Numerical and theoretical study of large-scale failure of strata overlying sublevel caving mines with steeply dipping discontinuities

The deformation and fracture evolution mechanisms of the strata overlying mines mined using sublevel caving were studied via numerical simulations.Moreover,an expression for the normal force acting on the side face of a steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beam in the surrounding rock was deduced based on limit equilibrium theory.The results show the following:(1)surface displacement above metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities shows significant step characteristics,and(2)the behavior of the strata as they fail exhibits superimposition characteristics.Generally,failure first occurs in certain superimposed strata slightly far from the goaf.Subsequently,with the constant downward excavation of the orebody,the superimposed strata become damaged both upwards away from and downwards toward the goaf.This process continues until the deep part of the steeply dipping superimposed strata forms a large-scale deep fracture plane that connects with the goaf.The deep fracture plane generally makes an angle of 12°-20°with the normal to the steeply dipping discontinuities.The effect of the constant outward transfer of strata movement due to the constant outward failure of the superimposed strata in the metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities causes the scope of the strata movement in these mines to be larger than expected.The strata in the metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities mainly show flexural toppling failure.However,the steeply dipping structural strata near the goaf mainly exhibit shear slipping failure,in which case the mechanical model used to describe them can be simplified by treating them as steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beams.By taking the steeply dipping superimposed cantilever beam that first experiences failure as the key stratum,the failure scope of the strata(and criteria for the stability of metal mines with steeply dipping discontinuities mined using sublevel caving)can be obtained via iterative computations from the key stratum,moving downward toward and upwards away from the goaf.

Investigation of long-wavelength elastic wave propagation through wet bentonite-filled rock joints

The saturation of the compacted bentonite buffer in the deep geological repository can cause bentonite swelling,intrusion into rock fractures,and erosion.Inevitably,erosion and subsequent bentonite mass loss due to groundwater inflow can aggravate the overall integrity of the engineered barrier system.Therefore,the coupled hydro-mechanical interaction between the buffer and rock during groundwater inflow and bentonite intrusion should be evaluated to guarantee the long-term safety of deep geological disposal.This study investigated the effect of bentonite erosion and intrusion on the elastic wave propagation characteristics in jointed rocks using a quasi-static resonant column test.Jointed rock specimens with different joint conditions(i.e.joint surface saturation and bentonite filling)were prepared using granite rock discs sampled from the Korea Underground Research Tunnel(KURT)and Gyeongju bentonite.The long-wavelength longitudinal and shear wave velocities were measured under different normal stress levels.A Hertzian-type power model was used to fit the wave velocities,and the relationship between the two fitted parameters provided the trend of joint conditions.Numerical simulations using three-dimensional distinct element code(3DEC)were conducted to better understand how the long-wavelength wave propagates through wet bentonite-filled rock joints.

Sheet Metal Forming Simulation and Its Application in Stamping Process of Automobile Panels

The paper starts with a brief overview to the necessity of sheet metal forming simulation and the complexity of automobile panel forming, then leads to finite element analysis (FEA) which is a powerful simulation tool for analyzing complex three-dimensional sheet metal forming problems. The theory and features of the dynamic explicit finite element methods are introduced and the available various commercial finite element method codes used for sheet metal forming simulation in the world are discussed,and the civil and international status quo of automobile panel simulation as well. The front door outer panel of one certain new automobile is regarded as one example that the dynamic explicit FEM code Dynaform is used for the simulation of the front door outer panel forming process. Process defects such as ruptures are predicted. The improving methods can be given according to the simulation results. Foreground of sheet metal forming simulation is outlined.

Arc-length technique for nonlinear finite element analysis

Nonlinear solution of reinforced concrete structures, particularly complete load-deflection response, requires tracing of the equilibrium path and proper treatment of the limit and bifurcation points. In this regard, ordinary solution techniques lead to instability near the limit points and also have problems in case of snap-through and snap-back. Thus they fail to predict the complete load-displacement response. The arc-length method serves the purpose well in principle, received wide acceptance in finite element analysis, and has been used extensively. However modifications to the basic idea are vital to meet the particular needs of the analysis. This paper reviews some of the recent developments of the method in the last two decades, with particular emphasis on nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures.

Macro-mechanical properties of columnar jointed basaltic rock masses

From the geological structure of the columnar jointed rock mass, a visual model was established in software AUTOCAD by programming based on the algorithm of the Voronoi diagram. Furthermore, a program to convert the AUTOCAD model into 3DEC (3-dimensional distinct element code) model was developed, and a numerical model was established in 3DEC. Moreover, the results of triaxial compression tests of columnar jointed rock masses were simulated numerically. The REV (representative element volume) scale was studied, and the result shows that the REV size is 3 m × 3 m. The proposed approach, the established model and the numerical simulation were applied to study the macro-mechanical properties and the equivalent strength parameters of the columnar jointed rock mass. The numerical simulation results are in good accordance with the in-situ test results.

FREEZE PROFILE AND HEAT BALANCE CALCULATION OF THE 160kA DRAINED CELL

A 2D full cell thermo-electric model of 160kA drained cell was set up using finiteelement code to calculate its freeze profile, then the drained cell model was modifiedaccording to the freeze profile computed and its heat balance was calculated. Comparedwith that of a 160kA conventional Hall-Heroult cell (H-H cell), though the melts vol-ume of the drained cell reduced greatly, the whole heat loss from it didn't drop downapparently, and an analysis was presented in the paper. On the other hand, the anode-cathode distance (ACD) of a drained cell was much less than that of a H-H cell, sothe voltage drop on it and heat produced decreased too, steps should be taken to keepa workable heat balance on a drained cell.

Prediction of strength and deformability of an interlocked blocky rock mass using UDEC

The accurate prediction of strength and deformability characteristics of rock mass is a challenging issue.In practice,properties of a rock mass are often estimated from available empirical relationships based on the uniaxial compressive strength(UCS).However,UCS does not always give a good indication of in situ rock mass strength and deformability.The aim of this paper is to present a methodology to predict the strength and deformability of a jointed rock mass using UDEC(universal distinct element code).In the study,the rock mass is modelled as an assemblage of deformable blocks that can yield as an intact material and/or slide along predefined joints within the rock mass.A range of numerical simulations of uniaxial and triaxial tests was conducted on rock mass samples in order to predict the equivalent mechanical properties for the rock mass under different loading directions.Finally,results are compared with the deformability parameters obtained by analytical methods.

Failure mechanism and control technology of deep soft-rock roadways:Numerical simulation and field study

Large deformations such as roof subsidence,floor heave,and two-sided deformations occur frequently in deep soft-rock roadways.The deformation becomes more severe under the combined effect of high in-situ and mining-induced stresses,which detrimentally affect the safe mining of coal.Based on the geological conditions and roadway failure characteristics of the Nanyaotou coal mine in Shanxi province,China,we used comprehensive numerical simulations and field observations to study roadway deformation and failure.The deformation mechanism of deep soft-rock roadways under dynamic pressures is described,and the corresponding control measures are proposed.The deformation and fracture development characteristics of roadways surrounding rocks were explored with a primary support scheme,and its effects were evaluated.The radius of the plastic zone and the displacement deformation of the roadway were studied by using theoretical analysis,and a combined-support design of‘‘anchor bolt+anchor cable+shotcrete+deep and shallow borehole grouting+inverted arch”was proposed to limit deformations and relieve the stress in the surrounding rocks.Numerical simulations and field monitoring showed that the combined support scheme can effectively mitigate the large deformations of ventilation roadways and provide guidance for the stable control of deep soft-rock roadways.