Anisotropy rock physics model for the Longmaxi shale gas reservoir,Sichuan Basin,China

The preferred orientation of clay minerals dominates the intrinsic anisotropy of shale. We introduce the clay lamination （CL） parameter to the Backus averaging method to describe the intrinsic shale anisotropy induced by the alignment of clay minerals. Then, we perform the inversion of CL and the Thomsen anisotropy parameters. The direct measurement of anisotropy is difficult because of the inability to measure the acoustic velocity in the vertical direction in boreholes and instrument limitations. By introducing the parameter CL, the inversion method provides reasonable estimates of the elastic anisotropy in the Longmaxi shale. The clay content is weakly correlated with the CL parameter. Moreover, the parameter CL is abnormally high at the bottom of the Longmaxi and Wufeng Formations, which are the target reservoirs. Finally, we construct rock physics templates to interpret well logging and reservoir properties.

Ordovician limestone aquosity prediction using nonlinear seismic attributes:Case from the Xutuan coal mine

Ordovician limestone water is coal mines. In this paper, we analyze the the main source of water inrush in North China characteristic of three kinds of nonlinear seismic attributes, such as the largest lyapunov exponent,fractal dimension and entropy and introduce their calculation methods. Taking the 81st and 82nd coal districts in the Xutuan coal mine as examples, we extract the three seismic attributes based on the 3D prestack migration seismic data of this area, which can display the Ordovician limestone fracture distribution in the mine. We comprehensively analyzed the three nonlinear seismic attributes and compared the results with transient electromagnetic exploration results and determined the possible Ordovician limestone aquosity distribution. This demonstrated that the nonlinear seismic attributes technology is an effective approach to predict the aquosity of Ordovician limestone.

Brittleness index and seismic rock physics model for anisotropic tight-oil sandstone reservoirs

Brittleness analysis becomes important when looking for sweet spots in tightoil sandstone reservoirs. Hence, appropriate indices are required as accurate brittleness evaluation criteria. We construct a seismic rock physics model for tight-oil sandstone reservoirs with vertical fractures. Because of the complexities in lithology and pore structure and the anisotropic characteristics of tight-oil sandstone reservoirs, the proposed model is based on the solid components, pore connectivity, pore type, and fractures to better describe the sandstone reservoir microstructure. Using the model, we analyze the brittleness sensitivity of the elastic parameters in an anisotropic medium and establish a new brittleness index. We show the applicability of the proposed brittleness index for tight-oil sandstone reservoirs by considering the brittleness sensitivity, the rock physics response characteristics, and cross-plots. Compared with conventional brittleness indexes, the new brittleness index has high brittleness sensitivity and it is the highest in oil-bearing brittle zones with relatively high porosity. The results also suggest that the new brittleness index is much more sensitive to elastic properties variations, and thus can presumably better predict the brittleness characteristics of sweet spots in tight-oil sandstone reservoirs.

An estimation of the penetration rate of rotary drills using the Specific Rock Mass Drillability index

The main purpose of the present study was to provide a practical, convenient drillability prediction model based on rock mass characteristics, geological sampling from blast holes, and drill operational factors. Empirical equations that predict drill penetration rate have been developed using statistical analyses of data from the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine. Seven parameters of the rock or rock mass, including uniaxial compressive strength （UCS） of the rock, Schmidt hammer hardness value, quartz content, fragment size （dso）, alteration, and joint dip, are included in the model along with two operational parameters of the rotary drill, bit rotational speed and thrust. These parameters were used to predict values of the newly developed Specific Rock Mass Drillability （SRMD） index. Comparing measured SRMD values to those pre- dicted by the multi-parameter linear, or nonlinear, regression models showed good agreement. The cor- relation coefficients were 0.82 and 0.81. resoectively.

A comparative assessment of rock mass deformation modulus

Deformation modulus of a rock mass(E_m) is one of the most important design parameters in construction of rock engineering projects such as underground excavations.However,difficulties are frequently encountered during in-situ tests which are also time-consuming and expensive for determining this parameter.Although E_m is often estimated indirectly from proposed equations by different researchers,many of these equations cannot be used in case of problematic rock conditions(thinly bedded,highly jointed rock masses,etc.) as high quality core samples are required.This study aims to explore more practical and useful equation for E_m estimation using Rock Quality Designation(RQD) and point load index values.Comparisons were made between available empirical equations and the proposed E_m equation in terms of the estimation capacity.Multiple comparison tests(ANOVA) showed that E_m can be reliably estimated using proposed equation especially at the preliminary stages of projects.

Application of artificial neural networks to the prediction of tunnel boring machine penetration rate

Rate of penetration of a Tunnel Boring Machine(TBM) in a rock environment is generally a key parameter for the successful accomplishment of a tunneling project.This paper presents the results of a study into the application of an Artificial Neural Network(ANN) technique for modeling the penetration rate of tunnel boring machines.A database,including actual,measured TBM penetration rates,uniaxial compressive strengths of the rock,the distance between planes of weakness in the rock mass and rock quality designation was established.Data collected from three different TBM projects(the Queens Water Tunnel,USA,the Karaj-Tehran water transfer tunnel,Iran,and the Gilgel Gibe II hydroelectric project,Ethiopia).A five-layer ANN was found to be optimum,with an architecture of three neurons in the input layer,9,7 and 3 neurons in the first,second and third hidden layers,respectively,and one neuron in the output layer.The correlation coefficient determined for penetration rate predicted by the ANN was 0.94.

Quality index of bedded and joint-bearing rock mass and its applications

Based on the theory of Fuzzy Mathematics and Expert System, this paper presents the quantitative expression method of bedded and joint bearing rock mass quality "Stratum Quality Index"(SQI for short), and also introduces the successful application of the method in estimating stratum movement parameters.

Applicable conditions for a classification system of aquifer-protective mining in hallow coal seams

Based on the conclusions of domestic and foreign research, we have analyzed the collapse-fall characteristics of overlying strata and the mechanism of aquifer-protective mining in shallow coal seam working faces at the Shendong Mine. We have selected the height of the water-conducting fracture zone in overlying strata as a composite index and established the applicable conditions of aquifer-protective mining in shallow coal seams with a multi-factor synthetic-index classification method. From our calculations and analyses of variance, we used factors such as the overlying strata strength, mining disturbing factors and rock integrity as related factors of the composite index. We have classified the applicable conditions of aquifer-protective mining in shallow coal seams into seven types by comparing the result of the height of water-conducting fractured zones of long-wall and short-wall working faces with the thickness of the bedrock, the thickness of the weathered zone and the size of safety coal-rock pillars. As a result, we propose the preliminary classification system of aquifer-protective mining in shallow coal seams. It can provide a theoretical guidance for safe applications of aquifer-protective mining technology in shallow coal seams under similar conditions.

Numerical modeling of permeability evolution based on degradation approach during progressive failure of brittle rocks

The permeability evolution of rock during the progressive failure process is described. In combination with the strength degradation index, the degradation formulas of s and a, which are dependent on the plastic confining strain component, the material constants of Hock-Brown failure criterion are presented, and a modified elemental scale elastic-brittle-plastic constitutive model of rock is established. The rela- tionship between volumetric strain and permeability through tri-axial compression is investigated. Based on the above, a permeability evolution model is established. The model incorporates confining pressure- dependent degradation of strength, dilatancy and corresponding permeability evolution. The model is implemented in FLAC by the FISH function method. The permeability evolution behavior of rock is inves-tigated during the progressive failure process in a numerical case. The results show that the model is cap- able of reproducing, and allowing visualization of a range of hydro-mechanical responses of rock. The effects of confining pressure on degradation of strength, dilatancy and permeability evolution are also reflected.

Some remarks on the dynamical conformity of rock joints

A recently developed computerized method for assessing the rock joint coefficients is discussed. The performances of formerly introduced relative similarity indicators, along with the correlation coefficient, are subjected to critical analysis. These relative numerical indicators are replaced by two absolute indicators whose properties better describe surface textures of rock joints. The first absolute indicator results from the Fourier Matrix and evaluates wavy shapes of surfaces. The second absolute indicator quantifies the heights of surface reliefs, and is defined as the root mean square height of the surface outline. The behavior of the newly introduced numerical indicators are investigated by means of the deterministic periodic surface reliefs. The practical application of the new indicators is presented and the convenient performances of both the indicators are documented.

THEORY AND TECHNOLOGY FOR HARD ROOF CONTROL OF LONGWALL FACE IN CHINESE COLLIERIES

This paper introduced systematically the present situation of the research on theory and technology for hard roof control of coal face in Chinese collieries.

Influence of brittleness and confining stress on rock cuttability based on rock indentation tests

In order to understand the influence of brittleness and confining stress on rock cuttability,the indentation tests were carried out by a conical pick on the four types of rocks.Then,the experimental results were utilized to take regression analysis.The eight sets of normalized regression models were established for reflecting the relationships of peak indentation force(PIF)and specific energy(SE)with brittleness index and uniaxial confining stress.The regression analyses present that these regression models have good prediction performance.The regressive results indicate that brittleness indices and uniaxial confining stress conditions have non-linear effects on the rock cuttability that is determined by PIF and SE.Finally,the multilayer perceptual neural network was used to measure the importance weights of brittleness index and uniaxial confining stress upon the influence for rock cuttability.The results indicate that the uniaxial confining stress is more significant than brittleness index for influencing the rock cuttability.

Sediment recycling and indication of weathering proxies

As a result of recycling, the mineralogical and chemical compositions of riverine sediments may reflect the combined effects of the present-day weathering regime as well as previous weathering and diagenetic alteration history. River sediments can be interpreted as a mixture of non-weathered bedrock—of igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary origin—and solids formed by the modern weathering system. The correlation between the weathering proxies chemical index of alteration and weathering index of Parker offers an approach to distinguish fine suspended particles, coarse bedload sediments, and recycled sediments under the influence of quartz dilution. Recycling of cation-depleted source rocks formed during past geological weathering episodes may have great impacts on the weathering indices of sediments from the Changjiang(Yangzte) and Zhuoshui Rivers. Special caution is required when using chemical weathering indices to investigate the intensity of chemical weathering registered in fluvial sediments. To minimize the effect of hydrodynamic sorting or sediment recycling, we suggest that the fine sediments(e.g.suspended particles and ﹤2 lm fractions of bedload sediments) in rivers better reflect the average of weatheredcrust in catchments and the terrigenous end-member in marginal seas.

Weathering and soils formation on different parent materials in Golestan Province,Northern Iran

Geochemical, mineralogical, and micromorphologieal characteristics of soils and their relevant parent rocks including loess, ignimbrite, sandstone and limestone were investigated to identify the soil-parent material uniformity and the weathering degree of soils in Golestan Province, northern Iran. Highly developed Caleixerolls and moderately developed Haploxerepts were formed on loess and limestone, respectively. In contrast, the soils formed on ignimbrite and sandstone were non- developed Entisols. Illite was the dominant clay mineral found in ignimbrite and sandstone in both the A horizon and parent material. In loess derived soils however, smectite was dominant especially in the Bt horizon compared to its parent material indicating partly to its pedogenic formation. In limestone, illite and vermiculite were dominant both in the A and C horizons. Ti/Zr ratio proved that the studied soils were closely related to their underlying parent materials geochemically. Chemical index of alteration （CIA）, micromorphological index of soil development （MISECA）, smectite/illite＋chlorite ratio and magnetic susceptibility were applied to investigate the degree of soil development. Results showed that the most and the least developed soils were those formed on loess deposits and limestone,respectively. Application of the different geochemical and pedogenetic approaches was proved to be useful in identifying the relevance of soils to their underlying parent materials and also their degree of development.

Study on the chaotic behavior of mining rock seepage system

One dimensional non-steady, non-Darcy flow of water in a rock stratum was reduced into a system described by six ordinary differential equations involving five controlling parameters. Through response computations and time series analysis, chaotic behavior in the reduced system was discussed in details. Firstly, the dynamical response of the reduced system under a set of parameters was calculated, and the power spectrum of the attractor was obtained through fast Lagrangian transformation; then the phase space was reconstructed by fixing embedding dimension to be 6 and delay time to range from 1 to 20, and the correlation dimension of the attractor was calculated based on the curves under the coordinates of logarithm of correlation integral vs. logarithm of covering radius; and lastly, the Lyapunov indices of the attractor were calculated by using Gram-Schmit's orthogonalization method. The results show that the power spectrum of the attractor is continuous; the correlation dimension of the attractor is equal to 2.36; among the Lyapunov indices, LE1, LE2, LE3 are positive, LE5, LE6 are negative, and LE4 fluctuates near zero. All the analysis indicates that there may exist chaos in the system of non-steady, non-Darcy flow.

Analysis of nonlinear dynamic character in the surrounding rock system for deep buried underground engineering

Combining the field monitoring results of a deep-buried tunnel in Chongqing,the dynamic characteristics of the surrounding rock system under high in situ stress wasanalyzed by phase space reconstruction, calculating correlation dimension, Kolmogoroventropy and largest Lyapunov exponents.Both the Kolmogorov entropy and largestLyapunov exponents show that the surrounding rock system is a chaotic one.Based onthis, a local model was applied to predict surrounding rock displacement, and a nonlineardynamic model was derived to forecast the interaction of the surrounding rock and supportstructure.The local method was found to have an extremely small total error.Also, thenonlinear dynamic model forecasting curves agree with the monitoring ones very well.It isproved that the nonlinear dynamic characteristic study is very important in analyzing rockstability and predicting the evolution of rock systems.

Rock engineering property of the high-steep open-pit slope and its stability

According to the rock engineering property and stability of high-steep open-pitslopes, various factors were collected on the basis of rock engineering system (RSE) theory,and the interaction matrix of stability evaluation was established.Then, the stabilityevaluation index (S_p) of the slope was put forward.Ranges of the S_p value and the correspondingstable state were given on the basis of thirty-six samples.It is found that the followingrelationships exist: unstable (easy landslide): S_p<-0.20; mid-stable (may be landslide):-0.20<S_p<0.63; stable (no landslide): S_p>0.63.Finally, the stability evaluation indexwas applied on the high-steep open-pit slope of one mine.Analysis results and monitoringdata indicate that the index meets the necessity of the property of slope engineering, and ithas an important engineering purpose for landslide forecasting of high-steep slopes.

Distribution and quantitative zonation of unloading cracks at a proposed large hydropower station dam Site

Rock mass unloading is an important rock engineering problem because unloading may impact the stability of a rock mass slope. Based on hydroelectric engineering principles, this study focuses on the classification of unloading zones to reflect the rock mass structure characteristics. Geological background and slope structure of the study region were considered to investigate the distribution and deformation of the unloading process. Quantitative indices were classified according to the formation mechanisms and the geological exhibition of unloading zones. The P-wave velocity(V_P), the ratio of the wave velocity(V_p) the ratio of the test P-wave velocity along the adit depth to the P-wave velocity of intact rock, the sum of joint openings every 2 meters(S_t), and the density of open joints(D_t) were calculated as quantitative indices for the rock mass unloading zone. The characteristics of the unloading zone of rock mass slopes at the dam site were successfully determined. The method of combining qualitative data with quantitative indices was found to be effective for the classification of slope unloading zones.

Effects of Limestone Powder on Rheological Properties of Cement - Fly Ash Mortar

This article studies the effects of limestone powder on rheological properties of cement - fly ash mortar with RHEOLAB QC type rotation viscometer. The Bingham fluid model is introduced to fit the yielding stress and plastic viscosity of the mortar. The POWER LAW fluid model is introduced to fit the rheological index of the mortar. The results show that, adding limestone powder and fly ash to the cement mortar significantly decreases the yield stress of the mortar, changes the plastic viscosity of the mortar, increases the rheological index, decreases the degree of shear thinning of the mortar, and thereby improves the mortar＇ s workability. In the case of cement - fly ash mortar, with the increase of limestone powder content, both the yield stress and plastic viscosity of the mortar increase. When the limestone powder content is not higher than 14%, the increase of yield stress is not significant. When the limestone powder content is lower than 8%, the increase of plastic viscosity is not significant. When the content of limestone powder is higher than 22%, the rheological index of the mortar decreases and the degree of shear thinning increases. The effects of limestone powder＇ s packing density, shape and size, specific surface area, and fluid volume, are found to be the four major factors responsible for the changes ofrheological properties of the mortar.