Stability analysis of a group of underground anhydrite caverns used for crude oil storage considering rock tensile properties

Tensile deformation and damage play an essential role in rock engineering problems. This paper presents a framework for evaluating the stability of a group of anhydrite caverns combining both experimental and numerical methods. In this study, the tensile Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of anhydrite are determined based on the Brazilian disc splitting test. The tests show that the tensile Young’s modulus of anhydrite is less than the compressive Young’s modulus, with a ratio of approximately 0.58–0.91. The tensile Poisson’s ratio is greater than the compressive Poisson’s ratio, with a ratio of approximately 2.47–3.20. Based on the differences between the mechanical parameters (Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio) of anhydrite in the tensile and compressive states, a user-defined constitutive model is developed with the Hoek-Brown failure criterion, which describes the tensile and compressive behaviour at a laboratory scale. Finally, a large-scale three-dimensional (3D) anhydrite cavern group located in Anhui Province, China, which was formed by mining activity over the past 10 years, is used as a case study to illustrate the proposed framework. The model for the anhydrite cavern group is established in FLAC^3D5.0, and the stability of the anhydrite cavern group used for underground oil storage is then analysed with this model. The simulation results indicate that after the exploitation is completed, there are few plastic zones and tensile elements in the surrounding rock near the cavern group. The maximum value of cavern roof settlement is approximately 5.54 mm. The maximum cavern bottom upheaval is approximately 6.11 mm, and the maximum ground subsidence is approximately 3.0 mm. The results indicate that the Anhui Hengtai anhydrite cavern group possesses good stability potential as an underground oil storage space.

     

Determination and applications of rock quality designation(RQD)

Characterization of rock masses and evaluation of their mechanical properties are important and challenging tasks in rock mechanics and rock engineering.Since in many cases rock quality designation(RQD)is the only rock mass classification index available,this paper outlines the key aspects on determination of RQD and evaluates the empirical methods based on RQD for determining the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses.First,various methods for determining RQD are presented and the effects of different factors on determination of RQD are highlighted.Then,the empirical methods based on RQD for determining the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses are briefly reviewed.Finally,the empirical methods based on RQD are used to determine the deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of rock masses at five different sites including 13 cases,and the results are compared with those obtained by other empirical methods based on rock mass classification indices such as rock mass rating(RMR),Q-system(Q) and geological strength index(GSI).It is shown that the empirical methods based on RQD tend to give deformation modulus values close to the lower bound(conservative) and unconfined compressive strength values in the middle of the corresponding values from different empirical methods based on RMR,Q and GSI.The empirical methods based on RQD provide a convenient way for estimating the mechanical properties of rock masses but,whenever possible,they should be used together with other empirical methods based on RMR,Q and GSI.     

Comprehensive compressive-tensile strength criterion for intact rock

This paper presents a strength criterion for intact rock,which can well describe triaxial test data under compressive or tensile stress state.The proposed criterion is defined in terms of three parameters.One parameter expresses the apparent unconfined compressive strength(AUCS),obtained from the Coulomb-Mohr criterion,as a regulated unconfined compressive strength(RUCS).Two other parameters,and,are material-dependent that can be determined by regression analysis.The proposed criterion is compared with selected applicable strength criteria separately for compressive and tensile strengths.Coefficient of determination and accordance coefficient are considered in comparisons between the proposed and selected strength criteria.     

平行黏结模型中细观参数对宏观特性影响研究

 采用理论分析与数值模拟相结合的方法,对平行黏结模型中细观参数对宏观特性的影响进行系统研究。首先通过理论研究,定性提出细观参数与宏观特性的理论公式,然后运用PFC2D数值模拟,定量地给出两者之间的关系式。研究表明：(1) 计算模型宏观弹性模量主要由颗粒接触杨氏模量和颗粒黏结杨氏模量决定,且与二者均呈线性关系,同时受颗粒接触法向刚度与切向刚度之比、颗粒黏结法向刚度与切向刚度之比及颗粒尺寸的影响,且均呈对数关系;(2) 泊松比主要由颗粒刚度决定,且呈对数关系,受颗粒尺寸的影响较小;(3) 抗压强度由颗粒黏结应力比?b,m/?b,m决定,受颗粒摩擦因数?的影响轻微,当0＜?b,m/?b,m＜2时,抗压强度主要受?b,m的影响,当?b,m/?b,m≥2时,抗压强度主要受?b,m的影响。并给出具有一定参考意义的相关关系式,结合实例进一步对相关分析式的可靠性进行论证。研究成果对快速、合理确定PFC模型细观参数具有指导意义。     

水平旋喷固结体力学性能试验及分析

对在通常旋喷参数条件下形成的水平旋喷固结体进行了多种试验，包括无侧限抗压试验、劈裂抗拉试验、点荷载试验等，得到无侧限抗压强度、抗拉强度、抗压强度软化系数，变形模量，粘聚力和内摩擦角等水平旋喷固结体的物理力学指标，并讨论了变形模量，抗拉强度和无侧限抗压强度之间的关系。     

Reliability-based design in rock engineering: Application of Bayesian regression methods to rock strength data

Reliability-based design(RBD) is being adopted by geotechnical design codes worldwide, and it is therefore necessary that rock engineering practice evolves to embrace RBD. This paper examines the Hoek-Brown(He B) strength criterion within the RBD framework, and presents three distinct analyses using a Bayesian approach. Firstly, a compilation of intact compressive strength test data for six rock types is used to examine uncertainty and variability in the estimated He B parameters m and sc, and corresponding predicted axial strength. The results suggest that within-and between-rock type variabilities are so large that these parameters need to be determined from rock testing campaigns, rather than reference values being used. The second analysis uses an extensive set of compressive and tensile(both direct and indirect) strength data for a granodiorite, together with a new Bayesian regression model, to develop joint probability distributions of m and scsuitable for use in RBD. This analysis also shows how compressive and indirect tensile strength data may be robustly used to fit an He B criterion.The third analysis uses the granodiorite data to investigate the important matter of developing characteristic strength criteria. Using definitions from Eurocode 7, a formal Bayesian interpretation of characteristic strength is proposed and used to analyse strength data to generate a characteristic criterion.These criteria are presented in terms of characteristic parameters mkand s ck, the values of which are shown to depend on the testing regime used to obtain the strength data. The paper confirms that careful use of appropriate Bayesian statistical analysis allows the He B criterion to be brought within the framework of RBD. It also reveals that testing guidelines such as the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering(ISRM) suggested methods will require modification in order to support RBD. Importantly, the need to fully understand the implications of uncertainty in nonlinear strength criteria is identified.     

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.      

Effect of moisture and temperature on the mechanical properties of concrete

Concrete mechanical properties are determined under laboratory conditions of ideal air temperatures between 20 and 22 °C and relative humidity between 40% and 60%. This paper describes the development of concrete mechanical properties when cured under different environmental conditions. Tests to measure modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and split tensile strength were conducted at varying temperatures and humidity conditions to examine their effects on normal concrete. An environmental chamber was constructed in the laboratory using available materials. The chamber works in conjunction with a freezer to provide chilled air and a heat gun to provide hot air. The heating and cooling functions were controlled via a microcontroller. The moisture content in the concrete specimens was controlled by massing the specimens. The results indicate that concrete strength and modulus of elasticity are inversely related to temperature as well as moisture content in the concrete. Concrete modulus of elasticity was directly related to concrete compressive strength in both temperature and moisture testing. Mathematical formulas were developed for modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, tensile strength, and Poisson’s ratio.     

抚州泥质粉砂岩饱和单轴抗压强度试验研究

岩土工程勘察任务之一是为设计提供相应的岩土设计参数,试验研究表明,反映岩石工程性质的一些主要物理参量之间存在着密切联系,这种联系表现在它们之间有着较好的相关性。本文对抚州泥质粉砂岩的饱和单轴抗压强度与其它物理量之间相关性进行了对比试验研究,通过回归分析,建立了饱和重度与饱和单轴抗压强度、点荷载试验强度与饱和单轴抗压强度以及饱和单轴抗压强度与割线模量和三轴抗压强度的相关方程,初步实现了由易测的物理量估算难测或测试技术要求高的物理量。同时分析了现有点荷载试验强度与单轴抗压强度经验公式的适用性。     

温度作用对孔隙岩石介质力学性能的影响

利用模型材料制作了孔隙岩石物理模型,利用CT扫描和统计学原理获得了物理模型内部孔隙数量、孔隙空间位置和孔隙间距等分布特征,通过不同孔隙率物理模型温度作用下的单轴压缩试验,分析了温度作用后孔隙物理模型的抗压强度、弹性模量和泊松比等力学参数与温度和孔隙率之间的关系,运用CT扫描试验探讨了温度作用下孔隙微观结构的演化规律。研究发现：孔隙物理模型与天然孔隙岩石相比具有较好的几何相似性和一致的孔隙结构分布特征;随着作用温度点的升高,同一孔隙率的物理模型的抗压强度基本呈上升趋势,孔隙率的增大减弱了温度对物理模型抗压强度的影响作用;在相同温度条件下,随着孔隙率的增加,物理模型的抗压强度呈下降趋势。随着作用温度点的升高,同一孔隙率的物理模型的弹性模量基本都呈下降趋势;随着温度的升高孔隙率对泊松比的影响逐渐减弱;温度引起物理模型内部孔隙几何形态和孔隙数量的改变是引起宏观力学参数发生变化的主要内因。150℃似乎可以作为温度对孔隙物理模型力学参数影响的一个门槛值。研究成果揭示了温度对岩石宏观力学性能及微观孔隙结构演化规律的影响机理。     

二灰碎石基层材料力学性能与路用性能相关性研究

本文对某高速公路二灰碎石基层材料的无侧限抗压强度、抗压回弹模量、间接抗拉强度以及底基层的无侧限抗压强度与裂缝度、车辙面积率、修补面积率以及PCI进行了相关性分析,发现其相关性较为良好。     

Model tree approach for predicting uniaxial compressive strength and Young’s modulus of carbonate rocks

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Young’s modulus (E) of rock are important parameters for evaluating the strength,...     

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.     

Some observations regarding the strength and deformability of sandstones in dry and saturated conditions

In this paper the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), the tangent and secant Young's modulus of 35 British sandstones are analysed statistically. The results of sandstones tested in the dry and saturated states were investigated and petrophysical constants derived. Although the sandstones have different mineral contents, grain size, porosity, etc., the results show the same general characteristics. The relationship between the different petrophysical constants is examined.      

A geo-engineering classification for rocks and rock masses

In this article, an attempt is made to assess the reliability of predicting the uniaxial compressive strength and the corresponding modulus of a rock mass by current approaches. These two basic engineering properties, when estimated from rock mass rating (RMR), Q and geological strength index (GSI), indicate hardly any change in the modulus ratio with the change in the quality of the rock mass from very good to very poor. However, the modulus ratio obtained from the relations involving the joint factor, J_f, indicate a definite decrease in the modulus ratio with a decrease in the quality of the rock mass. The strength and modulus in the unconfined and confined states, the modulus ratio and failure strain in the unconfined case were linked to J_f in earlier publications based on a large experimental database. Some of these relations were adopted to verify the response of jointed test specimens, the response of the rock mass during excavations for mining and civil underground chambers, in establishing ground reaction curves including the extent of the broken zone, and the bearing capacity of shallow foundations.The joint factor is now linked to RMR, Q and GSI. The prediction of compressive strength and modulus of the rock mass appears to be more suitable. For classifying the rock, based on these properties, the Deere and Miller engineering classification, applicable to intact rocks, has been suitably modified and adopted. The results of different modes of failure of jointed specimens establish definite trends of changes in the modulus ratio originating from the intact rock value on the modified Deere and Miller plot. A geo-engineering classification is evolved by considering strength, modulus, quantifiable weathering index and lithological aspects of the rock.     

盐岩拉伸破坏力学特性的试验研究

利用MTS815 Flex Text GT岩石力学试验系统,并利用PCI-Ⅱ声发射测试系统及SMZ1000体视显微镜和CCD实时摄像系统,采用间接拉伸与直接拉伸两种试验方法,对层状盐岩拉伸破坏力学特性进行了综合试验研究。研究获得了两种测试方式的破坏全过程曲线,揭示了间接拉伸、直接拉伸强度相互关系,及其与单轴抗压强度的相互关系。研究表明,直接拉伸试验测得的层状盐岩抗拉强度低于间接拉伸试验,直接拉伸试验得到的结果更加真实反映盐岩的抗拉强度特性,建议尽可能采用直接拉伸试验方法测试盐岩抗拉强度;研究得到了两种拉伸破坏方式的声发射空间分布特征,揭示了与之对应的受力状态和导致破坏的损伤演化规律;不同拉伸破坏方式的岩石断面形貌研究表明,间接拉伸以穿晶断裂为主,直接拉伸以沿晶断裂为主,这种断裂破坏方式的差异是导致不同拉伸测试方式强度差异的原因。     

Load-displacement response of drilled shaft tip in soft rocks of sedimentary origin

A database of in situ drilled shaft and plate load tests in soft rock mass is developed. Analyses of the in situ load tests suggest that (i) the development of tip contact pressures is related to the rock mass shear strength, rock mass deformation modulus, and the vertical displacement of the drilled shaft tip, (ii) embedding the drilled shaft tip contributes to the development of punching shear failure mechanism in the underlying rock mass, however, the mobilized tip contact pressures do not significantly increase as the embedment depth increases unless the rock mass shear strength and deformational properties drastically increase with embedment depth, and (iii) the drilled shaft diameter does not significantly influence the development of the contact pressures, especially in large diameter drilled shafts. A framework for the analysis of the load-displacement response of the drilled shaft tip in soft rock mass is proposed using the in situ load tests. The proposed framework accounts for the observed nonlinear load-displacement response of soft rock mass and is a function of the initial normal stiffness and the initial yield pressure of the rock mass under the drilled shaft tip. Simple equations are developed for the initial normal stiffness and the initial yield pressure of soft sedimentary rocks. Additionally, in situ and laboratory test results are used to provide recommendations for the prediction of the parameters that are required in the proposed models for the initial normal stiffness and the initial yield pressure, namely the unconfined compressive strength and deformation modulus for the rock mass.     

簇平行黏结模型中微观参数对宏观参数影响的量纲研究

 首先分别采用传统加载程序和新加载程序,对利用簇平行黏结模型所建立的颗粒流试样的力学特性进行研究。同时采用新加载程序,分析加载速率和冻结期时步对颗粒流试样力学特性的影响。随后利用量纲分析法研究簇平行黏结模型中微观参数对宏观参数的影响,建立岩石材料宏观参数(弹性模量、泊松比、单轴抗压强度和单轴抗拉强度)与簇平行黏结模型中微观参数间的半定量关系。相关模拟结果表明：(1) 利用传统加载程序计算得出的岩石应力–应变曲线是不准确的,它高估了单轴抗压强度、单轴抗拉强度和弹性模量,且不能真实再现岩石峰后脆性特征;2种加载程序得出的岩石破坏形态差异很大。(2) 结合新加载程序,簇平行黏结模型能得到合理的单轴抗压强度和单轴抗拉强度比值(UCS/TS)。在准静态范围内,加载速率与强度值没有相关性,这与试验结果吻合,加载速率对岩石应力–应变曲线的影响主要在峰后阶段。(3) 弹性模量主要与颗粒接触模量和颗粒接触刚度比相关,而泊松比主要与接触刚度比相关。为得到相同的泊松比值,簇平行黏结模型中的接触刚度比应大于平行黏结模型中的接触刚度比。单轴抗压强度和单轴抗拉强度主要受平行黏结强度比控制,另外单轴抗压强度受簇中颗粒数影响较大。     

Dominant rock properties affecting the penetration rate of percussive drills

Percussive blast hole drills were observed in eight rock types at an open pit mine and three motorway sites. The net penetration rates of the drills were calculated from the performance measurements. Rock samples were collected from the drilling locations and the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks were determined both in the field and in the laboratory. The penetration rates were correlated with the rock properties. The uniaxial compressive strength, the Brazilian tensile strength, the point load strength and the Schmidt hammer value exhibit strong correlations with the penetration rate. Impact strength shows a fairly good correlation with penetration rate. Weak correlations between penetration rate and both elastic modulus and natural density were found. Any significant correlation between penetration rate and P-wave velocity was not found.It was concluded that, among the rock properties adopted in this study, the uniaxial compressive strength, the Brazilian tensile strength, the point load strength and the Schmidt hammer value are the dominant rock properties effecting the penetration rate of percussive drills. Theoretical specific energy as defined by different research workers is proved also to be well correlated with penetration rate of percussive drills which verifies basic theoretical works on the subject. In addition, the point load and the Schmidt hammer test can practically be used in the field as a predictive tool for the estimation of penetration rate.     

固化粉土小应变剪切模量与强度增长相关性研究

小应变剪切模量和无侧限抗压强度是表征固化土刚度和强度特性的两个重要参数。简要介绍了弯曲元测试技术的原理及其在试验中存在的问题,采用压电陶瓷弯曲元测试技术对水泥和木质素固化剂固化粉土试样在不同养护龄期下的小应变剪切模量进行了测试,同时对相应龄期下试样进行了常规无侧限抗压强度试验,通过引入归一化参数G28和UCS28对不同固化土的小应变剪切模量和无侧限抗压强度之间的相关关系进行分析,提出了固化土刚度与强度的相关性模型,可为地基处理中固化土的无损测试与加固效果评价提供新的方法。结果表明,水泥、木质素固化粉土的小应变剪切模量随养护龄期增加而增加,养护龄期28 d内增长显著,28 d后增长趋于平稳;相同类型固化土不论固化剂掺量多少,其小应变剪切模量随养护时间的发展在本质上是相同的;固化土归一化无侧限抗压强度表现出与小应变剪切模量相似的发展趋势;提出的固化土归一化模型可作为一种土体强度无损检测的新方法。