Integration of three-dimensional continuum model and two-dimensional bonded block model for studying the damage process in a granite pillar at the Creighton Mine,Sudbury,Canada

Bonded blockmodel(BBM)has shownpotential in replicating rockmass behavior aswell as the rockesupport interactionmechanism,but their practical application is limited totwo dimensions due to the high associated computational demand.To allow for the use of BBM in simulating three-dimensional(3D)problems,this study proposes an integrated 3D continuumetwo-dimensional(2D)discontinuum approach,in context of rock pillars.A cross-section of a granite pillar was simulated using a BBM with a load path from a calibrated mine-scale FLAC^(3D)model.Pillar support as employed in the mine was also incorporated in different stages during the simulation.Themodel was calibrated by varying the input parameters until the displacements at six locations within the pillarmatchedthosemeasuredby amulti-point borehole extensometer(MPBX)inthe field.The calibratedmodel was subsequently used to understand how the support and load path influenced the damage evolution in the pillar.The shear component of the load pathwas found to have amajor effect on the severity and extent of the damaged regions.When the support density was increased in the model,the lateral displacements along the pillar walls were significantly suppressed in a somewhat unpredictable manner.Thiswas explained by the interaction between the supports and the damaged regions at the corners,which ultimately modified the stresses along the pillar periphery.The amount of displacement reduction obtained by increasing the support density illustrates the potential of BBMto be used as a support design tool.