Effect of graph generation on slope stability analysis based on graph theory

Limit equilibrium method （LEM） and strength reduction method （SRM） are the most widely used methods for slope stability analysis. However, it can be noted that they both have some limitations in practical application. In the LEM, the constitutive model cannot be considered and many assumptions are needed between slices of soil/rock. The SRM requires iterative calculations and does not give the slip surface directly. A method for slope stability analysis based on the graph theory is recently developed to directly calculate the minimum safety factor and potential critical slip surface according to the stress results of numerical simulation. The method is based on current stress state and can overcome the disadvantages mentioned above in the two traditional methods. The influences of edge generation and mesh geometry on the position of slip surface and the safety factor of slope are studied, in which a new method for edge generation is proposed, and reasonable mesh size is suggested. The results of benchmark examples and a rock slope show good accuracy and efficiency of the presented method.     

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.     

A generalized multi-field coupling approach and its application to stability and deformation control of a high slope

Human activities,such as blasting excavation,bolting,grouting and impounding of reservoirs,will lead to disturbances to rock masses and variations in their structural features and material properties.These engineering disturbances are important factors that would alter the natural evolutionary processes or change the multi-field interactions in the rock masses from their initial equilibrium states.The concept of generalized multi-field couplings was proposed by placing particular emphasis on the role of engineering disturbances in traditional multi-field couplings in rock masses.A mathematical model was then developed,in which the effects of engineering disturbances on the coupling-processes were described with changes in boundary conditions and evolutions in thermo-hydro-mechanical(THM) properties of the rocks.A parameter,d,which is similar to damage variables but has a broader physical meaning,was conceptually introduced to represent the degree of engineering disturbances and the couplings among the material properties.The effects of blasting excavation,bolting and grouting in rock engineering were illustrated with various field observations or theoretical results,on which the degree of disturbances and the variations in elastic moduli and permeabilities were particularly focused.The influences of excavation and groundwater drainage on the seepage flow and stability of the slopes were demonstrated with numerical simulations.The proposed approach was further employed to investigate the coupled hydro-mechanical responses of a high rock slope to excavation,bolting and impounding of the reservoir in the dam left abutment of Jinping I hydropower station.The impacts of engineering disturbances on the deformation and stability of the slope during construction and operation were demonstrated.     

利用改进的DDA进行边坡上落石运动的数值模拟

The reasonable design of protective structures to mitigate the hazards from rock fall depends on the knowledge of motion behaviors of falling stones,such as the falling paths,velocities,jump heights and distances.Numerical simulation is an effective way to gain such kind of knowledge,In this paper,the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) is applied to rock fall analysis.In order to obtain more reliable results,the following improvements and extensions are made on the original DDA.(1)Solve the problem of block expansions due to rigid body rotation error.(2) Add the function of modeling the drag resistance from air and plants so that the velocities of falling stones obtained by simulations are good enough in agreement with those by experiments in situ.(3)Add the capability to consider energy loss due to block collisions so that the jumping heights and distances obtained by simulations are good enough in agreement with thos by experiments even for the slope with very soft layer on its surface.One of application examples is presented to show that the extended DDA is very effective and useful in rock fall analysis.Therefore,the presented method is expected to be put into wide use in slop stability analysis.     

New artificial neural networks for true triaxial stress state analysis and demonstration of intermediate principal stress effects on intact rock strength

Simulations are conducted using five new artificial neural networks developed herein to demonstrate and investigate the behavior of rock material under polyaxial loading. The effects of the intermediate principal stress on the intact rock strength are investigated and compared with laboratory results from the literature. To normalize differences in laboratory testing conditions, the stress state is used as the objective parameter in the artificial neural network model predictions. The variations of major principal stress of rock material with intermediate principal stress, minor principal stress and stress state are investigated. The artificial neural network simulations show that for the rock types examined, none were independent of intermediate principal stress effects. In addition, the results of the artificial neural network models, in general agreement with observations made by others, show （a） a general trend of strength increasing and reaching a peak at some intermediate stress state factor, followed by a decline in strength for most rock types; （b） a post-peak strength behavior dependent on the minor principal stress, with respect to rock type; （c） sensitivity to the stress state, and to the interaction between the stress state and uniaxial compressive strength of the test data by the artificial neural networks models （two-way analysis of variance; 95% confidence interval）. Artificial neural network modeling, a self-learning approach to polyaxial stress simulation, can thus complement the commonly observed difficult task of conducting true triaxial laboratory tests, and/or other methods that attempt to improve two-dimensional （2D） failure criteria by incorporating intermediate principal stress effects.     

Advances in statistical mechanics of rock masses and its engineering applications

To efficiently link the continuum mechanics for rocks with the structural statistics of rock masses,a theoretical and methodological system called the statistical mechanics of rock masses(SMRM)was developed in the past three decades.In SMRM,equivalent continuum models of stressestrain relationship,strength and failure probability for jointed rock masses were established,which were based on the geometric probability models characterising the rock mass structure.This follows the statistical physics,the continuum mechanics,the fracture mechanics and the weakest link hypothesis.A general constitutive model and complete stressestrain models under compressive and shear conditions were also developed as the derivatives of the SMRM theory.An SMRM calculation system was then developed to provide fast and precise solutions for parameter estimations of rock masses,such as full-direction rock quality designation(RQD),elastic modulus,Coulomb compressive strength,rock mass quality rating,and Poisson’s ratio and shear strength.The constitutive equations involved in SMRM were integrated into a FLAC3D based numerical module to apply for engineering rock masses.It is also capable of analysing the complete deformation of rock masses and active reinforcement of engineering rock masses.Examples of engineering applications of SMRM were presented,including a rock mass at QBT hydropower station in northwestern China,a dam slope of Zongo II hydropower station in D.R.Congo,an open-pit mine in Dexing,China,an underground powerhouse of Jinping I hydropower station in southwestern China,and a typical circular tunnel in Lanzhou-Chongqing railway,China.These applications verified the reliability of the SMRM and demonstrated its applicability to broad engineering issues associated with jointed rock masses.     

A two-dimensional limit equilibrium computer code for analysis of complex toppling slope failures

Evaluation of blocky or layered rock slopes against toppling failures has remained of great concern for engineers in various rock mechanics projects.Several step-by-step analytical solutions have been developed for analyzing these types of slope failures.However,manual application of these analytical solutions for real case studies can be time-consuming,complicated,and in certain cases even impossible.This study will first examine existing methods for toppling failure analyses that are reviewed,modified and generalized to consider the effects of a wide range of external and dead loads on slope stability.Next,based on the generalized presented formulae,a Windows form computer code is programmed using Visual C#for analysis of common types of toppling failures.Input parameters,including slope geometry,joint sets parameters,rock and soil properties,ground water level,dynamic loads,support anchor loads as well as magnitudes and forms of external forces,are first loaded into the code.The input data are then saved and used to graphically draw the slope model.This is followed by automatic identification of the toppling failure mode and a deterministic analysis of the slope stability against this failure mode.The results are presented using a graphical approach.The developed code allows probabilistic introduction of the input parameters via probability distribution functions(PDFs)and thus a probabilistic analysis of the toppling failure modes using Monte-Carlo simulation technique.This allows calculation of the probability of slope failure.Finally,several published case studies and typical examples are analyzed with the developed code.The outcomes are compared with those of the main references to assess the performance and robustness of the developed computer code.The comparisons demonstrate good agreement between the results.     

Impact of weathering on slope stability in soft rock mass

Weathering of soft rocks is usually considered as an important factor in various fields such as geology, engineering geology, mineralogy, soil and rock mechanics, and geomorphology. The problem of stability over time should be considered for slopes excavated in soft rocks, in case they are not protected against weathering processes. In addition to disintegration of material on slope surface, the weathering also results in shear strength reduction in the interior of the slope. Principal processes in association with weatherinz are discussed with the examnles of marl hosted on flvsch formations near Solit. Croatia.     

Safety monitoring and stability analysis of left abutment slope of Jinping Ⅰ hydropower station

Safety monitoring and stability analysis of high slopes are important for high dam construction in high mountainous regions or precipitous gorges. In this paper, deformation characteristics of toppling block at upper abutment, deforming tensile rip wedge in the middle part and deep fractures are comprehensively analyzed based on the geological conditions, construction methods and monitoring results of left abutment slope in Jinping I hydropower station. Safety analyses of surface and shallow-buried rock mas...     

Behaviour of layered sandstone under Brazilian test conditions:Layer orientation and shape effects

The experimental study in this paper focuses on the effects of the layer orientation and sample shape on failure strength and fracture pattern of samples tested under Brazilian test conditions(i.e.diametrical loading of cylindrical discs)for one particular layered sandstone which is from Modave in the south of Belgium.The variations of the strength in combination with the failure patterns are examined as a function of the inclination angle between the layer plane and the loading direction.The experimental,results clearly show that the induced fracture patterns are a combination of tensile and/or shear fractures.In shape effect experiments the layer thickness and the number of layer boundaries are investigated.Different blocks of Modave sandstone are used to prepare samples.The layer thickness is different among the various blocks,but the layer thickness in each studied rock block can be considered to be constant;hence,the number of layer boundaries changes according to the sample diameter for samples of the same block.The experimental study shows that the layer thickness plays a more important role than the number of layer boundaries per sample.     

考虑结构面特性的层状岩体复合材料模型与应用研究

 层状岩体由于存在着定向结构面导致其破坏机制和变形行为与一般岩体相比,存在着显著的差异。为此,先通过独立考虑基岩和结构面的物理力学特性,提出层状岩体复合材料硬化–软化模型,以便用来描述这类岩体在强度和变形方面的各向异性以及渐进破裂(或滑移)特征。然后,采用VC++编程语言将该模型嵌入到FLAC3D软件中,从而实现非线性数值计算功能。通过与经典理论解和已有模型数值解进行对比,以及对单轴和三轴压缩试验的数值模拟,表明该模型在描述上述这些特征方面是合适的。同时,这些压缩试验的数值模拟结果给出不同围压和倾角情况下层状岩体的力学响应特征,并初步探讨这类岩体的破裂(滑移)机制。最后,将该模型应用于典型边坡工程和洞室工程中,所得结果可以较好地解释工程现场的变形破坏现象,且与工程实践基本相符,验证该模型在工程应用方面的可行性。     

偶应力对含充填层状岩体边界层效应的影响

 传统的连续介质理论本构关系没有考虑材料微结构的影响。岩石材料的微结构尺度一般在毫米量级以上,并且在高应变梯度情况下,层状岩体的弯曲变形非常显著。采用偶应力理论和有限单元法,对含充填层状岩体结构面边界层效应进行研究,并对经典理论和偶应力理论的结果进行对比。结果表明：考虑偶应力后,尺度效应明显。层状岩体结构面边界层内应力、应变的绝对值均有所减小;层状岩体结构面边界层内剪应变出现一个过渡区域,剪应变突变有所改善,但剪应力却不再连续。特征长度影响过渡区域大小,第二剪切模量、泊松比、弹性模量不改变过渡区域大小。     

Performance analysis of empirical models for predicting rock mass deformation modulus using regression and Bayesian methods

Deformation modulus of rock mass is one of the input parameters to most rock engineering designs and constructions. The field tests for determination of deformation modulus are cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming. This has prompted the development of various regression equations to estimate deformation modulus from results of rock mass classifications, with rock mass rating (RMR) being one of the frequently used classifications. The regression equations are of different types ranging from linear to nonlinear functions like power and exponential. Bayesian method has recently been developed to incorporate regression equations into a Bayesian framework to provide better estimates of geotechnical properties. The question of whether Bayesian method improves the estimation of geotechnical properties in all circumstances remains open. Therefore, a comparative study was conducted to assess the performances of regression and Bayesian methods when they are used to characterize deformation modulus from the same set of RMR data obtained from two project sites. The study also investigated the performance of different types of regression equations in estimation of the deformation modulus. Statistics, probability distributions and prediction indicators were used to assess the performances of regression and Bayesian methods and different types of regression equations. It was found that power and exponential types of regression equations provide a better estimate than linear regression equations. In addition, it was discovered that the ability of the Bayesian method to provide better estimates of deformation modulus than regression method depends on the quality and quantity of input data as well as the type of the regression equation.     

岩体变形破坏过程的能量机制

 叙述岩体单元变形破坏过程中能量耗散与强度、能量释放与整体破坏等概念。在循环压缩载荷下,实测岩石的能量耗散及损伤,数据拟合表明,基于能量耗散分析建立的岩石损伤演化方程可以较好地描述岩石的损伤演化过程。在循环压缩载荷下同时实测不同加载速度及不同载荷水平下岩体内可释放应变能、耗散能、卸荷弹性模量及卸荷泊松比的变化规律,给出复杂应力条件下卸荷弹性模量的变化公式。基于可释放应变能建立岩体单元的整体破坏准则,该准则与大理岩的双压试验结果符合得比较好。对工程中常见的层状岩体,提出基于畸变能与广义体积膨胀势能而建立的层状岩体破坏准则,该准则与层状岩的双压试验也符合得比较好。     

高速铁路红层软岩路基时效上拱变形机制研究

红层软岩地区高速铁路路基在运营期出现持续上拱变形,已成为当前阻碍我国高速铁路发展的又一关键因素,为揭示引起红层软岩地基时效性上拱变形机制,以西南地区某典型红层软岩深挖路堑路基上拱变形病害工点为依托,在现场工程地质与水文地质调查分析的基础上,结合基底地应力测试、红层软岩的吸水膨胀性试验和不同水理条件下的蠕变性试验结果,从地基岩体赋存的水、力环境、红层泥岩的时效性膨胀特性和水-力耦合蠕变特性角度,建立红层软岩地基分层变形机制模型,并系统分析地基短期、中期和长期上拱变形机制和特征。研究成果表明:(1)上拱区段属红层泥岩夹薄层砂岩的近水平地层结构,开挖法向卸荷引起浅层岩体微观裂隙松弛而视显,深层岩体仍为完整,地基岩体水平切向应力显著增大导致路基变形具有明显的结构效应;(2)侧向约束轴向自由下,红层泥岩吸水的时效性变形特征与其岩性及结构特征有关;(3)红层泥岩在低应力状态下即表现出典型的三阶段蠕变变形特征,且轴向应力越小,蠕变应变比越大;(4)水-力耦合作用下红层泥岩蠕变特性更为显著,大量级卸荷情况下上拱蠕变显著增大,蠕变稳定持续时间增长;水汽-力耦合作用下仍会出现显著的蠕变变形,蠕变稳定持续时间更长,总蠕变应变相对减小;(5)根据不同层位岩体的变形机制,将红层软岩地基划分为大气影响层(C1)、水汽-力耦合变形层(C2)、水-力耦合变形层(C3)和水-力耦合封闭层(C4)。路基短期变形主要由C1层岩体引起、中期变形由C3和C4层岩体引起、长期变形由C2层岩体引起。研究成果可为红层软岩地区高速铁路路基时效性上拱变形风险评估、预测及工程控制措施的设计提供理论支撑或参考。     

地下洞库围岩外加固抗炸弹侵彻性能研究

 通过相似模型试验研究交叉锚索对均质、层状和块状3种典型岩体加固前后的抗炸弹侵彻能力,试验结果表明,介质类型(均质、层状、块状)对侵彻深度影响不大,岩体质量越好,抗侵彻能力的提高量越小,在弹体动能相同的条件下,均质模拟岩体的侵彻深度最大,层状模拟岩体侵彻深度最小;分析弹体在加固模拟岩体与未加固模拟岩体内侵彻深度相差不大的根本原因,指出提高模拟岩体抗炸弹侵彻能力的首要条件是提高模拟岩体材料的抗压能力,在模拟岩体内配置的锚索含筋率较小时,虽然能够提高模拟岩体材料的抗拉强度,但对模拟岩体的抗炸弹侵彻能力没有明显改善;利用LS-DYNA软件对模型试验结果进行模拟计算,表明锚索角度和间距变化对加固岩体抗炸弹侵彻深度影响不大。尽管交叉锚索对模拟岩体的抗炸弹侵彻能力提高不大,但岩体材料的抗拉、抗剪能力的显著提高可明显减小洞库的变形,有利于洞库的稳定。     

On the use of the RMR system for estimation of rock mass deformation modulus

Estimation of rock mass deformation modulus is the subject of many studies in rock engineering research work. Although numerous predictive models have been developed for the estimation of the deformation modulus, they cannot be generalized for other sites because of inadequate accuracy. Furthermore, it is very valuable that the predictive models involve some accessible input parameters. The rock mass rating (RMR) is a well-known geomechanical parameter, which is usually determined to describe the quality of rock mass in rock engineering projects. In this study, five parameter ratings of the RMR classification system are used to predict the deformation modulus of rock mass in the abutment of the Gotvand earth dam. Statistical analysis and an artificial neural network are employed to present two new predictive models. Finally, probabilistic analysis is used to predict the rock mass deformation modulus, which overcomes the low accuracy caused by the inherent uncertainty in prediction. The results indicated that the parameter ratings used in the RMR classification system can predict the rock mass deformation modulus with a satisfactory correlation. However, the parameters don’t have the same influence on the rock mass deformability with the joint condition and the groundwater as the major and minor influencing parameters, respectively.     

层状围岩管片衬砌配合陶粒与锚杆的联合支护技术研究

深部层状围岩中修建盾构隧道,管片衬砌易受偏压作用,对结构安全构成挑战。提出一种管片衬砌配合陶粒可压缩层与锚杆的联合支护技术,采用大比例尺相似模型试验针对联合支护技术的支护效果进行研究,进行了可压缩层配合不同长度和间距的锚杆支护效果对比研究,从管片衬砌内力、变形角度分析了联合支护效果,从可压缩层的压缩变形路径和移动特征角度分析了联合支护机理。研究结构表明:联合支护技术一定程度上改变了管片的内力分布形式,降低了围岩偏压作用,削减管片衬砌内力和形变量;锚杆的施作可以有效减小层状围岩变形,陶粒压缩层可以有效吸收围岩变形;联合支护中锚杆的长度和间距存在一个最优值,超过该最优值,锚杆的加固效果不再明显增加;联合支护的作用机理由两部分构成:陶粒压缩层的让压作用与锚杆加固作用。研究结果对层状围岩中修建盾构隧道的支护结构型式设计具有一定参考价值。     

深部多裂隙岩体开挖变形破坏规律模型试验研究

深部资源开发中地下洞室围岩稳定控制必须面对峰后碎裂岩体的变形和破坏问题,目前深部多裂隙岩体开挖强卸荷引起的围岩变形破坏规律尚不清楚,常导致大体积塌方、大变形等重大工程事故。采用大尺度三维模型相似试验系统,分析具有一定倾角的多组裂隙的岩体在高地应力下开挖变形破坏规律。试验结果表明:隧道上下侧围岩主要呈现大变形现象,左右侧围岩呈现分层破裂现象,破裂区随时间增长由内向外逐渐增多,在拱顶、底板大变形的诱导下发生边墙大体积坍塌;隧道围岩由内向外位移值和应力值呈现波动状分布;裂隙倾角与破坏区分布形态有一定相关性。为保障深部工程的安全兴建与运营提供了试验基础。     

乌东德坝基岩体变形模量与波速相关性及应用

坝基岩体变形模量是拱坝设计最重要的参数之一,实际中由于受到资金、时间、尺寸效应等限制,承压板试验不可能大量开展,工程常采用岩体变形模量与波速之间的相关关系来估算坝基岩体变形模量以评价其工程地质特性是否满足建坝要求。在乌东德水电站坝基边坡开挖工程中,开展了钻孔变形模量和声波测试。乌东德坝基为典型层状岩体,左岸坝基及河床岩体测试孔方向与层面走向近平行,右岸坝基岩体测试方向与层面近垂直,分析表明坝基岩体中有明显充填特征层面对岩体变形模量值和声波值具有不对称影响。结合测试钻孔高清电视选择合理数据,建立了坝基岩体变形模量与单孔声波二者之间的相关关系。通过与坝基岩体的承压板试验成果对比验证,所建立的相关关系是符合实际地质条件的。将该方法应用于大坝坝基深部岩体变形参数估算及坝基表层松弛岩体灌浆处理效果评价工作中,证明是可行的有效方法。本文的研究成果为坝基岩体变形特征的评价提供科学依据,对高拱坝坝基工程勘测设计具有重要的理论和实践意义。