Practical equivalent continuum characterization of jointed rock masses

A simple practical method to characterize the strength and stiffness of jointed rock masses is presented in this paper. The empirical relations for the strength and stiffness of rock masses have been arrived based on the statistical analysis of a large amount of experimental data, which are used for representing the jointed rock mass as an equivalent continuum. The effect of joints in the rock mass is taken into account by a joint factor. These obtained relations are incorporated in a non-linear FEM code to represent the equivalent continuum analysis. The equivalent continuum model has been validated against experimental results for jointed rock masses with different joint fabric and joint orientation and also with the results from explicit modeling of joints using FEM. The developed model has also been applied to calculate the deformation around a large power station cavern in rhyolite rock at 200 m depth.     

Simulation of excavations in jointed rock masses using a practical equivalent continuum approach

A simple practical equivalent continuum numerical model previously presented by Sitharam et al. (Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 38 (2001) 437) for simulating the behaviour of jointed rock mass has been incorporated in the commercial finite difference programme fast Lagrangian analysis of continua (FLAC). This model estimates the properties of jointed rock mass from the properties of intact rock and a joint factor (J_f), which is the integration of the properties of joints to take care of the effects of frequency, orientation and strength of joint. A FISH function has been written in FLAC specially for modelling jointed rocks. This paper verifies the validity of this model for three different field case studies, namely two large power station caverns, one in Japan and the other in Himalayas and Kiirunavara mine in Sweden. Sequential excavation was simulated in the analysis by assigning null model available in FLAC to the excavated rock mass in each stage. The settlement and failure observations reported from field studies for these different cases were compared with the predicted observations from the numerical analysis in this study. The results of numerical modelling applied to these different cases are systematically analysed to investigate the efficiency of the numerical model in estimating the deformations and stress distribution around the excavations. Results indicated that the model is capable of predicting the settlements and failure observations made in field fairly well. Results from this study confirmed the effectiveness of the practical equivalent continuum approach and the joint factor model used together for solving various problems involving excavations in jointed rocks.     

Two-scale modeling of jointed rock masses

Numerical modeling of the mechanical behavior of jointed rock masses is a difficult task as the discontinuities not only require special modeling consideration, but also require different treatments depending upon the scale of problem involved. A framework is proposed here that is based upon a meshed based partition of unity method, also known as the numerical manifold method. Specifically, the discontinuities posed by joints or faults are divided into two groups. The primary discontinuity set is the one with a wider spacing and dominates the kinematics of the system. It is modeled explicitly as physical discontinuities. The secondary discontinuity set, characterized by high density and small spacing, is modeled as an equivalent continuum by incorporating joint compliance and strength characteristics. Following the presentation of the formulation, two examples are also provided at the end to highlight the ease with which the proposed approach may be used in mechanical analysis of a complex jointed rock system.     

Determination of mechanical parameters for jointed rock masses

Combining with empirical method, laboratory test and numerical simulation, a comprehensive system was presented to determine the mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses. The system has the following four functions: (1) Based on the field investigation of joints, the system can consider rock mass structures, by using network simulation technology. (2) Rock samples are conducted by numerical simulation with the input engineering mechanical parameters of rocks and joints obtained from laboratory tests. (3) The whole stress-strain curve of jointed rock masses under certain normal stress can be plotted from numerical simulation, and then the shear strength parameters of jointed rock masses can be obtained from the whole stress-strain curves under different normal stresses. (4) The statistical values of mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be determined according to numerical simulation. Based on the statistical values, combining with engineering experiences and geological investigations, the comprehensive mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be achieved finally. Several cases are presented to prove the engineering feasibility and suitability of this system.     

Determination of mechanical parameters for jointed rock masses

Combining with empirical method, laboratory test and numerical simulation, a comprehensive system was presented to determine the mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses. The system has the following four functions: (1) Based on the field investigation of joints, the system can consider rock mass structures, by using network simulation technology. (2) Rock samples are conducted by numerical simulation with the input engineering mechanical parameters of rocks and joints obtained from laboratory tests. (3) The whole stress-strain curve of jointed rock masses under certain normal stress can be plotted from numerical simulation, and then the shear strength parameters of jointed rock masses can be obtained from the whole stress-strain curves under different normal stresses. (4) The statistical values of mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be determined according to numerical simulation. Based on the statistical values, combining with engineering experiences and geological investigations, the comprehensive mechanical parameters of jointed rock masses can be achieved finally. Several cases are presented to prove the engineering feasibility and suitability of this system.     

断续节理岩体动态疲劳损伤研究

分析了断续节理岩体动态疲劳损伤的复杂性,阐明了疲劳损伤研究的近似处理方法。基于剩余应变强度理论和线性退化准则讨论了断续节理岩体动态疲劳损伤累积过程。研究了岩体破裂概率与疲劳损伤的等效性,建立了疲劳损伤变量与分形维数间的定量关系。最后通过动态疲劳实验验证了结论的正确性。     

Responses of jointed rock masses subjected to impact loading

Impact-induced damage to jointed rock masses has important consequences in various mining and civil engineering applications. This paper reports a numerical investigation to address the responses of jointed rock masses subjected to impact loading. It also focuses on the static and dynamic properties of an intact rock derived from a series of laboratory tests on meta-sandstone samples from a quarry in Nova Scotia, Canada. A distinct element code (PFC2D) was used to generate a bonded particle model (BPM) to simulate both the static and dynamic properties of the intact rock. The calibrated BPM was then used to construct large-scale jointed rock mass samples by incorporating discrete joint networks of multiple joint intensities into the intact rock matrix represented by the BPM. Finally, the impact-induced damage inflicted by a rigid projectile particle on the jointed rock mass samples was determined through the use of the numerical model. The simulation results show that joints play an important role in the impact-induced rock mass damage where higher joint intensity results in more damage to the rock mass. This is mainly attributed to variations of stress wave propagation in jointed rock masses as compared to intact rock devoid of joints.     

Strength of massive to moderately jointed hard rock masses

The Hoek-Brown(HB) failure criterion and the geological strength index(GSI) were developed for the estimation of rock mass strength in jointed and blocky ground where rock mass failure is dominated by sliding along open joints and rotation of rock blocks. In massive, veined and moderately jointed rock in which rock blocks cannot form without failure of intact rock, the approach to obtain HB parameters must be modified. Typical situations when these modifications are required include the design of pillars,excavation and cavern stability, strainburst potential assessment, and tunnel support in deep underground conditions(around s1/s ci 0.15, where s1 is the major principal compressive stress and s ciis the unconfined compressive strength of the homogeneous rock) in hard brittle rocks with GSI ! 65. In this article, the strength of massive to moderately jointed hard rock masses is investigated, and an approach is presented to estimate the rock mass strength envelope using laboratory data from uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength tests without reliance on the HB-GSI equations. The data from tests on specimens obtained from massive to moderately jointed heterogeneous(veined) rock masses are used to obtain the rock and rock mass strengths at confining stress ranges that are relevant for deep tunnelling and mining;and a methodology is presented for this purpose from laboratory data alone. By directly obtaining the equivalent HB rock mass strength envelope for massive to moderately jointed rock from laboratory tests,the HB-GSI rock mass strength estimation approach is complemented for conditions where the GSIequations are not applicable. Guidance is also provided on how to apply the proposed approach when laboratory test data are not or not yet available.     

节理岩体正交各向异性等效强度参数研究

将节理裂隙视为岩体的损伤,利用岩体裂隙网络模拟技术、损伤力学和节理张量理论对等效抗剪强度参数(即黏聚力和摩擦系数)进行了研究。在岩体损伤力学研究成果的基础上,研究了包含多组节理裂隙的岩体在空间任意截面上损伤变量的近似计算方法;以损伤变量作为加权系数,将岩块和结构面抗剪强度参数的加权平均值作为岩体等效强度参数;根据岩体在各空间截面上的等效抗剪强度参数计算成果,将岩体抗剪强度参数等效为正交各向异性变化的抗剪强度参数;编制相应的计算程序,通过计算实例验证了研究成果和计算程序的正确性。     

Research on unloading nonlinear mechanical characteristics of jointed rock masses

Geological environments of rock mass projects are always very complicated, and further investigations on rock mechanical characteristics are needed. There are considerable distinctions in rock mechanical characteristics under unloading and loading conditions. A series of tests are conducted to study the stress-strain relationship of rock masses under loading and unloading conditions. Also, the anisotropy, the size effect, and the rheological property of unloading rock mass are investigated. The tests presented in the paper include model test and granite rheological test, which are conducted considering geological condition, rock mass structure, in-situ stress field of the permanent shiplock of the Three Gorges Project. The main differences between loading and unloading rock masses are stress paths, yield criteria, deformation and strength parameters, etc.. Different structural plane directions affect unloading rock mass evidently. With increasing size, the tensile strength, the compressive strength, the deformation modulus, the Poisson’s ratio and the anisotropy of rock mass all decrease. For sandstone samples with parallel bedding planes, the cohesion c increases but the internal friction angle ? decreases under unloading condition when compared with the values under loading condition. While for samples with vertical bedding planes, the trend is adverse. The rheological property of rocks has close relationship with the tensile stresses of rock masses. When the sandstone samples are tested under high stress condition, their rheological properties are very obvious with the unloading of confining pressure, and three typical rheological stages are shown. Rheological rate changes with the variations in axial stress and confining pressure.     

Numerical and experimental analysis of penetration grouting in jointed rock masses

The reinforcement effect of penetration (or permeation) cement grouting injected into jointed rock masses is investigated in this paper. For this, anisotropic material properties of jointed rock masses with and without grouting are derived based on the mechanics of composite material. Derived anisotropic material properties are not only functions of the material properties of the intact rock and grouting, but are also related to the geometric and mechanical properties of rock joints, such as dip angle, spacing and stiffness. Two in situ seismic tests were also performed to obtain information on the ground improvement. Finally, a back analysis methodology is proposed to quantify the reinforcement effect. Here, joint stiffnesses of the rock masses are selected as the dominant parameter to be determined. The so-called back analysis shows that, after grouting, the stiffnesses of the filled joints are increased upto 6 times compared with those of the ungrouted joints.     

裂隙岩体等效渗透系数张量数值法研究

由于核废料地质储存、地热开采、深部油气开采的工程需求,裂隙岩体渗透性及其随着应力、温度的影响受到广泛关注。通过温度-渗流-应力耦合三轴仪对大理岩人工裂隙渗透率随应力及温度变化规律进行了试验研究,获得了大理岩闭合裂隙渗透率随应力、温度的变化趋势及受影响程度。在试验基础上,通过数值方法研究了裂隙岩体等效渗透系数的尺寸效应及各向异性,获得了该裂隙岩体的等效渗透系数REV及渗透张量。     

A practical procedure for the back analysis of slope failures in closely jointed rock masses

Where closely jointed rock masses are encountered in slopes, failure can occur both through the rock mass, as a result of combination of macro and micro jointing, and through the rock substance. Determination of the strength of this category of rock mass is extraordinarily difficult since the size of representative specimens is too large for laboratory testing. This difficulty can be overcome by using a non-linear rock mass failure criterion or by back analysis of such slopes to estimate the rock mass strength. In this paper, a practical procedure and a computer program are presented for the back determination of shear strength parameters mobilized in slopes cut in closely jointed rock masses which obey a non-linear failure criterion rather than a linear one. The procedure shows that the constants to derive normal stress dependent shear strength parameters of the failed rock masses can be determined by utilizing a main cross-section and without a pre-determined value of rock mass rating (RMR). Trials are made for different RMR_m and RMR_s values corresponding to various possible combinations of the constant m and s, which are used in the Hoek–Brown failure criterion, satisfying the limit equilibrium condition. It is also noted that the procedure provides a quick check for the rock mass rating obtained from the site investigations. The method is used in conjunction with the Bishop's method of analysis based on circular slip surfaces. The procedure outlined in this paper has also been satisfactorily applied to documented slope failure case histories in three open pit mines in Turkey.     

柱状节理岩体宏观等效弹性模量尺寸效应研究

以金沙江白鹤滩水电站工程为背景,结合相关的岩石力学试验方法,建立了柱状节理岩体三维离散元模型,对柱状节理岩体进行了三轴压缩试验数值模拟。数值试验研究了六棱柱形柱状节理岩体柱体直径变化、四棱柱形柱状节理岩体柱体边长、节理错距变化对其等效弹性模量的影响。为研究随机柱状节理岩体柱体尺寸对岩体等效弹性模量的影响,提出柱体大对角线长尺寸控制方案,并研究了柱体大对角线长变化对岩体等效弹性模量的影响。通过与现场试验的对比研究,结果表明：随机柱体尺寸控制方案可靠;柱体尺寸的变化对与柱体垂直方向的等效弹性模量影响较大,是主要影响因素;四棱柱形柱状节理岩体错距变化主要对与错距平行的岩体等效弹性模量产生影响,对其它两个方向的等效弹性模量的影响较弱,是次要影响因素。研究结果为工程实践中等效力学参数的确定提供了相关参考。     

Study on the attenuation parameters of blasting vibration velocity in jointed rock masses

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - Based on the rock mass quality classification, this paper proposes a new prediction formula for the attenuation parameters of blasting...     

Influence of degree of interlock on confined strength of jointed hard rock masses

The strength of jointed rock mass is strongly controlled by the degree of interlock between its constituent rock blocks. The degree of interlock constrains the kinematic freedom of individual rock blocks to rotate and slide along the block forming joints. The Hoek–Brown (HB) failure criterion and the geological strength index (GSI) were developed based on experiences from mine slopes and tunneling projects in moderately to poorly interlocked jointed rock masses. It has since then been demonstrated that the approach to estimate the HB strength parameters based on the GSI strength scaling equations (called the ‘GSI strength equations’) tends to underestimate the confined peak strength of highly interlocked jointed rock masses (i.e. GSI > 65), where the rock mass is often non-persistently jointed, and the intact rock blocks are strong and brittle. The estimation of the confined strength of such rock masses is relevant when designing mine pillars and abutments at great depths, where the confining pressure is high enough to prevent block rotation and free sliding on block boundaries. In this article, a grain-based distinct element modeling approach is used to simulate jointed rock masses of various degrees of interlock and to investigate the influences of block shape, joint persistence and joint surface condition on the confined peak strengths. The focus is on non-persistently jointed and blocky (persistently jointed) rock masses, consisting of hard and homogeneous rock blocks devoid of any strength degrading defects such as veins. The results from this investigation confirm that the GSI strength equations underestimate the confined strength of highly interlocked and non-persistently jointed rock masses. Moreover, the GSI strength equations are found to be valid to estimate the confined strength of persistently jointed rock masses with smooth and non-dilatant joint surfaces.