Discontinuity development patterns and the challenges for 3D discrete fracture network modeling on complicated exposed rock surfaces

Natural slopes usually display complicated exposed rock surfaces that are characterized by complex and substantial terrain undulation and ubiquitous undesirable phenomena such as vegetation cover and rockfalls.This study presents a systematic outcrop research of fracture pattern variations in a complicated rock slope,and the qualitative and quantitative study of the complex phenomena impact on threedimensional(3D)discrete fracture network(DFN)modeling.As the studies of the outcrop fracture pattern have been so far focused on local variations,thus,we put forward a statistical analysis of global variations.The entire outcrop is partitioned into several subzones,and the subzone-scale variability of fracture geometric properties is analyzed(including the orientation,the density,and the trace length).The results reveal significant variations in fracture characteristics(such as the concentrative degree,the average orientation,the density,and the trace length)among different subzones.Moreover,the density of fracture sets,which is approximately parallel to the slope surface,exhibits a notably higher value compared to other fracture sets across all subzones.To improve the accuracy of the DFN modeling,the effects of three common phenomena resulting from vegetation and rockfalls are qualitatively analyzed and the corresponding quantitative data processing solutions are proposed.Subsequently,the 3D fracture geometric parameters are determined for different areas of the high-steep rock slope in terms of the subzone dimensions.The results show significant variations in the same set of 3D fracture parameters across different regions with density differing by up to tenfold and mean trace length exhibiting differences of 3e4 times.The study results present precise geological structural information,improve modeling accuracy,and provide practical solutions for addressing complex outcrop issues.

Pulses in ground motions identified through surface partial matching and their impact on seismic rocking consequence

In seismology and earthquake engineering,it is fundamental to identify and characterize the pulse-like features in pulse-type ground motions.To capture the pulses that dominate structural responses,this study establishes congruence and shift relationships between response spectrum surfaces.A similarity search between spectrum surfaces,supplemented with a similarity search in time series,has been applied to characterize the pulse-like features in pulse-type ground motions.The identified pulses are tested in predicting the rocking consequences of slender rectangular blocks under the original ground motions.Generally,the prediction is promising for the majority of the ground motions where the dominant pulse is correctly identified.

Effect of surface retaining elements on rock stability:laboratory investigation with sand powder 3D printing

This study aims to investigate the benefcial efects of surface retaining elements (SREs) on the mechanical behaviors of bolted rock and roadway stability. 3D printing (3DP) technology is utilized to create rock analogue prismatic specimens for conducting this investigation. Uniaxial compression tests with acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation techniques have been conducted on 3DP specimens bolted with diferent SREs. The results demonstrate that the strength and modulus of elasticity of the bolted specimens show a positive correlation with the area of the SRE;the AE characteristics of the bolted specimens are higher than those of the unbolted specimen, but they decrease with an increase in SRE area, thus further improving the integrity of the bolted specimens. The reinforcement efect of SREs on the surrounding rock of roadways is further analyzed using numerical modelling and feld test. The results provide a better understanding of the role of SREs in rock bolting and the optimization of rock bolting design. Furthermore, they verify the feasibility of 3DP for rock analogues in rock mechanics tests.

Probabilistic assessment of rock slopes stability using the response surface approach——A case study

This paper examines the stability condition of a jointed rock slope in the south western region of Saudi Arabia using deterministic and probabilistic approaches,under both dry and wet conditions.The study area is characterized by complex geology in rugged terrains.The stability analysis is carried out using the code FLAC3D to generate a 3-dimensional,ubiquitous joint model,to determine the influence of the dominant,unfavourable discontinuity orientation with respect to the slope face.The deterministic analysis is first implemented using the mean values of the selected random variables,namely the dip,dip direction and friction angle of the dominant discontinuity set,and the stability condition is assessed with a factor of safety based on the classical frictional joint constitutive model.A Box-Behnken design(BBD)approach is then adopted to create the surface response function as a second order polynomial for the factor of safety.To do so,fifteen FLAC3D models are generated in accordance with the BBD.Based on this,10,000 simulations of different slope realizations are carried out using Monte-Carlo simulation technique,and the probability of unsatisfactory of performance of the rock slope is assessed.It is shown that the probabilistic approach provides more insight and confidence in the stability condition of the rock slope,both under dry and steady state heavy rainfall conditions.A discussion is presented on the significance of accepting lower safety factors when heavy rainfall conditions are encountered.

Research on Complexity of Surface Undulating Shapes of Rock Joints

The surface undulating shapes of rock joints have been described qualitatively or experimental quantitatively for a long time. The non determined describing method can not fit quantitative evaluation of mechanical parameters of rock joints in engineering. In this paper, relative amplitude ( R A) is chosen as a quantitative describing index of surface measurement of 1 023 surface undulating curves which conducted by profile curve device(PCD). We discuss the nonuniformity,anisotropy and unhomogeneity of surface undulating shapes of joints. A new method that analyzes the complexity of surface undulating shapes of rock joints directional statistically in various rock joints is also put forward.

3D Identification and Stability Analysis of Key Surface Blocks of Rock Slope

Complicated geological structures make it difficult to analyze the stability of rock slopes, such as faults, weak intercalated layers or joint fissures. Based on 3D geological modeling and surface block identifying methods, an integrated methodology framework was proposed and realized to analyze the stability of surface blocks in rock slopes. The surface blocks cut by geological structures, fissures or free faces could be identified subjected to the four principles of closure, completeness, uniqueness and validity. The factor of safety(FOS)of single key block was calculated by the limit equilibrium method. If there were two or more connected blocks, they were defined as a block-group. The FOS of a block-group was computed by the Sarma method. The proposed approach was applied to an actual rock slope of a hydropower project, and some possible instable blocks were demonstrated and analyzed visually. The obtained results on the key blocks or block-groups provide essential information for determining potential instable region of rock slopes and designing effective support scheme in advance.

Numerical and experimental investigation of rock breaking method under free surface by TBM disc cutter

To study the rock breaking method under the free surface induced by disc cutter,the rock breaking simulations were first conducted based on the discrete element method,and the dynamic process of rock breaking under the free surface was studied including stressed zone,crush zone,crack initiation and propagation.Then the crack propagation conditions,specific energy,etc.under different free surface distance(S)were also investigated combined with linear cutting experiments.The results show that the rock breaking process under the free surface induced by disc cutter is dominated by tension failure mode.There exists a critical S to promote crack propagation to free surface effectively.And this rock breaking method can improve the rock breaking force and breaking efficiency significantly when proper.

AFM characterization of surface mechanical and electrical properties of some common rocks

The characterization of micro-surface mechanical and electrical properties of the natural rock materials remains inadequate,and their macroscopic performance can be better comprehended by investigating the surface properties.With this purpose,the present research focuses on characterizing the microsurface morphology,Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov(DMT)modulus,adhesion,and potential of granite,shale,and limestone by employing the atomic force microscope(AFM)as a pioneer attempt.The results show that the micro-surface morphology of the rock fluctuates within hundreds of nanometers,among which the granite micro-surface is comparatively the smoothest,followed by limestone.The morphology of the shale is the roughest,indicating that the regional difference of shale micro-surface is dominant.The distribution of the adhesion on rock micro-surface is uneven;the average adhesion of eight measuring areas for shale is 23.93 n N,accounting for three times of granite and limestone,while the surface DMT modulus of shale is relatively lower than granite and limestone.It is inferred from the obtained results that higher surface adhesion is helpful to the gas adsorption of shale,and the lower surface DMT(elastic)modulus is useful to the formation of fractures and pores.Thus,these two are the micromechanical basis of shale gas adsorption.Additionally,introducing a method to reduce the surface adhesion will benefit the exploration of unconventional resources such as shale gas.The micro-surface of the three types of rocks all shows electricity,with average potential ranging from tens of millivolts to hundreds of millivolts.Besides,the micro-surface potential of the rocks are heterogeneous,and both positive and negative points can be found.The existence and uneven distribution of micro-surface potential provide a robust physical basis for the electromagnetic radiation generated by rock fracture under loading.This study offers a new method for revealing the adsorption characteristics of unconventional gas reservoir rocks and the electromagnetic radiation mechanism of the rock fracture.

Numerical assessment of the influence of former mining activities and plasticity of rock mass on deformations of terrain surface

This paper presents the results of numerical simulations carried out to confirm the influence of former mining activities on deformation of the mining terrain.The assessment of deformation changes was carried out with the use of FLAC3 D program based on the finite difference method.Numerical calculations were carried out for the example of actual mining operations in seams 703/1-2 and 707/2 of‘‘Marcel"Coal Mine.Taking into account the influence of the model’s plastic features and the so-called activation of a higher occurring seam in conducted simulations enabled obtaining a very good description of the measured subsidence.Based on the results one may state that numerical model can be used to assess the influence of former mining activities and the direction of conducted exploitation on deformations of the mining terrain.These factors are not recognized by geometric-integral theories commonly used for predicting the influence of mining operations on the surface.The results presented in this paper confirm that the applied method of simulating the phenomenon of reactivation of post-mining goafs is correct.

Rheological characteristics of soft rock structural surface

There are two mechanisms of the coarse surface asperity resistance effect and rubbing resistance effect in the course of the soft rock structural surface creep,of which the former plays a dominant role in hindering the deformation in the starting creep phase,so that the structural surface creep usually displays the strong surface roughness effect,and so does the latter when the asperities in the coarse surface were fractured by shearing.Under the low stress condition,there are only two phases of the decelerating creep and the constant creep for the soft rock structural surface,and as the stress increases and overcomes the rubbing resistance,the accelerating creep failure of the structural surface will happen suddenly.Therefore,a multiple rheological model,which combines the nonlinear NEWTON body(NN) of a certain mass and the empirical plastic body(EM) with the classical SAINT VENANT body,NEWTON body,KELVIN body and HOOKE body,could be used to comprehensively describe the creep characteristics of the soft rock structural surface.Its mechanical parameter values will vary owing to the different surface roughness of the structural surface.The parameters of GH,GK and ηL are positively linearly correlative to the surface roughness.The surface roughness and m are negative exponential function correlation.The long-term strength τS is positively correlative to the surface roughness.

Non-complete relief method for measuring surface stresses in surrounding rocks

The measurement of surface stresses in surrounding rocks with the use of a relief method of annular hole-drilling was studied by numerical analysis. The stress relief process by hole-drilling was then simulated with the use of finite element method. The influences of the borehole diameter(d), the initial stresses and the ratio of the initial principle stresses on the variations of the remained stress and the released stress in function of the relief depth(h) were discussed. The relation between the non-dimensional ratio of the released principle strains and that of the initial principle stresses, and the effect of the elastic modulus and the Poisson ratio of the rock mass on the stress relief curves were studied. The results show that the stress relief behavior formulated with the non-dimensional ratio of the released stress and the ratio of h/d is only sensitive to the ratio of the initial principle stresses and the Poisson ratio. The stresses are completely released when h equals 1.6d, and the tensile stresses take place on the bore core surface in the relief measurement process. Finally, a non-complete relief method of annular hole-drilling for measuring surface stress in surrounding rocks is proposed and the procedure is presented.

Evaluation of the possible slip surface of a highly heterogeneous rock slope using dynamic reduction method

A new method, the dynamic reduction method(DRM) combined with the strain-softening method, was applied to evaluate the possible slip surface of a highly heterogeneous rock slope of the Dagangshan hydropower station in Southwest China.In DRM, only the strength of the failure elements is reduced and the softening reduction factor K is adopted to calculate the strength parameters. The simulation results calculated by DRM show that the further slip surface on the right slope of the Dagangshan hydropower station is limited in the middle part of the slope, while both SRM(strength reduction method) and LEM(limit equilibrium method) predict a failure surface which extends upper and longer. The observations and analysis from the three recorded sliding events indicate that the failure mode predicted by DRM is more likely the scenario.The results in this study illustrate that for highly heterogeneous slopes with geological discontinuities in different length scales, the proposed DRM can provide a reliable prediction of the location of the slip surface.

Surface wettability control of reservoir rocks by brine

Based on adhesion models between rock surface groups and organic molecules,the interactions between the chemical groups on the rock surface and the components of crude oil and the interactions of the electrical double layers at the rock surface and oil-water interface were analyzed to investigate the abilities and microscopic mechanisms of wettability control by H^+,OH^- and inorganic salt ions in brine,and a new method of wettability control for reservoir rocks was built.The results show that the interaction forces between rock surface groups and oil molecules are van der Waals forces,Coulomb forces,hydrogen bonds,and surface forces.By changing these forces,the control mechanisms of surface wettability of reservoir rocks by brine are:transformation of chemical groups,change of interfacial potential,pH variation of injected water,multicomponent ionic exchange,and salting-in or salting-out effect.For sandstone reservoirs,with the decrease of concentration and valence state of positive ions in brine or the increase of pH(increasing pH has a negligible impact on the brine salinity),the interaction between rock surface and oil becomes weak,thus resulting in increase of water wettability of rock surface.For carbonate reservoirs,CaSO_4 or MgSO_4 brine with high concentration is beneficial to increase water wettability of rock surface.Therefore,it is feasible to control rock wettability and improve oil recovery by adjusting the ion components of injected water.

STUDY ON MULTI-RANGE FRACTALS IN FRACTURED SURFACE OF ROCK

Some profile of a rock section and some isopleth of a fractured surface of the rock were divided each into three parts. Then three parts were measured by dividers method and lattice method. It was discovered that the fractal dimensions of the three parts were remarkably different, so the fractured surface of rock was not simple fractal but multi range fractals.

Prediction of rock fragmentation in a fiery seam of an open-pit coal mine in India

Spontaneous combustion of coal increases the temperature in adjoining overburden strata of coal seams and poses a challenge when loading blastholes.This condition,known as hot-hole blasting,is dangerous due to the increased possibility of premature explosions in loaded blastholes.Thus,it is crucial to load the blastholes with an appropriate amount of explosives within a short period to avoid premature detonation caused by high temperatures of blastholes.Additionally,it will help achieve the desired fragment size.This study tried to ascertain the most influencial variables of mean fragment size and their optimum values adopted for blasting in a fiery seam.Data on blast design,rock mass,and fragmentation of 100 blasts in fiery seams of a coal mine were collected and used to develop mean fragmentation prediction models using soft computational techniques.The coefficient of determination(R^(2)),root mean square error(RMSE),mean absolute error(MAE),mean square error(MSE),variance account for(VAF)and coefficient of efficiency in percentage(CE)were calculated to validate the results.It indicates that the random forest algorithm(RFA)outperforms the artificial neural network(ANN),response surface method(RSM),and decision tree(DT).The values of R^(2),RMSE,MAE,MSE,VAF,and CE for RFA are 0.94,0.034,0.027,0.001,93.58,and 93.01,respectively.Multiple parametric sensitivity analyses(MPSAs)of the input variables showed that the Schmidt hammer rebound number and spacing-to-burden ratio are the most influencial variables for the blast fragment size.The analysis was finally used to define the best blast design variables to achieve optimum fragment size from blasting.The optimum factor values for RFA of S/B,ld/B and ls/ld are 1.03,1.85 and 0.7,respectively.

Cao's Method for defining occurrence of rock struc-ture surface

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Hydrochemistry of Surface and Groundwater in the Vicinity of a Mine Waste Rock Dump: Assessing Impact of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD)

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is a well-known problem related to the mining industry due to its hazardous environmental effects. Metal-rich drainage and acid effluent transmitted from mine waste dumps compromise environmental quality of groundwater and surface water systems destroying aquatic life and increasing human health risks. This study was aimed at assessing the acid and metal drainage potential from the Subriso East Rock Dump (SERD) located in the Wassa East district of Ghana on ground and surface water quality in the catchment using a system of monitoring boreholes, reference boreholes and river samples. Water samples were collected from deep and shallow monitoring boreholes and surface water within the immediate environs of the SERD from August 2012 to February 2013 for laboratory and statistical analysis. Parameters analyzed include sulphate, alkalinity, Arsenic (As), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Aluminum (Al), Silver (Ag) and lead (Pb) and their concentrations compared with Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) GSB (2009) and WHO (2017) standards. Results indicate that surface and groundwater were not impacted by the SERD possibly because there was no generation of acid or metal-loaded effluent from the SERD into the environment. Physicochemical variables between monitoring boreholes did not differ significantly from conditions in the reference boreholes. Similarly, comparison of upstream and downstream river conditions did not yield any statistical significance (p > 0.05). Mn and Fe concentrations were above the WHO (2017)/GSB (2009) standards. Heavy metal concentrations in surface and groundwater were below detection limits except manganese and iron whose concentrations exceeded the recommended guidelines. No significant environmental impacts exist that could be attributed to the waste rock dump and may be as a result of engineering designs and mechanisms which prevent acid generated water from reaching the external environment. Furthermore, the geology of the study area potentially could be slightly inert having the potential to generate ARD under appropriate conditions. Again, the young age of the waste rock dump is a factor that may contribute to ARD generation under appropriate condition. Routine monitoring of groundwater and surface water sources is required to determine future acid generation of the SERD and its environmental impacts. The results of this study will assist decision makers and environmental managers to plan effectively to mitigate future impacts as mining waste rock dumps are known to increase in acid generation potential with age.

Asymmetric Rock Pressure on Shallow Tunnel in Strata with Inclined Ground Surface

By building a tunnel model with a semi-circular crown, the asymmetric rock pressure applied to the shallow tunnel in strata with inclined ground surface is analyzed. Formulae, which not only include the parameters .related to both tunnel structure and surrounding rock mass, but the overburden depth, are developed. The computation for four tunnel models show that the method presented is feasible and convenient. Furthermore, the influence of the overburden depth on the rock pressure is elaborated, and the criterion to identify the deep or shallow tunnels is formulated as well.

SURFACE SUBSIDENCE ANALYSES BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF EXPANSION AND RECONSOLIDATION OF THE BROKEN ROCK STRATA

The results of experimentaI studies about the characteristics of broken rock expansion and reconsolidation were briefly introduced in this paper, and the surface subsidence coefficient under critical mining conditions was also analysed based on the principle of expansion and reconsolidation of the broken rock strata, a equation to calculate the corresponding surface subsidence was finally produced. This calculation method can be used to calculate more accurately the convergence quantity of consolidated rocks in the broken zone of the working face. In addition, case analyses by using the introduced calculation method were conducted and satisfactory results were obtained.