Measurements of in situ stress and mining-induced stress in Beiminghe Iron Mine of China

In order to obtain the distribution rules of in situ stress and mining-induced stress of Beiminghe Iron Mine, the stress relief method by overcoring was used to measure the in situ stress, and the MC type bore-hole stress gauge was adopted to measure the mining-induced stress. In the in situ stress measuring, the technique of improved hollow inclusion cells was adopted, which can realize complete temperature compensation. Based on the measuring results, the distribution model of in situ stress was established and analyzed. The in situ stress measuring result shows that the maximum horizontal stress is 1.75-2.45 times of vertical stress and almost 1.83 times of the minimum horizontal stress in this mineral field. And the mining-induced stress measuring result shows that, according to the magnitude of front abutment pressure the stress region can be separated into stress-relaxed area, stress- concentrated area and initial stress area. At the -50 m mining level of this mine, the range of stress-relaxed area is 0-3 m before mining face; the range of stress-concentrated area is 3-55 m before mining face, and the maximum mining-induced stress is 16.5-17.5 MPa, which is 15-20 m from the mining face. The coefficient of stress concentration is 1.85.

Preliminary Results of In-situ Stress Measurements along the Longmenshan Fault Zone after the Wenchuan M_s 8.0 Earthquake

Four months after the Wenchuan Ms 8 earthquake in western Sichuan, China, in situ stress measurements were carried out along the Longmenshan fault zone with the purpose of obtaining stress parameters for earthquake hazard assessment. In-situ stresses were measured in three new boreholes by using overcoring with the piezomagnetic stress gauges for shallow depths and hydraulic fracturing for lower depths. The maximum horizontal stress in shallow depths （-20 m） is about 4.3 MPa, oriented N19°E, in the epicenter area at Yingxiu Town, about 9.7 MPa, oriented N51°W, at Baoxing County in the southwestern Longmenshan range, and about 2.6 MPa, oriented N39°E, near Kangding in the southernmost zone of the Longmenshan range. Hydraulic fracturing at borehole depths from 100 to 400 m shows a tendency towards increasing stress with depth. A comparison with the results measured before the Wenchuan earthquake along the Longmenshan zone and in the Tibetan Plateau demonstrates that the stress level remains relatively high in the southwestern segment of the Longmenshan range, and is still moderate in the epicenter zone. These results provide a key appraisal for future assessment of earthquake hazards of the Longmenshan fault zone and the aftershock occurrences of the Wenchuan earthquake.

Advance of in-situ stress measurement in China

In-situ stress is an essential parameter for design and construction of most engineering projects that involve excavation in rocks. Progress in in-situ stress measurement from the 1950s in China is briefly introduced. Stress relief by overcoring technique and hydraulic fracturing： technique are the two main techniques for in-situ stress measurement in China at present. To make them suitable for application at great depth and to increase their measuring reliability and accuracy, a series of techniques have been developed. Applications and achievements of in-situ stress measurement in Chinese rock engineering, including mining, geotechnical and hydropower engineering, and earthquake prediction, are introduced. Suggestions for further development of in-situ stress measurement are also proposed.

New development of hydraulic fracturing technique for in-situ stress measurement at great depth of mines

In-situ stress measurement using the hydraulic fracturing technique was made at Wanfu Coal Mine in Shandong Province, China. To solve problems caused by great measuring depth and extra thick overburden soil layers in the mine, a series of improved techniques were developed for the traditional hydraulic fracturing technique and equipment to increase their pressure-enduring ability and to ensure safe and flexible removal of the sealing packers with other experimental apparatus. Successful in-situ stress measurement at 37 points within 7 boreholes, which were mostly over 1000 m deep, was completed. Through the measurement, detailed information of in-situ stress state has been provided for mining design of the mine. The improved hydraulic fracturing technique and equipment also provide reliable tools for in-situ stress measurement at great depth of other mines.

Analysis on method for effective in-situ stress measurement in hot dry rock reservoir

With the rapid increase of energy demand and the increasingly highlighted environmental problems, clean, safe and widely distributed geothermal resources have become a hot spot for renewable resources development. The state of in-situ stress is a major control parameter for multiple links including well location, fracture inspiration and reservoir assessment, so how to determine the accurate state of in-situ stress in the deep thermal reservoir becomes a core problem drawing widely attention and urgent to be solved. Based on features of hot dry rock reservoir in terms of temperature and pressure and the comparison analysis, this article proposes the method of Anelastic Strain Recovery(ASR) as an effective method for determining the state of in-situ stress in the area with HDR resources distributed and explains the availability of ASR method by application examples.

Techniques for in-situ stress measurement at great depth

Reliable information of in--situ stress state is necessary for the design andconstruction of most important rock projects. As most rock projects are getting deeper and deeper,traditional techniques of in--situ stress measurement are not very suitable. The current techniquesof in--situ stress measurement and their insufficiency for use at great depth are analyzed. Somebasic ideas of the development of new techniques and the improvement of current techniques for useat great depth are provided.

Reliability analysis of in-situ stress measurement using circumferential velocity anisotropy

In-situ stress measurement for deep reservoir formation is difficult in terms of security, reliability and technique. Acoustic velocity anisotropy test is a basic method for stress measurement of rock cores, which is based on the distribution of acoustic velocity in different directions around rock cores. The heterogeneity of core samples, such as fractures and gravel contained, can also lead to wave velocity anisotropy. Therefore, the corresponding reliability evaluation method is established to exclude some other anisotropy factors caused by non-tectonic stresses. In this paper, the reliability of testing results is evaluated from three aspects, i.e. phase difference, anisotropy index and waveform, to remove the factors caused by non-tectonic stresses.

Three-Dimensional Thermo-Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Method Modeling for Predicting Weld-Induced Residual Stresses and Distortions in Steel Stiffened-Plate Structures

The objective of the present paper is to develop nonlinear finite element method models for predicting the weld-induced initial deflection and residual stress of plating in steel stiffened-plate structures. For this purpose, three-dimensional thermo-elastic-plastic finite element method computations are performed with varying plate thickness and weld bead length (leg length) in welded plate panels, the latter being associated with weld heat input. The finite element models are verified by a comparison with experimental database which was obtained by the authors in separate studies with full scale measurements. It is concluded that the nonlinear finite element method models developed in the present paper are very accurate in terms of predicting the weld-induced initial imperfections of steel stiffened plate structures. Details of the numerical computations together with test database are documented.

Analytical investigation for stress measurement with the rheological stress recovery method in deep soft rock

Due to the difficulty and weakness of current stress measurement methods in deep soft rock, a new rheological stress recovery method of the determination of the three-dimensional(3D) stress tensor is proposed. It is supposed that rock stresses will recovery gradually with time and can be measured by embedding transducers into the borehole. In order to explore the applicability and accuracy of this method, analytical solutions are developed for stress measurement with the rheological stress recovery method in a viscoelastic surrounding rock, the rheological properties of which are depicted as both the Burger's model and a 3-parameter solid model. In such conditions, explicit analytical expressions for predicting time-dependent pressures on the transducer are derived. A parametric analysis is then adopted to investigate the influences of the grout solidification time and the mechanical properties of the grout layer. The results indicate that this method is suitable for stress measurement in deep soft rock, the characteristics of which are soft, fractured and subjected to high geo-stress.

Spatial and Temporal Stress Variations before and after the 2008 Wenchuan M_(w)7.9 Earthquake and its Implications:A Study based on Borehole Stress Data

In situ stress measurement data was analyzed to estimate the temporal and spatial stress variations at shallow depths in the Longmenshan fault zone(LMSF),prior to and following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake(WCEQ).Analysis of the stress field related to fault strength and behavior is useful for understanding geodynamic processes and conducting hazard assessments.The shallow stress changes after the WCEQ show clear along-strike variations.Degrees of stress orientation rotations have a negative correlation with the horizontal principal stress ratios and the WCEQ apparently reduced the magnitude difference between horizontal principal stresses.Taking stress magnitudes and orientation distribution relative to the fault strike into account,we propose an intermediate-strength of LMSF,with a friction coefficient generally constrained between 0.35 and 0.6.In addition,high-pressure fluids in the fault zone reduce the effective normal stress and to a certain degree weaken the fault strength.The accumulated stress over a certain period following release of the WCEQ indicates the start of another earthquake cycle.The changing crustal stress field makes the LMSF stable or slipping optimally during geodynamic processes.The segmentation feature of the shallow crustal stress field in the LMSF may imply a different tectonic loading and seismic release processes along the fault.The southwestern section to the epicenter of the WCEQ favors the occurrence of future earthquakes,as highμm in a state of critical failure was present in this area,which indicates that the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes did not release the accumulated stress to a sufficient extent there.

超深勘察钻孔ASR法地应力测试技术应用

宝灵山隧道是某铁路先开段的重难点控制性工程,其中宝灵山DZ-06勘察钻孔深2118.00 m,是该段深度最大的控制性勘察钻孔。在钻孔的2072.53、2084.27 m深度选取合适岩心,采用ASR法(非弹性应变恢复法)开展了地应力测试,并与该钻孔采用水压致裂法获取的地应力结果进行对比,同时验证了ASR法对于估测超深钻孔的三维地应力大小和方向的实用价值。结果表明:在钻孔2072.53~2084.27 m深度范围,ASR法2个测点获取的最大主应力、中间主应力、最小主应力平均值分别为59.70、54.03、30.74 MPa,最大主应力近水平,方向近SN向,说明该区域以水平构造应力为主;ASR法的最大主应力测试结果均值与水压致裂法测试结果回归值一致性很好,最小主应力测试结果均值与水压致裂法测试结果回归值的一致性处于合理范围,两种方法的水平主应力方向测试结果基本一致。

山东龙郓煤业10·20冲击地压事故区域应力背景与防控研究

矿山巷道、交通隧道等地下硐室围岩稳定与岩体所处区域地应力环境息息相关。分析区域深部地应力与地下硐室走向、形状等因素的关系,有助于提前规避硐室开挖风险。文章以山东龙郓煤业10·20冲击地压事故为背景,通过地应力测量与监测工作,初步揭示了山东西部地壳浅表层现今地应力环境,结合龙郓煤业矿区附近现今地应力场特征,探讨此次冲击地压事故产生的区域应力背景,并从地应力角度提出相应的防控建议。研究结果表明:测量深度范围内主应力大小总体上与深度成正比线性关系,最大水平主应力值为3.48~20.76 MPa,随深度增加梯度为0.0182 MPa/m;最小水平主应力值为3.44~14.95 MPa,随深度增加梯度为0.0130 MPa/m;区内最大水平主应力方位为北东43°~89°,平均方位为北东75°;地壳浅表层构造作用以水平构造作用为主,但随着深度的增加,逐渐向垂直构造作用转变;龙郓煤业10·20冲击地压事故的诱发机制主要是垂向应力大于水平主应力,现今处于拉张应力环境,尤其是巷道走向平行于最大水平主应力方向;建议龙郓煤业巷道轴线与最大水平主应力方向的夹角为60°~90°,同时巷道顶板可以采用拱形顶板,确保巷道岩体稳定。

渤海海峡跨海通道工程区海域三维地应力测试

跨渤海通道海域缺乏实测地应力基础数据,而海域钻探原位实测又承担着巨大风险与重重困难,为取得工程区现今地应力场特征第一手资料,利用以水压致裂地应力测量为主,以空心包体、非弹性应变恢复、差应变、声波各向异性法为辅的综合地应力测量技术,对研究区海域开展三维地应力测试与研究,建立了线性回归方程,得到了回归拟合曲线。结果表明,渤海海峡最大水平主应力σH、最小水平主应力σh与垂直主应力σv均随测试深度的增加呈线性增大规律;海峡南部地应力状态存在σH>σh>σv的关系,处于逆冲应力状态,应力场方向为NE,最大水平主应力大于垂直主应力,区域内构造力处于主导地位;海峡北部应力状态为σH>σv>σh,有利于走滑断层活动,应力场方向为NE,区域内构造力处于主导地位;整个工程区内地应力各分量值之间相差不大,远远小于区内断层活动应力值的下限,表明研究区目前处于稳定状态。研究结果符合一般地应力测量规律,测试流程符合地应力测试要求,测试数据可用于分析区域地应力状态。

首山一矿深部地应力分布规律及影响因素

为探讨平顶山首山一矿深部地应力分布规律及其影响因素,基于矿井实测地应力数据,运用构造物理学、岩石力学和数值模拟方法,研究了测点地应力类型、大小和方向分布规律,反演了地应力场分布特征,分析了埋深、岩性和地质构造对地应力的影响,确定了影响地应力分布的主控因素。研究表明:多元回归反演分析法获得的地应力计算值与实测值吻合,相对误差小于20%,结果可靠。矿井煤岩体处于三维压应力状态,煤层主应力关系为S_(H)>S_(V)>S_(h),地应力由矿井北部向南部呈现先增大后减小再增大的变化趋势,地应力为28~44 MPa,属于高应力水平,地应力方向为NEE向。埋深影响地应力大小和类型,随埋深增加主应力增大,应力场类型向准静水压力场过渡;岩性与地应力密切相关,从泥岩到砂岩或灰岩,地应力增大,弹性模量越大地应力越大,地层岩性的差异造成地应力大小离散分布、应力方向偏转角不超过10°;矿井地应力与埋深、弹性模量的关系可表示为σ_(H)=0.0350H+0.4681E−8.5513。地质构造是影响首山一矿地应力分布的主控因素,褶皱形态控制地应力的水平应力分布,向斜内弧应力值大于背斜内弧,且褶皱弯曲程度越大,其内弧地应力越大,应力梯度越大;断层带内应力降低、断层尖灭端应力集中,地应力方向沿着断层走向偏转,与断层走向夹角越大,应力方向偏转角越大;断层切割复式褶皱时,断层与向斜构造组合区应力值大于断层与背斜构造组合区,且断褶构造组合造成地应力方向分布紊乱。

自然崩落法矿山矿岩赋存特征精细调查与辅助致裂崩落效果研究

自然崩落法采矿技术对矿岩赋存特征要求严苛,矿岩崩落特性直接影响自然崩落法矿山矿岩崩落速率及出矿块度。通过人工辅助致裂增加矿岩体内部裂隙发育程度实现矿岩预处理,是当前国外自然崩落法矿山生产过程的重要技术手段。本文以我国首座自然崩落法矿山铜矿峪矿向深部转移首采区开采工程为背景,开展了矿岩赋存特征精细调查与水压致裂矿岩预处理试验研究。结果表明:铜矿峪矿410 m中段5号矿体首采区矿岩坚硬、中等完整~较完整,岩体质量等级为Ⅱ~Ⅲ类,矿岩中等可崩~难崩,矿岩崩落破碎特性为中等破碎~大块较多;岩体赋存特征精细调查对于深入了解矿岩崩落特性意义重大;通过钻孔摄像技术获取了水压致裂矿岩预处理试验前后钻孔孔壁图像并揭示了水压致裂过程产生的新裂隙,有效改善了矿岩结构面发育程度;通过对崩落顶板监测及出矿口块度统计分析显示首采区生产期崩落速率提高了3倍多、出矿口大块率降低了58.3%,为铜矿峪矿转深部开采过渡期产能平稳衔接提供了坚实保障;初步形成了水压致裂矿岩预处理技术及装备体系,可支撑我国现代自然崩落法采矿技术进一步推广应用。

湖南省桂阳抽水蓄能电站高压引水隧洞稳定性分析

为研究湖南桂阳抽水蓄能电站高压引水隧洞稳定性,在工程区开展了高压压水试验和地应力测试,定量描述了隧洞围岩在高内水压力作用下的渗透特性,分析了整个工程区特别是重要工程部位的岩体应力状态,在此基础上根据围岩条件、抗抬理论准则、最小主应力准则、渗透准则评价了高压引水隧洞的渗透稳定性。结果表明:(1)工程区水平主应力大小总体上随深度的增加而增大,3个主应力之间的关系为SH>SZ>Sh,属于走滑型应力状态,钻孔附近地壳浅表层的最大水平主应力方位平均为NW32°,高压岔管及厂房区域属中等-低地应力区。高压压水试验结果显示隧洞围岩属于弱至微透水岩体;(2)高压引水隧洞各洞段具有足够的埋深条件,满足抗抬理论准则,同时隧洞围岩的抗渗透能力及抗水力劈裂能力均较好,基本满足钢筋混凝土衬砌方案的要求。

枣泉煤矿五分区地应力测试及其分布规律研究

为了获取枣泉煤矿五分区地应力分布规律,采用水压致裂法对原岩地应力进行了现场测试。结果表明:5个测点中最大水平主应力最大为12.66 MPa,最小为4.96 MPa;最小水平主应力最大为6.08 MPa,最小为2.33 MPa;地应力场类型均为水平主应力场,除测点4外,其余测点各方向应力大小排序均为σ_(H)>σ_(v)>σ_(h);测点1~3的最大水平主应力方向分别为N16.5°W、N30.9°W和N22.3°W,具有较强的一致性,测点4和测点5受褶曲构造影响,最大水平主应力方向为N42.6°E和N24.8°W,向垂直褶曲轴线方向偏转。

Characteristics and implications of stress state in a gold mine in Ludong area, China

In this study, we obtained information from twenty-one measurement points on the stress magnitudes and orientations of a gold mine in the Ludong area. We used the overcoring technique with an improved hollow inclusion strain gauge and then analyzed the distribution characteristics of the in situ stress field. The results indicate that the stress field is characterized by σH > σh > σv and σH > σv > σh(where σH, σh, and σv are the maximum horizontal, minimum horizontal, and vertical principal stresses, respectively). The regional stress field is dominated by horizontal principal stress. The σH, σh, and σv values show a gradual increasing trend with depth. The σH is predominantly oriented in the NWW–SEE or near-EW direction. We also confirmed the correspondence between the measured stress field and the regional geological structure. In addition, based on the measured stress data, we discuss the implications of the in situ stress with respect to fault activity in the mine area.

Tectonic Stress State Changes Before and After the Wenchuan M_s 8.0 Earthquake in the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

Crustal tectonic activities are essentially the consequences of the accumulation and release of in situ stress. Therefore, studying the stress state near active faults is important for understanding crustal dynamics and earthquake occurrences. In this paper, using in situ stress measurement results obtained by hydraulic fracturing in the vicinity of the Longmenshan fault zone before and after the Wenchuan Ms 8.0 earthquake and finite element modeling, the variation of stress state before and after the Wenchuan M. 8.0 earthquake is investigated. The results show that the shear stress, which is proportional to the difference between principal stresses, increases with depth and distance from the active fault in the calm period or after the earthquakes, and tends to approach to the regional stress level outside the zone influenced by the fault. This distribution appears to gradually reverse with time and the change of fault properties such as frictional strength. With an increase in friction coefficient, low stress areas are reduced and areas with increased stress accumulation are more obvious near the fault. In sections of the fault with high frictional strengths, in situ stress clearly increases in the fault. Stress accumulates more rapidly in the fault zone relative to the surrounding areas, eventually leading to a stress field that peaks at the fault zone. Such a reversal in the stress field between the fault zone and surrounding areas in the magnitude of the stress field is a potential indicator for the occurrence of strong earthquakes.