It is found that the stress and damage zone are influenced by joint orientation. This proposed model can efficiently study the effects of rock joints on rock mass behavior and thus contribute to a more reasonable explanation on the dominant effect of the joint sets on deformation and failure of rock mass.     

Anisotropy of strength and deformability of fractured rocks

Anisotropy of the strength and deformation behaviors of fractured rock masses is a crucial issue for design and stability assessments of rock engineering structures, due mainly to the non-uniform and non- regular geometries of the fracture systems. However, no adequate efforts have been made to study this issue due to the current practical impossibility of laboratory tests with samples of large volumes con- taining many fractures, and the difficulty for controlling reliable initial and boundary conditions for large-scale in situ tests. Therefore, a reliable numerical predicting approach for evaluating anisotropy of fractured rock masses is needed. The objective of this study is to systematically investigate anisotropy of strength and deformability of fractured rocks, which has not been conducted in the past, using a nu- merical modeling method. A series of realistic two-dimensional （2D） discrete fracture network （DFN） models were established based on site investigation data, which were then loaded in different directions, using the code UDEC of discrete element method （DEM）, with changing confining pressures. Numerical results show that strength envelopes and elastic deformability parameters of tested numerical models are significantly anisotropic, and vary with changing axial loading and confining pressures. The results indicate that for design and safety assessments of rock engineering projects, the directional variations of strength and deformability of the fractured rock mass concerned must be treated properly with respect to the directions of in situ stresses. Traditional practice for simply positioning axial orientation of tunnels in association with principal stress directions only may not be adequate for safety requirements. Outstanding issues of the present study and su~zestions for future study are also oresented.     

Rock mass behaviour prior to failure

Changes in stress around mining excavations can result in changes in the behaviour of the rock mass which in turn may lead to damage, failure and consequent collapse of the rock mass. Analysis of documented case studies of regional-scale collapses indicates that each rock mass failure is preceded by a precursory manifestation of rock mass behaviour. Structural damage and progressive failure are manifested by the presence of geotechnical warning signs (indicators and precursors) and can be exacerbated by triggers. Indicators suggest that the rock mass may be prone to damage, whereas geotechnical precursors demonstrate that the rock mass has been disturbed, possibly preceding failure. Geotechnical analysis of large-scale rock mass behaviour also indicates that the failures do not happen at random and are not unpredictable in terms of the type of failure and its location. Indicators and precursors have to be interpreted in conjunction with mine design, mining activities and potential triggers. Geotechnical monitoring of the precursory behaviour of the rock mass provides timely warning and allows for implementation of remedial measures. In this paper, these issues are discussed and illustrated in the context of geotechnical risk management.     

Numerical evaluation of strength and deformability of fractured rocks

Knowledge of the strength and deformability of fractured rocks is important for design, construction and stability evaluation of slopes, foundations and underground excavations in civil and mining engineering. However, laboratory tests of intact rock samples cannot provide information about the strength and deformation behaviors of fractured rock masses that include many fractures of varying sizes, orientations and locations. On the other hand, large-scale in situ tests of fractured rock masses are economically costly and often not practical in reality at present. Therefore, numerical modeling becomes necessary. Numerical predicting using discrete element methods(DEM) is a suitable approach for such modeling because of their advantages of explicit representations of both fractures system geometry and their constitutive behaviors of fractures, besides that of intact rock matrix. In this study, to generically determine the compressive strength of fractured rock masses, a series of numerical experiments were performed on two-dimensional discrete fracture network models based on the realistic geometrical and mechanical data of fracture systems from feld mapping. We used the UDEC code and a numerical servo-controlled program for controlling the progressive compressive loading process to avoid sudden violent failure of the models. The two loading conditions applied are similar to the standard laboratory testing for intact rock samples in order to check possible differences caused by such loading conditions. Numerical results show that the strength of fractured rocks increases with the increasing confning pressure, and that deformation behavior of fractured rocks follows elasto-plastic model with a trend of strain hardening. The stresses and strains obtained from these numerical experiments were used to ft the well-known Mohr-Coulomb(MC) and Hoek-Brown(H-B) failure criteria, represented by equivalent material properties defning these two criteria. The results show that both criteria can provide fair estimates of the co     

海底隧道的非连续裂隙网络水文地质模型研究

研究目的在于强调利用非连续裂隙网络建立水文地质模型所需的核心方法,在特定场地,建立可行的水文地质模型在隧道的排水系统设计和建设中是非常必要的。根据水晶岩石上钻探的试验结果,建立了HydroDFN模型,通过观察到的破裂现象和导水参数进行集中调试,以确认导水的参数。通过HydroDFN模块,计算等效块渗透系数,并把计算出来的等效块渗透系数和现场测试数据加以分析和比较。