Experimental study on the interrelation of multiple mechanical parameters in overburden rock caving process during coal mining in longwall panel

In order to comprehend the dynamic disaster mechanism induced by overburden rock caving during the advancement of a coal mining face, a physical simulation model is constructed basing on the geological condition of the 21221 mining face at Qianqiu coal mine in Henan Province, China. This study established, a comprehensive monitoring system to investigate the interrelations and evolutionary characteristics among multiple mechanical parameters, including mining-induced stress, displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission events during overburden rock caving. It is suggested that, despite the uniformity of the overburden rock caving interval, the main characteristic of overburden rock lies in its uneven caving strength. The mining-induced stress exhibits a reasonable interrelation with the displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission events of the rock strata. With the advancement of the coal seam, the mining-induced stress undergoes four successive stages: gentle stability, gradual accumulation, high-level mutation, and a return to stability. The variations in other mechanical parameters does not synchronize with the signifcant changes in mining-induced stress. Before the collapse of overburden rock occurs, rock strata temperature increment decreases and the acoustic emission ringing counts surges with the increase of rock strata displacement and mining-induced stress. Therefore, the collaborative characteristics of mining-induced stress, displacement, temperature, and acoustic emission ringing counts can be identifed as the precursor information or overburden rock caving. These results are in good consistent with on-site situation in the coal mine.

An experimental study on the relationship between acoustic parameters and mechanical properties of frozen silty clay

To study the influence of temperature and water content on ultrasonic wave velocity and to establish the relationship between ultrasonic wave velocity and frozen silty clay strength, ultrasonic tests were conducted to frozen silty clay by using RSM-SY5（T） nonmetal supersonic test meter, and the tensile strength and compressive strength of silty clay were measured under various negative temperatures. Test and analysis results indicate that, ultrasonic wave velocity rapidly changes in the temperature range of-1 ℃ to -5 ℃. Ultrasonic wave velocity increased with an increase of water content until the water content reached the critical water content, while decreased with an increase of water content after the water content exceeded the critical water content. This study showed that there was strong positive correlation between the ul- trasonic wave velocity and the frozen soil strength. As ultrasonic wave velocity increased, either tensile strength or com- pressive strength increased. Based on the experimental data, the relationship between ultrasonic wave velocity and frozen silty clay strength was obtained through regression analysis. It was found that the ultrasonic test technique can be used to test frozen soils and lay the foundation for the determination of frozen soil strength.

Intelligent direct analysis of physical and mechanical parameters of tunnel surrounding rock based on adaptive immunity algorithm and BP neural network

Because of complexity and non-predictability of the tunnel surrounding rock, the problem with the determination of the physical and mechanical parameters of the surrounding rock has become a main obstacle to theoretical research and numerical analysis in tunnel engineering. During design, it is a frequent practice, therefore, to give recommended values by analog based on experience. It is a key point in current research to make use of the displacement back analytic method to comparatively accurately determine the parameters of the surrounding rock whereas artificial intelligence possesses an exceptionally strong capability of identifying, expressing and coping with such complex non-linear relationships. The parameters can be verified by searching the optimal network structure, using back analysis on measured data to search optimal parameters and performing direct computation of the obtained results. In the current paper, the direct analysis is performed with the biological emulation system and the software of Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC3D. The high non-linearity, network reasoning and coupling ability of the neural network are employed. The output vector required of the training of the neural network is obtained with the numerical analysis software. And the overall space search is conducted by employing the Adaptive Immunity Algorithm. As a result, we are able to avoid the shortcoming that multiple parameters and optimized parameters are easy to fall into a local extremum. At the same time, the computing speed and efficiency are increased as well. Further, in the paper satisfactory conclusions are arrived at through the intelligent direct-back analysis on the monitored and measured data at the Erdaoya tunneling project. The results show that the physical and mechanical parameters obtained by the intelligent direct-back analysis proposed in the current paper have effectively improved the recommended values in the original prospecting data. This is of practical significance to the appraisal of stability and informationization design of the surrounding rock.

Fast determination of meso-level mechanical parameters of PFC models

To solve the problems of blindness and inefficiency existing in the determination of meso-level mechanical parameters of particle flow code (PFC) models, we firstly designed and numerically carried out orthogonal tests on rock samples to investigate the correlations between macro-and meso-level mechanical parameters of rock-like bonded granular materials. Then based on the artificial intelligent technology, the intelligent prediction systems for nine meso-level mechanical parameters of PFC models were obtained by creating, training and testing the prediction models with the set of data got from the orthogonal tests. Lastly the prediction systems were used to predict the meso-level mechanical parameters of one kind of sandy mudstone, and according to the predicted results the macroscopic properties of the rock were obtained by numerical tests. The maximum relative error between the numerical test results and real rock properties is 3.28% which satisfies the precision requirement in engineering. It shows that this paper provides a fast and accurate method for the determination of meso-level mechanical parameters of PFC models.

Numerical method to determine mechanical parameters of engineering design in rock masses

This paper proposes a new continuity model for engineering in rock masses and a new schematic method for reporting the engineering of rock continuity. This method can be used to evaluate the mechanics of every kind of medium;and is a new way to determine the mechanical parameters used in engineering design in rock masses. In the numerical simulation, the experimental parameters of intact rock were combined with the structural properties of field rock. Theexperimental results for orthogonally-jointed rock are given. The results included the curves of the stress-strain relationship of some rock masses, the curve of the relationship between the dimension Δ and the uniaxial pressure-resistant strength σc of these rock masses, and pictures of the destructive procedure of some rock masses in uniaxial or triaxial tests, etc. Application of the method to engineering design in rock masses showed the potential of its application to engineering practice.

Mechanical response of roof rock mass unloading during continuous mining process in underground mine

Taking the test stopes during continuous mining induced roof caving of Tongkeng ore-body No.92 as example, the calculation flow of unloading analysis was established. According to the unloading region division method of the affected zone theory, and the deterioration laws of mechanics parameters of unloading rock mass, the continuous mining process in underground mine was analyzed by the software MIDAS/GTS, the mechanical response of roof rock mass unloading was studied, and the differences were analyzed with the conventional simulation. The result shows that the maximum tensile stress, subsidence displacement and equivalent plastic strain of roof rock mass are 1.5 MPa, 20 cm and 1.5% in the unloading analysis, while 1.0 MPa, 13 cm and 0.9% in the conventional analysis. The values of unloading analysis, which are also closer to the actual situation, are greater than those of conventional analysis; the maximum step in continuous mining is 48 m, which shows that the induced treatment of the roof should be carried out after 2 mining steps

A stability study of goaf based on mechanical properties degradation of rock caused by rheological and disturbing loads

Based on the classical static theory and static numerical simulation,the static method could not accurately reflect the stability of goaf where the rocks on the pillar and roof are influenced by Theological and blasting disturbance for a long time.According to the test from the site,an experimental study was made in Theological and dynamic disturbance.After that,on the basis of variable rock mechanics parameters from the experimental data,numerical simulation was used to analyze the vertical stress distribution of goaf,vertical displacement and plastic area of roof in the "deterioration" caused by Theological and blasting,which shows that the mechanics properties of the rock were greatly influenced by Theological,and dynamic disturbance.The results of the experimental study and numerical simulation show that the mechanics properties of rock are greatly influenced by Theological and dynamic disturbance.As a result,the stability of goaf is greatly reduced.Finally,by comparing golf monitoring results with the analysis of theoretical calculation,it was found that the results were approximately the same,which testifies the reliability of the method.This method provides a new way of studying the stability of goaf as well as laying a basic foundation for future safety management.

Determination of shale macroscale modulus based on microscale measurement:A case study concerning multiscale mechanical characteristics

Shale mechanical properties are important for shale gas production,but the magnitudes are difficult to estimate,standard size cores are hard to sample,and secondary interstice generation is inevitable.This paper proposes a method for determining shale macroscale modulus,which is determined at a hierarchy of scales from the nano-to macro-scales.Microscale measurements are upscaled to estimate the corresponding magnitudes at the macroscale.A case study is conducted with Silurian shale samples,using the hierarchy scales,gridding nanoindentation,atomic force microscopy(AFM),mineral liberation analysis(MLA),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and uniaxial compression tests.The mineral compositions are analyzed using MLA and XRD,and the shale composition is described in terms of clay minerals,organic matter,and siliceous and carbonate contents.The variation in the Young’s modulus is analyzed based on the recorded indentation depth curves and modulus distributions.The nanoindentation and AFM results are upscaled to the centimeter scale through the Mori-Tanaka method.The upscaled results exhibit satisfactory fitting with the conventional uniaxial compression results,although the fitting of the upscaled AFM results is better than nanoindentation.The proposed approach can be applied to promptly and comprehensively predict the shale mechanical parameters during shale gas exploration.

An experimental study on fracture mechanical behavior of rock-like materials containing two unparallel fissures under uniaxial compression

Strength and deformability characteristics of rock with pre-existing fissures are governed by cracking behavior. To further research the effects of pre-existing fissures on the mechanical properties and crack coalescence process, a series of uniaxial compression tests were carried out for rock-like material with two unparallel fissures.In the present study, cement, quartz sand, and water were used to fabricate a kind of brittle rock-like material cylindrical model specimen. The mechanical properties of rock-like material specimen used in this research were all in good agreement with the brittle rock materials. Two unparallel fissures（a horizontal fissure and an inclined fissure） were created by inserting steel during molding the model specimen.Then all the pre-fissured rock-like specimens were tested under uniaxial compression by a rock mechanics servocontrolled testing system. The peak strength and Young＇s modulus of pre-fissured specimen all first decreased and then increased when the fissure angle increased from 0？to 75？.In order to investigate the crack initiation, propagation and coalescence process, photographic monitoring was adopted to capture images during the entire deformation process.Moreover, acoustic emission（AE） monitoring technique was also used to obtain the AE evolution characteristic of prefissured specimen. The relationship between axial stress, AE events, and the crack coalescence process was set up： when a new crack was initiated or a crack coalescence occurred, thecorresponding axial stress dropped in the axial stress–time curve and a big AE event could be observed simultaneously.Finally, the mechanism of crack propagation under microscopic observation was discussed. These experimental results are expected to increase the understanding of the strength failure behavior and the cracking mechanism of rock containing unparallel fissures.

The improved neutral network and its application for valuing rock mass mechanical parameter

The artificial neutral network(ANN) has the ability that self-study and self-remember, its 3 layers BP network has been applied extensively, but sometimes because of serious multi-correlation between the variables, and a few observations while many variables, there usually will result into paralyzing in study, and the neutral network further development is restricted in the system to some extent. The partial least square regression(PLS) has its advantage of building the calculation model between the variables with strong multi-correlation, especially much effective on a few data and many variables. So a new and effective method-improved neutral network has been introduced-the neutral network based on the PLS. The results of example show the improved method has a few calculations and high accuracy, and provide a new way for valuing the rock mass mechanical parameters.

An Anisotropic Geomechanical Model for Jointed Rock Masses at Taishan Nuclear Power Station, Southern China

An anisotropic geomechanical model for jointed rock mass is presented. Simultaneously with deriving the orthotropic anisotropy elastic parameters along the positive axis, the equivalent compliance matrix for the deflection axis orthotropic anisotropy was derived through a three- dimensional coordinate transformation. In addition, Singh＇s analysis of the stress concentration effects of intermittent joints was adopted, based on two groups of intermittent joints and a set of cross- cutting joints in the jointed rock mass. The stress concentration effects caused by intermittent joints and the coupling effect of cross-cutting joints along the deflection-axis are also considered. The proposed anisotropic mechanics parameters method is applied to determine the deformation parameters of jointed granite at the Taishan Nuclear Power Station. Combined with the deterministic mechanical parameters of rock blocks and joints, the deformation parameters and their variability in jointed rock masses are estimated quantitatively. The computed results show that jointed granite at the Taishan Nuclear Power Station exhibits typical anisotropic mechanical characteristics; the elastic moduli in the two horizontal directions were similar, but the elastic modulus in the vertical direction was much greater. Jointed rock elastic moduli in the two horizontal and vertical directions were respectively about 24% and 37% of the core of rock, showing weakly orthotropic anisotropy; the ratio of elastic moduli in the vertical and horizontal directions was 1.53, clearly indicating the transversely isotropic rock mass mechanical characteristics. The method can be popularized to solve other rock mechanics problems in nuclear power engineering.

Experimental study on the shear behavior of grout-infilled specimens and micromechanical properties of grout-rock interface

The grout-rock interfacial property is one of the key factors associated with the strength of grouted rock masses.In this study,direct shear tests and nanoindentation tests were adopted to investigate the mechanical properties of the grout-rock interface at both the macroscale and microscale.The cohesion of the cement specimens was higher than that of the grout-infilled joint specimens,while their internal friction angle was lower than that of the grout-infilled joint specimens.A“separation method”for identifying the different phases according to the qualitative and quantitative estimations was introduced,and the irregular interfacial transition zone(ITZ)thickness and elastic modulus were estimated.The ITZ thickness of the grout-infilled sandstone specimen ranged from 0 to 30μm,whereas it was within the range of 10-40μm for the grout-infilled mudstone specimen.The average elastic modulus of the ITZ in grout-infilled sandstone and mudstone specimens was approximately 58.2%and 54.1%lower than that of the bulk grout,respectively.Regarding the incidence of the rock type,the interlacing between the grout and sandstone was better developed.The ITZ with a higher porosity and lower modulus had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the grout-infilled specimens.

THE APPLICATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHM IN NON-LINEAR INVERSION OF ROCK MECHANICS PARAMETERS

The non-linear inversion of rock mechanics parameters based on genetic algorithm is presented. The principIe and step of genetic algorithm is also given. A brief discussion of this method and an application example is presented at the end of this paper. From the satisfied result, quick, convenient and practical new approach is developed to solve this kind of problems.

Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics and Damage Evolution Model of Granite

By using the technique of the split Hopkinson pressure bar（ SHPB）,impact tests at different stress wavelengths（ 0. 8-2. 0 m） and strain rates（ 20-120 s^（-1）） were conducted to study the dynamic mechanical properties and damage accumulation evolution lawof granite. Test results showthat the dynamic compressive strength and strain rate of granite have a significantly exponential correlation;the relationship between peak strain and strain rate is approximately linear,and the increase of wavelengths generally makes the level of peak strain uplift. The multiple-impacts test at a lowstrain rate indicates that at the same wavelength,the cumulative damage of granite shows an exponential increasing form with the increase of strain rate; when keeping the increase of strain rate constant and increasing the stress wavelength,the damage accumulation effect of granite is intensified and still shows an exponential increasing form; under the effect of multiple impacts,the damage development trend of granite is similar overall,but the increase rate is accelerating. Therefore the damage evolution model was established on the basis of the exponential function while the physical meaning of parameters in the model was determined. The model can reflect the effect of the wave parameters and multiple impacts. The validity of the model and the physical meaning of the parameters were verified by the test,which further offer a reference for correlational research and engineering application for the granite.

Determination of rock mass integrity coefficient using a non-invasive geophysical approach

Determination of rock mechanical parameters is the most important step in rock mass quality evaluation and has significant impacts on geotechnical engineering practice.Rock mass integrity coefficient(KV)is one of the most efficient parameters,which is conventionally determined from boreholes.Such approaches,however,are time-consuming and expensive,offer low data coverage of point measurements,require heavy equipment,and are hardly conducted in steep topographic sites.Hence,borehole approaches cannot assess the subsurface thoroughly for rock mass quality evaluation.Alternatively,use of geophysical methods is non-invasive,rapid and economical.The proposed geophysical approach makes useful empirical correlation between geophysical and geotechnical parameters.We evaluated the rock mass quality via integration between KV measured from the limited boreholes and inverted resistivity obtained from electrical resistivity tomography(ERT).The borehole-ERT correlation provided KV along various geophysical profiles for more detailed 2D/3D(two-/three-dimensional)mapping of rock mass quality.The subsurface was thoroughly evaluated for rock masses with different engineering qualities,including highly weathered rock,semi-weathered rock,and fresh rock.Furthermore,ERT was integrated with induced polarization(IP)to resolve the uncertainty caused by water/clay content.Our results show that the proposed method,compared with the conventional approaches,can reduce the ambiguities caused by inadequate data,and give more accurate insights into the subsurface for rock mass quality evaluation.

Failure mechanism and influencing factors of cement sheath integrity under alternating pressure

The failure of cement sheath integrity can be easily caused by alternating pressure during large-scale multistage hydraulic fracturing in shale-gas well.An elastic-plastic mechanical model of casing-cement sheath-formation(CSF)system under alternating pressure is established based on the Mohr-Coulomb criterion and thick-walled cylinder theory,and it has been solved by MATLAB programming combining global optimization algorithm with Global Search.The failure mechanism of cement sheath integrity is investigated,by which it can be seen that the formation of interface debonding is mainly related to the plastic strain accumulation,and there is a risk of interface debonding under alternating pressure,once the cement sheath enters plasticity whether in shallow or deep well sections.The matching relationship between the mechanical parameters(elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio)of cement sheath and its integrity failure under alternating pressure in whole well sections is studied,by which it has been found there is a“critical range”in the Poisson's ratio of cement sheath.When the Poisson's ratio is below the“critical range”,there is a positive correlation between the yield internal pressure of cement sheath(SYP)and its elastic modulus.However,when the Poisson's ratio is above the“critical range”,there is a negative correlation.The elastic modulus of cement sheath is closely related to its Poisson's ratio,and restricts each other.Scientific and reasonable matching between mechanical parameters of cement sheath and CSF system under different working conditions can not only reduce the cost,but also protect the cement sheath integrity.

Optimization of construction scheme and supporting technology for HJS soft rock tunnel

For a soft rock tunnel under high stress in jointed and swell soft rock （HJS）, two construction schemes pilot-tunneling enlarging excavation and step-by-step excavation were optimized using FLAC20, and the deformation effects of the two construction schemes were verified by field tests. Based on engineer- ing geological investigation and mechanical analysis of large deformations, the complex deformation mechanisms of stress expansion and structural deformation of the soft rock tunnel were confirmed, and support countermeasures from the complex deformation mechanism converted to a single type were proposed, and the support parameters were optimized by field tests. These technologies were proved by engineering practice, which produced significant technical and economic benefits.

Determination of mechanical parameters for elements in meso-mechanical models of concrete

The responses of cement mortar specimens of different dimensions under compression and tension were calculated based on the discrete element method with the modified-rigid-body-spring concrete model,in which the mechanical parameters derived from macro-scale material tests were applied directly to the mortar elements.By comparing the calculated results with those predicted by the Carpinteri andWeibull size effects laws,a series of formulas to convert the macro-scale mechanical parameters of mortar and interface to those at the meso-scale were proposed through a fitting analysis.Based on the proposed formulas,numerical simulation of axial compressive and tensile failure processes of concrete and cement mortar materials,respectively were conducted.The calculated results were a good match with the test results.

A simplified approach to directly consider intact rock anisotropy in Hoek——Brown failure criterion

Many rock types have naturally occurring inherent anisotropic planes, such as bedding planes, foliation,or flow structures. Such characteristic induces directional features and anisotropy in rocks＇ strength anddeformational properties. The HoekeBrown （HeB） failure criterion is an empirical strength criterionwidely applied to rock mechanics and engineering. A direct modification to HeB failure criterion toaccount for rock anisotropy is considered as the base of the research. Such modification introduced a newdefinition of the anisotropy as direct parameter named the anisotropic parameter （Kb）. However, thecomputation of this parameter takes much experimental work and cannot be calculated in a simple way.The aim of this paper is to study the trend of the relation between the degree of anisotropy （Rc） and theminimum value of anisotropic parameter （Kmin）, and to predict the Kmin directly from the uniaxialcompression tests instead of triaxial tests, and also to decrease the amount of experimental work. 2014 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ehrenfest Approach to the Adiabatic Invariants and Calculation of the Intervals of Time Entering the Energy Emission Process in Simple Quantum Systems

In the first step, the Ehrenfest reasoning concerning the adiabatic invariance of the angular orbital momentum is applied to the electron motion in the hydrogen atom. It is demonstrated that the time of the energy emission from the quantum level n+1 to level n can be deduced from the orbital angular momentum examined in the hydrogen atom. This time is found precisely equal to the time interval dictated by the Joule-Lenz law governing the electron transition between the levels n+1 and n. In the next step, the mechanical parameters entering the quantum systems are applied in calculating the time intervals characteristic for the electron transitions. This concerns the neighbouring energy levels in the hydrogen atom as well as the Landau levels in the electron gas submitted to the action of a constant magnetic field.