Limit analysis for the seismic stability of three-dimensional rock slopes using the generalized Hoek-Brown criterion

The parameters that influence slope stability and their criteria of failure are fairly understood but over-conservative design approaches are often preferred,which can result in excessive overburden removal that may jeopardize profitability in the context of open pit mining.Numerical methods such as finite element and discrete element modelling are instrumental to identify specific zones of stability,but they remain approximate and do not pinpoint the critical factors that influence stability without extensive parametric studies.A large number of degrees of freedom and input parameters may make the outcome of numerical modelling insufficient compared to analytical solutions.Existing analytical approaches have not tackled the stability of slopes using non-linear plasticity criteria and threedimensional failure mechanisms.This paper bridges this gap by using the yield design theory and the Hoek-Brown criterion.Moreover,the proposed model includes the effect of seismic forces,which are not always taken into account in slope stability analyses.The results are presented in the form of rigorous mathematical expressions and stability charts involving the loading conditions and the rock mass properties emanating from the plasticity criterion.

Pseudo-static stability analysis of rock slopes reinforced by passive bolts using the generalized Hoek-Brown criterion

The stability analysis of passive bolt-reinforced rock slopes under seismic loads is investigated within the framework of the kinematic approach of limit analysis theory.A pseudo-static method is adopted to account for the inertial forces induced in the rock mass by seismic events.The strength properties of the rock material are described by a modified Hoek-Brown strength criterion,whereas the passive bolts are modeled as bar-like inclusions that exhibit only resistance to tensile-compressive forces.Taking advantage of the ability to compute closed-form expressions for the support functions associated with the modified Hoek-Brown strength criterion,a rotational failure mechanism is implemented to derive rigorous lower bound estimates for the amount of reinforcement strength to prevent slope failure.The approach is then applied to investigating the effects of relevant geometry,strength and loading parameters in light of a preliminary parametric study.The accuracy of the approach is assessed by comparison of the lower bound estimates with finite element limit analysis solutions,thus emphasizing the ability of the approach to properly predict the stability conditions and to capture the essential features of deformation localization pattern.Finally,the extension of the approach to account for slipping at the interface between reinforcements and surrounding rock mass is outlined.

Triaxial strength behaviour of rockmass satisfying Modified Mohr-Coulomb and Generalized Hoek-Brown criteria

The triaxial strength of twenty rockmass types was predicted using two non-linear triaxial strength criteria for rockmass i.e. Modified Mohr-Coulomb(MMC) criterion and Generalized Hoek-Brown(GHB)criterion. Four different rockmass classification systems were used for the calculation of MMC criterion parameters while only GSI classification system has been used for calculation of GHB parameters. The representative value of the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus of rockmass have been estimated using probabilistic approach. A hypothetical case of an unsupported tunnel has been analyzed considering both MMC and GHB criteria. The analysis was done using the convergence-confinement method with two different approaches. The first approach predicts the tunnel response using GHB criterion directly. The second approach predicts the tunnel response using equivalent Mohr-Coulomb parameters obtained by linearization of triaxial data points obtained from MMC and GHB criteria. The tunnel response has been estimated in terms of radius of plastic zone, tunnel convergence and tunnel convergence strain. For very poor rockmasses the tunnel response predicted by MMC criterion is less than that predicted by GHB criterion. For poor and fair rockmass, the tunnel response estimated considering both the criteria are comparable except for few cases. Squeezing condition in rockmass has been also evaluated.

A generalized three-dimensional failure criterion for rock masses

The smooth convex generalized failure function, which represents 1/6 part of envelope in tile deviatoric plane, is proposed. The proposed function relies on four shape parameters （L, a, b and c）, in which two parameters （a and b） are dependent on the others. The parameter Ls is called extension ratio. The proposed failure function could be incorporated with any two-dimensional （2D） failure criteria to make it a three-dimensional （3D） version. In this paper, a mathematical formulation for incorporation of Hoek-Brown failure criterion with the proposed function is presented. The Hoek-Brown failure criterion is the most suited 2D failure criterion tbr geomaterials. Two types of analyses for best-fitting solution of published true tri-axial test data were made by considering （1） constant extension ratio and （2） variable extension ratio. The shape and strength parameters for different types of rocks have been determined by best-fitting the published true tri-axial test data for both the analyses. It is observed from the best-fitting solution by considering uniform extension ratio （L~） that shape constants have a correlation with Hoek-Brown strength parameters. Thus, only two parameters （c~. and m） are needed for representing the 3D failure criterion for intact rock. The statistical expression between shape and Hoek-Brown strength parameters is given. In the second analysis, when considering varying extension ratio, another parameterfis introduced. The modified extension ratio is related tofand extension ratio. The results at minimum mean misfit for all the nine rocks indicate that the range off varies from 0.7 to 1.0. It is found that mean misfit by considering varying extension ratio is lower than that in the first analysis. But it requires three parameters. A statistical expression betweenfand Hoek-Brown strength parameters has been established. Though coefficient of correlation is not reasonable, we may eliminate it as an extra parameter. At the end of the paper, a methodology has also been given for its application to isotropic jointed rock mass, so that it can be implemented in a numerical code for stability analysis of jointed rock mass structures.

Ultimate end bearing capacity of rock-socketed pile based on generalized nonlinear unified strength criterion

In order to study the mechanism of bearing behavior at the tip of a pile embedded in rock, the generalized nonlinear unified strength criterion and slip line principle for resolving the differential equation systems which govern the stress field were applied to derive the ultimate end beating capacity based on some reasonable hypothesis and failure plane model. Both numerical simulation and test results were compared with the theoretic solution. The results show good consistency with each other and verify the validity of the present approach. The depth effect with respective to embedment ratio and other influence factors like geological strength index, intermediate principal stress, overburden factor, and damage on end bearing capacity were discussed in the analytical solution. The results show that the proposed yield criterion can be much better for investigating the ultimate end bearing performance of rock-socketed pile. The end bearing capacity increases with embedment ratio and the increasing degree is influenced intensely by the above parameters. Furthermore, ignoring intermediate stress effect would underestimate the strength properties of the rock material and lead to a very conservative estimation value.

Retrospective and prospective review of the generalized nonlinear strength theory for geomaterials

Strength theory is the basic theory for calculating and designing the strength of engineering materials in civil,hydraulic,mechanical,aerospace,military,and other engineering disciplines.Therefore,the comprehensive study of the generalized nonlinear strength theory(GNST)of geomaterials has significance for the construction of engineering rock strength.This paper reviews the GNST of geomaterials to demonstrate the research status of nonlinear strength characteristics of geomaterials under complex stress paths.First,it systematically summarizes the research progress of GNST(classical and empirical criteria).Then,the latest research the authors conducted over the past five years on the GNST is introduced,and a generalized three-dimensional(3D)nonlinear Hoek‒Brown(HB)criterion(NGHB criterion)is proposed for practical applications.This criterion can be degenerated into the existing three modified HB criteria and has a better prediction performance.The strength prediction errors for six rocks and two in-situ rock masses are 2.0724%-3.5091%and 1.0144%-3.2321%,respectively.Finally,the development and outlook of the GNST are expounded,and a new topic about the building strength index of rock mass and determining the strength of in-situ engineering rock mass is proposed.The summarization of the GNST provides theoretical traceability and optimization for constructing in-situ engineering rock mass strength.

Enhanced Hoek-Brown(H-B)criterion for rocks exposed to chemical corrosion

Underground constructions often encounter water environments,where water–rock interaction can increase porosity,thereby weakening engineering rocks.Correspondingly,the failure criterion for chemically corroded rocks becomes essential in the stability analysis and design of such structures.This study enhances the applicability of the Hoek-Brown(H-B)criterion for engineering structures operating in chemically corrosive conditions by introducing a kinetic porosity-dependent instantaneous mi(KPIM).A multiscale experimental investigation,including nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),pH and ion chromatography analysis,and triaxial compression tests,is employed to quantify pore structural changes and their linkage with the strength responses of limestone under coupled chemical-mechanical(C-M)conditions.By employing ion chromatography and NMR analysis,along with incorporating the principles of free-face dissolution theory accounting for both congruent and incongruent dissolution,a kinetic chemical corrosion model is developed.This model aims to calculate the kinetic porosity alterations within rocks exposed to varying H+concentrations and durations.Subsequently,utilizing the generalized mixture rule(GMR),the kinetic porositydependent mi is formulated.Evaluation of the KPIM-enhanced H-B criterion using compression test data from 5 types of rocks demonstrated a high level of consistency between the criterion and the experimental results,with a coefficient of determination greater than 0.96,a mean absolute percentage error less than 4.84%,and a root-mean-square deviation less than 5.95 MPa.Finally,the physical significance of the porosity-dependent instantaneous mi is clarified:it serves as an indicator of a rock’s capacity to leverage the confining pressure effect.

Three-dimensional limit variation analysis on the ultimate pullout capacity of the anchor cables based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion

Only simplified two-dimensional model and a single failure mode are adopted to calculate the ultimate pullout capacity(UPC)of anchor cables in most previous research.This study focuses on a more comprehensive combination failure mode that consists of bond failure of an anchorage body and failure of an anchored rock mass.The three-dimensional ultimate pullout capacity of the anchor cables is calculated based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and variation analysis method.The numerical solution for the curvilinear function in fracture plane is obtained based on the finite difference theory,which more accurately reflects the failure state of the anchor cable,as opposed to that being assumed in advance.The results reveal that relying solely on a single failure mode for UPC calculations has limitations,as changes in parameter values not only directly impact the UPC value but also can alter the failure model and thus the calculation method.

LOGARITHMICALLY IMPROVED REGULARITY CRITERION FOR THE 3D GENERALIZED MAGNETO-HYDRODYNAMIC EQUATIONS

This article proves the logarithmically improved Serrin＇s criterion for solutions of the 3D generalized magneto-hydrodynamic equations in terms of the gradient of the velocity field, which can be regarded as improvement of results in [10] （Luo Y W. On the regularity of generalized MHD equations. J Math Anal Appl, 2010, 365： 806-808） and [18] （Zhang Z J. Remarks on the regularity criteria for generalized MHD equations. J Math Anal Appl, 2011, 375：799 802）.

A blowup criterion for the 3D generalized MHD system with zero magnetic diffusivity

This paper proves a new regularity criterion ω: = rotu∈L1(0,T;B·0∞,∞) for the 3D generalized MHD system with fractional diffusion terms(-Δ)αu with α >9/8 and zero magnetic diffusivity. Here u is the fluid velocity,ω is the vorticity and B·0∞,∞is the homogeneous Besov space.

Reply to Discussion on “A generalized three-dimensional failure criterion for rock masses”

General:Jaiswal and Shrivastva(2012)proposed the mathematical formulations,i.e.the J–S criterion for converting generalized H-B failure criterion into 3D smooth convex failure criterion at deviatoric plane.The J–S strength criterion is in two versions:uniform and variable extension ratio.It has been observed from the analysis that at uniform extension ratio,the required strength parameters are only UCS and m(other parameters such as Ls,a,b and c are related with m).In the case of variable extension ratio,extra parameter f is required along with UCS and m.Thus,it has minimal strength parameters compared to You strength criterion.Furthermore,You strength criterion does not obey the smooth convex condition at deviatoric plane.

A new three-dimensional Hoek-Brown strength criterion

The Hoek-Brown （HB） strength criterion has been widely applied to the estimation of strength of intact rock and rock mass, while evolving ever since. However, negligence of the effect of the intermediate principal stress still remains in the criterion＇s latest version. At the same time, several three-dimensional （3D） HB strength, which can takes into account the influence of the intermediate principal stress, have already been proposed, among which the 3D HB criterion proposed by Zhang and Zhu seems to be the most reasonable one. However, the Zhang 3D HB criterion may have problems with some stress path close to triaxial extension state because of the non-convexity characteristic of its failure surface. In this paper, a new 3D HB strength criterion is presented based on a generalized form of the HB criterion, which also considers the effect of the intermediate principal stress and inherits all the merits of the original version of the HB criterion. In addition, this new criterion can remedy to some extent the shortcomings observed in the Zhang 3D HB criterion. Polyaxial tests for five different rocks from pub- lished literatures are used for evaluating this new criterion and comparing it with the Zhang 3D HB criterion. The re- sults show that this new criterion may over-predict or under- predict the polyaxial strength of rocks but the errors are rela- tively small, and similar results are also found for the Zhang 3D HB criterion, which one is better depends on the type of the rock under estimation.

Elasto-plastic analysis of the surrounding rock mass in circular tunnel based on the generalized nonlinear unified strength theory

The present paper aims to establish a versatile strength theory suitable for elasto-plastic analysis of underground tunnel surrounding rock. In order to analyze the effects of intermediate principal stress and the rock properties on its deformation and failure of rock mass, the generalized nonlinear unified strength theory and elasto-plastic mechanics are used to deduce analytic solution of the radius and stress of tunnel plastic zone and the periphery displacement of tunnel under uniform ground stress field. The results show that: intermediate principal stress coefficient b has significant effect on the plastic range,the magnitude of stress and surrounding rock pressure. Then, the results are compared with the unified strength criterion solution and Mohr–Coulomb criterion solution, and concluded that the generalized nonlinear unified strength criterion is more applicable to elasto-plastic analysis of underground tunnel surrounding rock.

Unified strength model based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion for fibre-reinforced polymer-confined pre-damaged concrete columns with circular and square cross sections

Fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP)has the advantages of high strength,light weight,corrosion resistance and convenient construction and is widely used in repairing and strengthening damaged concrete columns.Most of the existing strength models were built by regression analysis of experimental data;however,in this article,a new unified strength model is proposed using the Hoek-Brown failure criterion.To study the strength of FRP-confined damaged and undamaged concrete columns,900 test data were collected from the published literature and a large database that contains the cross-sectional shape of each specimen,the damage type,the damage level and the FRP-confined stiffness was established.A new strength model using the Hoek-Brown failure criterion was established and is suitable for both circular and square columns that are undamaged,load-damaged and fire-damaged.Based on the database,most of the existing strength models from the published literature and the model proposed in this paper were evaluated.The evaluation shows that the proposed model can predict the compressive strength for FRP-confined pre-damaged and undamaged concrete columns with good accuracy.

A simplified three-dimensional extension of Hoek-Brown strength criterion

The Hoek-Brown(HB)strength criterion has been applied widely in a large number of projects around the world.However,this criterion ignores the intermediate principal stress s2.Many evidences have demonstrated that the rock strength is dependent on s2.Thus it is necessary to extend the HB criterion into a three-dimensional(3D)form.In this study,the effect of s2 on the strength of rocks is identified by reviewing the true triaxial tests of various rock types reported in the literature.A simple 3D strength criterion is developed.The modified criterion is verified by the true triaxial tests of 13 rock types.The results indicate that the modified criterion can achieve a good fit to most of rock types.It can represent a series of criteria as b varies.For comparisons,several existing 3D versions of the HB criterion are selected to predict the strengths of these rock types.It is indicated that the proposed criterion works better than other criteria.A substantial relationship between parameter b and the unconfined compressive strength is established,which guarantees that the proposed criterion can still work well even in the absence of true triaxial test data.

Elasto-plastic Analysis of Circular Tunnels in Jointed Rock Masses Satisfy the Hoek-Brown Failure Criterion

The relationship between the Hoek-Brown parameters and the mechanical response of circular tunnels is il-lustrated. Closed-form and approximate solutions are given for the extent of the plastic zone and the stress and dis-placement fields under axisymmetrical and asymmetric stress conditions. For the same rock masses and under axisym-metrical stress conditions,the radius of the plastic zone in terms of Hoek-Brown criterion is generally an approximation of the radius in terms of the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. The radius in terms of the Hoek-Brown criterion is larger under low stress conditions. For poor quality rock masses (GSI<25),measures (such as grouting,setting rock bolts,etc.) that improve the GSI of rock masses are effective in improving the stability of tunnels. It is not advisable to improve the sta-bility of the tunnels by providing a small support resistance p through shotcrete,except for very poor quality jointed rock masses. Without reference to the quality of the rock mass,the disturbance factor D should not less than 0.5. Meas-ures which disturb rock masses during tunnel construction should be taken carefully when the tunnel depth increases.

A modified Hoek-Brown failure criterion considering the damage to reservoir bank slope rocks under water saturation-dehydration circulation

After water is impounded in a reservoir, rock mass in the hydro-fluctuation belt of the reservoir bank slope is subject to water saturation- dehydration circulation （WSDC）. To quantify the rate of change of rock mechanical properties, samples from the Longtan dam area were measured with uniaxial compression tests after different numbers （1, 5, 10, 15, and 20） of simulated WSDC cycles. Based on the curves derived from these tests, a modified Hock- Brown failure criterion was proposed, in which a new parameter was introduced to model the cumulative damage to rocks after WSDC. A case of an engineering application was analyzed, and the results showed that the modified Hock-Brown failure criterion is useful. Under similar WSDC-influenced engineering and geological conditions, rock mass strength parameters required for analysis and evaluation of rock slope stability can be estimated according to this modified Hoek-Brown failure criterion.

Validation of Hoek-Brown failure criterion charts for rock slopes

Although stability charts suggested by Hoek and Bray on the basis of Mohr-Coulomb criterion are used for rock slopes,but complete and precise recognition is required for distinguishing cohesive strength and Mohr-Coulomb equivalent internal friction angle for rock mass.The paper by Lia et al.[6]is the only one that introduced rock slope charts according to Hoek-Brown failure criterion.In this paper,at first,this type of charts is introduced.Then,Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion charts[2]are compared and validated with Hoek-Brown failure criterion ones[6].Next,Bishop method utilizing Slide software is compared with Hoek-Brown failure criterion stability charts.Average standard deviation(ASD),root mean square error(RMSE)and variance account for(VAF)were used for the comparison.According to the results,because of high distribution and very low correlation among the comparisons,Hoek-Brown failure criterion charts are not efficient.

Two-dimensional face stability analysis in rock masses governed by the Hoek-Brown strength criterion with a new multi-horn mechanism

The face stability problem is a major concern for tunnels excavated in rock masses governed by the Hoek-Brown strength criterion.To provide an accurate prediction for the theoretical solution of the critical face pressure,this study adopts the piecewise linear method(PLM)to account for the nonlinearity of the strength envelope and proposes a new multi-horn rotational mechanism based on the Hoek-Brown strength criterion and the associative flow rule.The analytical solution of critical support pressure is derived from the energy-work balance equation in the framework of the plastic limit theorem;it is formulated as a multivariable nonlinear optimization problem relying on 2m dependent variables(m is the number of segments).Meanwhile,two classic linearized measures,the generalized tangential technique(GTT)and equivalent Mohr-Coulomb parameters method(EMM),are incorporated into the analysis for comparison.Surprisingly,the parametric study indicates a significant improvement in support pressure by up to 13%compared with the GTT,and as expected,the stability of the tunnel face is greatly influenced by the rock strength parameters.The stress distribution on the rupture surface is calculated to gain an intuitive understanding of the failure at the limit state.Although the limit analysis is incapable of calculating the true stress distribution in rock masses,a rough approximation of the stress vector on the rupture surface is permitted.In the end,sets of normalized face pressure are provided in the form of charts for a quick assessment of face stability in rock masses.

基于Hoek-Brown准则的岩体高温-荷载耦合损伤模型及其验证

针对隧道岩体在高温和荷载共同作用下产生的耦合损伤问题,基于连续损伤力学理论,引入高温-荷载耦合损伤因子,建立了考虑高温作用的广义Hoek-Brown(H-B)准则的弹塑性损伤本构模型,解决了模型在数值积分过程中的奇异点问题,并利用Fortran语言编写了模型的有限元程序。结果表明:模型计算的应力-应变曲线与试验所得到的曲线趋势一致且计算结果误差在5%以内,温度作用下隧洞围岩损伤逐渐加剧,验证了模型的准确性和程序的稳健性,可为火灾作用下隧道围岩安全稳定性评价提供一种有效计算方法。