Comparative analysis of deformation and failure mechanisms of underground powerhouses on the left and right banks of Baihetan hydropower station

The stability of the surrounding rocks of large underground powerhouses is always emphasized during the construction process, especially in large-scale underground projects under construction, such as the Baihetan hydropower station in China. According to field investigations, numerical simulations and monitoring data analysis, we present a comparative analysis of the deformation and failure characteristics of the surrounding rocks of underground powerhouses on the left and right banks of the Baihetan hydropower station. The failure characteristics and deformation magnitude of the underground powerhouses on the left and right banks are quite different. Under the disadvantageous condition where the maximum principal stress intersects the axis of the powerhouse at a large angle, the left bank underground powerhouse shows prominent stress-controlled failure characteristics such as spalling, slack collapse and concrete cracking. Although the maximum principal stress is in the favorable condition which intersects the right bank powerhouse at a small angle, the relatively high intermediate principal stress with an angle subvertical to the right bank powerhouse plays an essential role in its deformation and failure, indicating that the influence of high intermediate principal stress cannot be ignored. In addition, structural plane-controlled failure and large deformation are also more evident on the right bank due to the extensive distribution of weak structural planes and complex surrounding rock properties.     

Blockiness level of rock mass around underground powerhouse of Three Gorges Project

A fundamental question in rock mechanics is whether a rock mass is a continuum or an assemblage of isolated blocks. Some models have treated rock masses as continuums and others, as isolated blocks. Most rock masses are neither continuums nor isolated blocks, but something between them. This study presents a new concept of blockiness to measure a rock’s level of being an assemblage of isolated blocks. Thirty-five types of theoretical fractured rock mass structural models are established by considering fracture classifications. For each structure, rock blocks are identified using the GeneralBlock program, and the blockiness is investigated. The blockiness of the surrounding rock mass of the underground powerhouse in the Three Gorges Project is systematically investigated. Based on measurements of fractures obtained from a field survey, a discrete fracture network model is established by an inverse method for identifying and analyzing rock blocks. The results show that the blockiness of the surrounding rock mass of the underground powerhouse is only 4‰; the total rock mass shows very good quality and stability; the number of blocks in the rock mass is quite small; therefore, the volume of isolated blocks only accounts for a very small proportion of the total rock volume; and the rock mass can be considered a continuum. The excavation process of the underground powerhouse in the Three Gorges Project verified these conclusions; only a few blocks are formed by fractures in the rock mass of the underground powerhouse. The calculation results for the 35 models show that the blockiness of the rock mass having medium persistence and very wide spacing is very low. The structure of the rock mass around the underground powerhouse is of this type. Its blockiness agrees with the model calculation results. Therefore, the calculation results for the 35 models are useful in predicting the stability of rock masses having different persistence and spacing, and they could serve as a reference for quantifying the quality of rock masses in other projects. And, in this study, the concept of the blockiness level of rock mass was determined by one example only, and more studies would be concluded for other projects to validate this concept in future study.     

Effects of a controlling geological discontinuity on the seismic stability of an underground cavern subjected to near-fault ground motions

The mechanism for the influence of near-fault ground motion on seismic issues for underground rock caverns has seldom been addressed, especially for caverns controlled by large geological discontinuities. In this paper, a nonlinear joint model was used to simulate the effects of unfavorable geological discontinuities under seismic excitation. The influence of near-fault ground motion on unfavorable geological discontinuities was analyzed using a large sample of ground-motion records collected from the NGA-West2 database. A damage potential index (DPI) for unfavorable geological discontinuities was proposed and discussed. The #1 surge chamber of the Baihetan Hydropower Plant, which is dominated by interlayer shear weakness zone (ISWZ) C2, was used as a study case to investigate the differences between pulse-type near-fault ground motion, non-pulse-type near-fault ground motion, and far-field ground motion. The results of the study indicate that (1) significant velocity and displacement as well as a stronger long-period response spectrum are key characteristics of pulse-type near-fault ground motions, whereas non-pulse-type near-fault ground motions display characteristics similar to those of far-field ground motions; (2) the velocity pulse is responsible for the destructive capabilities of near-fault ground motions; (3) the peak ground velocity (PGV) was shown to be the most suitable DPI of several ground-motion parameters for large geological discontinuities under seismic excitation (applicable to both near-fault and far-field ground motions); and (4) PGV was verified to be the most effective DPI for ISWZ C2 at the Baihetan #1 surge chamber. The cavern became fragile when subjected to near-fault ground motions, so special seismic reinforcement measures are recommended. These findings may provide a reference for the seismic design of underground caverns.     

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.     

Numerical analysis of Shiobara hydropower cavern using practical equivalent approach

Three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation of Shiobara hydropower cavern was attempted with the developed practical equivalent approach. This simple equivalent approach integrates the effect of joints and corresponding nonlinearity in the rock and predicts its deformation behaviour. The model requires minimum inputs from field or laboratory tests and is efficient to capture the nonlinear stress–strain responses associated with the jointed rock mass. In this study, the applicability of the model was demonstrated with the 3D analysis of Shiobara hydropower cavern. The numerical results were also compared with those of six other computational models to analyse the same cavern. The 3D modelling of powerhouse cavern shows that the present approach, though simple, can be applied to large-scale field problems. The model can precisely predict the deformation values well, and this study confirmed the effectiveness of the approach for simulation of underground structures in jointed rocks.     

白鹤滩水电站地下厂房开挖过程微震特征分析

 白鹤滩水电站左岸地下厂房规模巨大,开挖卸荷导致局部围岩破坏问题突出。为研究开挖扰动下围岩破坏演化机制及变形机制,通过构建微震监测系统,开展地下厂房开挖卸荷过程微震实时监测。监测结果表明：(1) 微震活动与爆破开挖密切相关,地下厂房第一层开挖过程中,形成3个潜在失稳区域：主厂房4#与5#机组之间下游侧拱肩、主厂房6#与7#机组之间上游侧拱肩和主厂房8#机组顶拱至主变室顶拱的条带状区域。(2) 开挖强度以及断层构造主导下聚集的微震事件矩震级、Es/Ep等参数特征有所差异,由此引起的围岩潜在破坏形式不同,微震活动特征可为微震聚集区围岩提供针对性施工参考。(3) 局部围岩外观变形前的数日内,微震事件在该区域迅速聚集,同时视应力显着增加,累积视体积基本稳定。研究结果可为白鹤滩水电站左岸地下洞室群后期开挖和支护提供重要参考。     

Understanding the failure mechanism of a large underground cavern in steeply dipping layered rock mass using an enhanced ubiquitous-joint model

To understand the mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of the surrounding layered rock masses during the excavation of underground caverns for a hydropower station, an enhanced equivalent continuum model based on the ubiquitous-joint concept is developed and compiled as a plugin DLL file in FLAC^3D. This model is then applied to analyze two engineering geological issues arisen during the excavations of a large underground powerhouse. Both cases are the typical responses controlled primarily by the internal structure of layered rock mass. The first case is mainly concerned with the continuous increase in the displacement of the upstream sidewall after removal of an auxiliary tunnel crown. Numerical simulation reveals the mixed shear-tensile fractures developed along bedding planes. The preserved crown thickness can affect the maximum displacement of sidewall. Failure region will progressively deepen into the interior if no effective reinforcements are adopted. The second case exhibits as the gradual cracking or slabbing of the shotcrete at downstream roof. Stress concentration is the main cause of shotcrete cracking as shown by numerical simulation. The degree of stress concentration can be influenced largely by the angle between rock strata and cavern axis. This degree also varies with the initial stress level and with excavation process, which is confirmed by field monitoring data. The validity and capability of the newly developed model are thus verified by the actual engineering issues.

     

锦屏一级水电站地下厂房围岩开裂变形机制研究

针对锦屏一级水电站地下厂房高应力、低强度应力比条件下开挖施工引起的围岩变形开裂及相关力学问题,从全空间赤平投影解析、平面投影应力特征等多角度全方位研究地下厂房区地应力场分布特征及规律;并结合力学定性分析和三维数值模拟等手段对地下洞室群围岩变形开裂机制进行深入分析,研究洞室群围岩开挖损伤演化规律。研究表明,锦屏一级地下厂房区域出现的围岩、喷层较大变形乃至破坏现象本质上是由高地应力和相对较低的岩体强度形成的不利组合所造成的,在主厂房、主变室的拱腰、拱座和边墙以及母线洞侧墙等部位出现的开裂破坏,属于典型的高应力、低强度应力比条件下围岩的卸荷变形与破坏。提出锦屏地下厂房围岩变形开裂概化模型,为地应力场反演和施工过程的数值仿真分析提供重要参考和定性依据;最后针对开挖维护围岩稳定性问题提出相应的建议,为锦屏一级地下厂房的开挖施工及动态支护设计提供技术支持。     

隧道开挖引起地表下沉及其影响分析

针对地下隧道开挖引起的地表下沉问题,运用概率统计理论建立了数学模型,并根据BP神经网络理论,通过对BP神经网络算法的改进,采用反分析方法确定岩体移动变形参数。利用所建模型对隧道开挖引起的地表垂直移动(下沉)进行了具体的计算分析,将理论计算值与实测下沉值进行对比,二者十分吻合。对比结果表明,所给出的数学分析模型及参数确定方法符合工程实际,为解决地下隧道开挖引起地表下沉预计分析问题开辟了新的途径。     

偶应力理论的层状岩体洞室数值模拟

传统的等效连续介质理论忽略了梯度应力的影响,未能很好地解释岩体工程中出现的弯曲变形及破坏现象。而引进偶应力及弯曲曲率的Cosserat介质理论考虑了弯曲效应对介质变形特性的影响。首先对基于平面应变问题的Cosserat介质理论以及扩展模型的弹性本构方程进行介绍,再利用快速拉格朗日法FLAC软件对地下洞室工程数值模拟,并将Cosserat法与增设节理单元法进行结果对比。模拟结果不仅能较好地显示层状岩体的弯曲变形,也证明了Cosserat介质扩展模型的有效性和优越性。     

Cosserat理论在互层岩体洞室有限元分析中的应用

Cosserat理论考虑了偶应力对介质变形特性的影响,能反映出层状材料的弯曲变形。首先对基于平面应变问题的偶应力理论及扩展模型简略介绍,然后导出了模型的Mohr-Coulomb塑性屈服条件。再利用Matlab平台编制这种模型的有限元程序,并对地下洞室工程进行数值模拟验证程序的有效性。结果表明:Cosserat介质扩展模型与参数混合法互补是解决互层岩体问题的有效方法之一。     

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。     

DDA方法在复杂地质条件下地下厂房围岩变形与破坏特征分析中的应用研究

以清江水布垭水电工程地下厂房为例，应用非连续变形分析方法对复杂地质条件下地下厂房围岩的变形与破坏特征开展了研究，重点分析了厂房区域地应力水平、锚固、岩体结构条件及结构面强度参数等对洞室围岩变形的影响。分析结果表明，当水平初始应力增加时，洞室围岩位移量相应增加，由于洞室边墙分布有多条层间剪切带且围岩具有软硬相间的层状岩体结构特点，使得边墙变形存在错动现象。锚固后洞室边墙围岩的变形明显减小，且围岩应力状态得到显著改善。对于高边墙地下洞室，陡倾角结构面在边墙上的出露对围岩的稳定十分不利，在一定的岩体结构条件下，围岩的破坏可表现为因局部块体的崩落所引起的整个洞室围岩的破坏。在相同岩体结构条件下，降低结构面强度参数，洞室围岩可以从变形稳定状态发展到不稳定状态，围岩的失稳主要表现为因围岩大变形引起的失稳。     

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.     

天荒坪抽水蓄能电站试验洞的位移反分析研究

为查明天荒坪抽水蓄能电站地下厂房所在位置围岩初始地应力场的情况,沿厂房的拟设轴线开挖了模型试验洞,量测了围岩位移与洞周收敛位移,并据以进行了反分析计算。文中所用的数值计算法为边界单元性,包括弹性问题和粘弹性问题的反演计算,所得初始地应力的方向及量值与以其它方法测得的结果符合较好。     

基于Duncan–Fama收敛曲线的隧道结构安全系数计算

首先基于Duncan–Fama收敛函数及锚杆、喷射混凝土与金属网等支护单元特征函数,建立圆形巷道围岩收敛–约束关系曲线,同时建议非圆形断面巷道转化为圆形断面的适用方法,并剖析收敛–约束曲线所涵盖的围岩与支护体系间的动态发展关系。然后引入隧道洞壁径向位移沿隧道径向的开挖间隔的变化规律曲线,与收敛–约束曲线相结合从而共同形成岩体的开挖、支护与信息反馈的动态发展关联过程。最后,建议了隧道围岩稳定安全系数计算表达式,探讨了相关支护时机确定方法,并分析隧道开挖后其支护起始位置对围岩约束力的影响。基于上述成果,探讨了现有的根据岩体分级类比的地下结构支护设计方法不能定量评价其安全程度的缺陷。通过两个工程实例,详细说明所构建方法的操作和运行过程,并初步验证了其有效性。     

某电站模型洞围岩位移反分析及预测研究

张河湾抽水蓄能电站位于河北省井陉县测鱼镇甘陶河干流上。电站安装4台单级混流可逆式水泵水轮机组,总装机容量为1000 MW。地下厂房开挖尺寸(长×宽×高)为151.1 m×23.4 m×48.3 m。为进一步研究地下厂房围岩稳定性和优化设计参数,在地下厂房近旁进行了模型洞围岩观测试验研究,依据模型洞围岩收敛位移、钻孔多点位移、锚杆应力观测结果,进行了反分析,计算结果:水平应力2.52～2.88 MPa,应力比值0.7～0.8,弹性模量26.0 GPa。依据反分析的围岩初始地应力及变形参数,对主厂房及主变室围岩位移及应力分布进行了预测,结果表明,围岩变形均较小,且与地下厂房围岩位移实测值一致性较好。     

Predicting excavation methods and rock support: a case study from the Himalayan region of India

The Tapovan Vishnugad hydropower project (4 × 130 MW) in the Himalayan region of India, has been used as a case study to compare the problems and cost-effectiveness of a TBM or drill and blast excavation of the headrace tunnel and to assess the rock support measures for the powerhouse cavern. The NTH time and cost prognosis model indicated that the TBM would give a better weekly advance rate and unit excavation cost for the headrace tunnel. The Phase 2 finite element numerical modeling tool and the Hoek–Brown failure criterion were used to analyse the stresses and displacements likely to be experienced in the underground excavations. The rock support determined was compared with that indicated using the Q-method. The work has shown that numerical modeling can prove very useful in supplementing the results, provided the input parameters are accurate and take into account both direct measurements and judgment based on experience of the actual ground conditions.     

官地水电站地下厂房区地应力测试与应用分析

为了确定雅砻江官地水电站地下厂房区初始地应力场,并为厂房及洞室系统的优化布置提供依据,在地下厂房区6个部位各布置了一个钻孔,采用空心包体式钻孔应变解除法进行了三维地应力测量。测试结果表明:最大主应力量值为20~22MPa,属中高应力区,最大水平主应力方向在NW~NNW之间。最大水平主应力与地下洞室初期布置方向夹角近90,°不利于洞室围岩的稳定性。为此,从综合考虑地应力和地质构造条件的角度,提出了调整地下厂房布置方向的优化建议。     

An experimental study on the shear strength behaviour of an interlayered shear weakness zone

In order to evaluate the overall stability of the underground powerhouse at the proposed Baihetan hydropower station in China, the shear behaviour of a weak interlayered soil in the host rock and the soil/host rock interface was investigated in the laboratory by direct shear testing under different degrees of saturation. Shear creep tests were also undertaken on the interlayered soil. Typical results obtained from the multi-sample method (MSM) and single-sample method (SSM) are presented, which show that the shear behaviour of both the interlayered soil and the soil/rock interface is elastic perfect-plastic without dilatancy. It was not possible to determine the shear strength parameters using the multi-sample method due to the heterogeneity of the interlayered soil in terms of mineralogical composition and physical properties. Creep of the interlayered soil was found to be insignificant. The shear behaviour of the soil/rock interface depends strongly on the interface morphology: the rougher the interface the higher the shear strength.