A rigid true triaxial apparatus for analyses of deformation and failure features of deep weak rock under excavation stress paths

The squeezing scenario in deep weak rock tunnels can hinder underground construction.However,due to the limitations of test technologies at hand,the real excavation stress path cannot be mimicked in the laboratory.Thus,the large deformation mechanism of deep weak rocks still remains unclear.For this,a true triaxial apparatus(TTA)to investigate the mechanical responses of deep weak rock under excavation stress paths in field and reveal the squeezing mechanism of deep tunnels is assembled and developed at Northeastern University,China.The apparatus can perform instantaneous unloading in s3 direction based on electromagnetism technology.In addition,uniform loading and deformation measurements can be carried out based on the proposed linked interlocking clamp and antifriction device,even if the sample has a strong dilatation deformation performance.Next,a bore trepanning is designed to capture noiseless acoustic emission(AE)signals for deep weak rock at a low threshold.Finally,two tests were are conducted using this instrument to preliminarily understand the failure and deformation features of deep weak rock based on fractured marble.The results show that the complete stressestrain curves of fractured marble have the characteristics of low strengths and large deformations,and the larger deformation and the more serious failure occur when the fractured marble enters the post-peak state after excavation.The results show that the developed apparatus is likely to be applicable for deep weak rock engineering.

Case analysis of piled raft socketed in weak rock

Piles socketed in soft rock were traditionally regarded as end bearing piles, and the loads transferred from superstructure were assumed in design to be shouldered totally by the piles. This paper was designated to deal with the interaction between the piles socketed in weak rock and surrounding soil through field measurement. The pile head reaction and ground pressure under piled raft foundation were monitored, respectively. The analysis of the data measured in situ shows the characteristics of the pile embedded in weak rock are similar to that of friction pile to some extent. The rock socketed pile, together with the surrounding soil, shoulders the weight of the superstructure. It is suggested that soil bearing should be considered in designing the soft rock socketed piles, which can make the design more economical.

Modification of rock mass rating system:Interbedding of strong and weak rock layers

Rock mass classification systems are the very important part for underground projects and rock mass rating(RMR) is one of the most commonly applied classification systems in numerous civil and mining projects. The type of rock mass consisting of an interbedding of strong and weak layers poses difficulties and uncertainties for determining the RMR. For this, the present paper uses the concept of rock bolt supporting factor(RSF) for modification of RMR system to be used in such rock mass types. The proposed method also demonstrates the importance of rock bolting practice in such rock masses. The geological parameters of the Shemshak Formation of the Alborz Tunnel in Iran are used as case examples for development of the theoretical approach.

Time-dependent safety of lining structures of circular tunnels in weak rock strata

Following tunnel excavation and lining completion,fractured surrounding rock deforms gradually over time;this results in a time-dependent evolution of the pressure applied to the lining structure by the surrounding rock.Thus,the safety of the tunnel lining in weak strata is strongly correlated with time.In this study,we developed an analytical method for determining the time-dependent pressure in the surrounding rock and lining structure of a circular tunnel under a hydrostatic stress field.Under the proposed method,the stress–strain relationship of the fractured surrounding rock is assumed to conform to that of the Burgers viscoelastic component,and the lining structure is assumed to be an elastomer.Based on these assumptions,the viscoelastic deformation of the surrounding rock,the elastic deformation of the lining structure,and the coordinated deformation between the surrounding rock and lining structure were derived.The proposed analytical method,which employs a time-dependent safety coefficient,was subsequently used to estimate the durability of the lining structure of the Foling Tunnel in China.The derived attenuation curve of the safety coefficient with respect to time can assist engineers in predicting the remaining viable life of the lining structure.Unlike existing analytical methods,the method derived in this study considers the time dependency of the interaction between the surrounding rock and tunnel lining;hence,it is more suitable for the evaluation of lining lifetime.

Prediction Research of Deformation Modulus of Weak Rock Zone under In-situ Conditions

Weak rock zone (soft interlayer, fault zone and soft rock) is the highlight of large-scale geological engineering research. It is an important boundary for analysis of rock mass stability. Weak rock zone has been formed in a long geological period, and in this period, various rocks have undergone long-term consolidation of geostatic stress and tectonic stress; therefore, under in-situ conditions, their density and modulus of deformation are relatively high. Due to its fragmentary nature, once being exposed to the earth's surface, the structure of weak rock zone will soon be loosened, its density will be reduced, and its modulus of deformation will also be reduced significantly. Generally, weak rock zone can be found in large construction projects, especially in the dam foundation rocks of hydropower stations. These rocks cannot be eliminated completely by excavation. Furthermore, all tests nowadays are carried out after the exposure of weak rock zone, modulus of deformation under in-situ conditions cannot be revealed. In this paper, a test method explored by the authors has been introduced. This method is a whole multilayered medium deformation method. It is unnecessary to eliminate the relatively complete rocks covering on weak rock zone. A theoretical formula to obtain the modulus of deformation in various mediums has also been introduced. On-site comparative trials and indoor deformation modulus tests under equivalent density conditions have been carried out. We adopted several methods for the prediction researches of the deformation modulus of weak rock zone under in-situ conditions, and revealed a fact that under in-situ conditions, the deformation modulus of weak rock zone are several times higher than the test results obtained after the exposure. In a perspective of geological engineering, the research findings have fundamentally changed peoples' concepts on the deformation modulus of weak rock zone, provided important theories and methods for precise definition of deformation modulus of deep weak rock zone under cap rock conditions, as well as for reasonable engineering applications.

Development of a multivariate empirical model for predicting weak rock mass modulus

Estimating weak rock mass modulus has historically proven difficult although this mechanical property is an important input to many types of geotechnical analyses. An empirical database of weak rock mass modulus with associated detailed geotechnical parameters was assembled from plate loading tests per- formed at underground mines in Nevada, the Bakhtiary Dam project, and Portugues Dam project. The database was used to assess the accuracy of published single-variate models and to develop a multivari- ate model for predicting in-situ weak rock mass modulus when limited geoteehnical data are available. Only two of the published models were adequate for predicting modulus of weak rock masses over lim- ited ranges of alteration intensities, and none of the models provided good estimates of modulus over a range of geotechnical properties. In light of this shortcoming, a multivariate model was developed from the weak rock mass modulus dataset, and the new model is exponential in form and has the following independent variables： （1） average block size or joint spacing, （2） field estimated rock strength, （3） dis- continuity roughness, and （4） discontinuity infilling hardness. The multivariate model provided better estimates of modulus for both hard-blocky rock masses and intensely-altered rock masses.

Application of steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete to a deep tunnel in weak rocks

Based on an engineering background of a deep tunneling in weak rocks, the numerical modeling is used to compare different support schemes of tunnel at great depth in this paper. Focused on the general behaviors of weak rocks at great depth, a tunneling scheme with rock bolting and steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete is proposed. This scheme is practiced successfully at a deep tunnel in weak rocks in Coal Mine No 10 of Hebi Coal Mining Administration.

Tunnel behaviour and support associated with the weak rock masses of flysch

Flysch formations are generally characterised by evident heterogeneity in the presence of low strength and tectonically disturbed structures. The complexity of these geological materials demands a more specialized geoengineering characterisation. In this regard, the paper tries to discuss the standardization of the engineering geological characteristics, the assessment of the behaviour in underground excava- tions, and the instructions-guidelines for the primary support measures for flysch layer qualitatively. In order to investigate the properties of flysch rock mass, 12 tunnels of Egnatia Highway, constructed in Northern Greece, were examined considering the data obtained from the design and construction records. Flysch formations are classified thereafter in 11 rock mass types （I-XI）, according to the siltstone -sandstone proportion and their tectonic disturbance. A special geological strength index （GSI） chart for heterogeneous rock masses is used and a range of geotechnical parameters for every flysch type is presented. Standardization tunnel behaviour for every rock mass type of flysch is also presented, based on its site-specific geotechnical characteristics such as structure, intact rock strength, persistence and complexity of discontinuities. Flysch, depending on its types, can be stable even under noticeable overburden depth, and exhibit wedge sliding and wider chimney type failures or cause serious deformation even under thin cover. Squeezing can be observed under high overburden depth. The magnitude of squeezing and tunnel support requirements are also discussed for various flysch rock mass types under different overburdens. Detailed principles and guidelines for selecting immediate support mea- sures are proposed based on the principal tunnel behaviour mode and the experiences obtained from these 12 tunnels. Finally, the cost for tunnel support from these experiences is also presented.

Mathematic simulation and parameters determination of slacking process of weak rocks

Slacking experiments were performed on the red beds weak rock from vicinity of Changsha. Grain size distribution of the slacking rock was tested periodically during the experiments, which can be used to describe the physical transition of red beds weak rock during slacking process. According to the similar characters of many attributions such as environmental moisture, mineralogical composition, grain size and other factors between big rocks before slacking and its slacked product, the self-similar property of big rock and the small one can be induced. Fractal concept was introduced to construct the slacking model of red beds weak rock. Combining the supposed relationship of time for slacking and grain size of weak rock, the mathematic simulation of slacking process of red beds weak rock was conducted. To simplify the parameters back calculation, the fractal model proposed by Tyler and Wheatcraft was introduced to describe the characters of grain size distribution variation. The results show that the fractal dimension calculated from simulation data meet experiments data closely, which proves that the mathematic simulation method is reasonable and the parameters determination method is effective.

MINING INDUCED INFLUENCE ON THE ROADWAYS IN WEAK SURROUNDING ROCK AND ITS CONTROLLING MEASURES

The application of destressing method can change the distribution patterns of the stress field in the weak rock surrounding openings. locate the openings in the zone of low stress level, thus improve their loading and maintaining conditions. Such method is considered as a new way of opening maintenance in weak rock and has caused extensive interests in mining industry both at home and abroad. The results of theoretic research and lab experiments of utilizing top-destressing trough to maintain the opening affected by mining activities in weak rock, as well as its practical application in a coal mine are introduced in this paper. The research results indicate that the deformation and floor heaving of the opening in weak rock can be effectively controlled, and long-term stability of the opening can be realized by applying destressing method as long as the destressing plan and concerned parameters are carefully determined.

Response models of weakly consolidated soft rock roadway under different interior pressures considering dilatancy effect

Surrounding rocks of weakly consolidated soft rock roadway show obvious strain softening and dilatancy effects after excavation. A damage coefficient concerning modulus attenuation was defined. Response models of stress and displacement of surrounding rock of soft rock roadway and analytical expressions to calculate plastic zones under different interior pressures and non-uniform original rock stresses were derived based on damage theories and a triple linear elastic-plastic strain softening model. Influence laws of dilatancy gradient on damage development, distributions of stresses and displacement in plastic region were analyzed. Interior pressure conditions to develop plastic region under different origin rock stresses were established and their influences on plastic region distribution were also discussed. The results show that the order of maximum principle stress is exchanged between ~0 and trr with the increase of interior pressure P0, which causes distributions of plastic zone and stress shift. Dilatancy effect which has great influences on the damage propagation and displacements in plastic region has little effect on the size of plastic region and stress responses. The conclusions provide a theoretical basis for a reasonable evaluation of stability and effective supporting of weakly consolidated soft rock roadway.

Numerical analysis and field monitoring tests on shallow tunnels under weak surrounding rock

The Jianpudong No. 4 tunnel is a shallow tunnel, which belongs to Shaoshan County scenic highway in Hunan province, China and whose surrounding rock is weak. According to its characteristics, the field monitoring tests and numerical analysis were done. The mechanical characteristics of shallow tunnels under weak surrounding rock and the stress-strain rule of surrounding rock and support were analyzed. The numerical analysis results show that the settlement caused by upper bench excavating accounts for 44% of the total settlement, and the settlement caused by tunnel upper bench supporting accounts for 56% of the total settlement. The maximum axial force of shotcrete lining is 177.2 k N, which locates in hance under the secondary lining. The maximum moment of shotcrete lining is 5.08 k N·m, which locates in the arch foot. The stress curve of steel arch has three obvious stages during the tunnel construction. The maximum axial force of steel arch is 297.4 k N, which locates in tunnel vault. The axial forces of steel arch are respectively 23.5 k N and-21.8 k N, which is influenced by eccentric compression of shallow tunnel and locates in hance. The results show that there is larger earth pressure in tunnel vault which is most unfavorable position of steel arch. Therefore, the advance support should be strengthened in tunnel vault during construction process.

Theoretical analysis of a new segmented anchoring style in weakly cemented soft surrounding rock

According to the tensile failure of rock bolt in weakly cemented soft rock, this paper presents a new segmented anchoring style in order to weaken the cumulative effect of anchoring force associated with the large deformation. Firstly, a segmented mechanical model was established in which free and anchoring section of rock bolt were respectively arranged in different deformation zones. Then, stress and displacement in elastic non-anchoring zone, elastic anchoring zone, elastic sticking zone, softening sticking zone and broken zone were derived respectively based on neural theory and tri-linear strain softening constitutive model of soft rock. Results show that the anchoring effect can be characterized by a supporting parameter b. With its increase, the peak value of tangential stress gradually moves to the roadway wall, and the radial stress significantly increases, which means the decrease of equivalent plastic zone and improvement of confining effect provided by anchorage body. When b increases to 0.72, the equivalent plastic zone disappears, and stresses tend to be the elastic solutions. In addition, the anchoring effect on the displacement of surrounding rock can be quantified by a normalization factor δ.

Experimental study of motion characteristics of rock slopes with weak intercalation under seismic excitation

In order to investigate the effect of a weak intercalation on slope stability, a large-scale shaking table model test was conducted to study the dynamic response of rock slope models with weak intercalation.The dynamic response of the prototype slopes were studied in laboratory with the consideration of law of similitude. The initiation failure was observed in the rock slope model with a counter-tilt thin-weak intercalation firstly, not in the slope model with a horizontal thin-weak intercalation. Furthermore, it was interesting that the fracture site is shifted from crest top to the slope surface near the weak intercalation, which is different with the location of failure position in a normal layered slope. We also discussed the effect of the dip angle and the thickness of weak intercalation on the failure mechanism and instability mode of the layered rock slope. From the experimental result, it was noted that the stability of the slope with a counter-tilt weak intercalation could be worse than that of the other slopes under seismic excitation. The findings showed the difference of failure in slopes with a horizontal and counter weak intercalation, and implicated the further evaluation of failure of layered slopes caused by seismic loads.

Failure behavior of a rock-coal-rock combined body with a weak coal interlayer

Using an MTS 815 testing machine,the deformation and failure behavior of a rock-coal-rock combined body containing a weak coal interlayer has been investigated and described in this paper.Uniaxial loading leads to the appearance of mixed cracks in the coal body which induce instability and lead to bursts in coal.If the mixed crack propagates at a sufficiently high speed to carry enough energy to damage the roof rock,then coal and rock bursts may occur-this is the main mechanism whereby coal bumps or coal and rock bursts occur after excavation unloading.With increasing confining pressure,the failure strength of a rock-coal-rock combined body gradually increases,and the failure mechanism of the coal interlayer also changes,from mixed crack damage under low confining pressures,to parallel crack damage under medium confining pressures,and finally to single shear crack damage or integral mixed section damage under high confining pressures.In general,it is shown that a weak coal interlayer changes the form of overall coal damage in a rock-coal-rock combined body and reduces the overall stability of a coal body.Therefore,the whole failure behavior of a rock-coal-rock combined body in large cutting height working faces is controlled by these mechanisms.

Numerical simulation of rock progressive failure on samples with a pre-existed weak zone during brittle failure

Considering the heterogeneity of geomechanical materials, seismicity during brittle rock failure under compressive loading on the sample with an original weak zone is simulated by using rock failure process analysis code (RFPA2D). The run-through process of weak zone, the forming of new fault and associated micro-seismicities are studied. The modeling demonstrates the total process of source development of earthquake from deformation, micro-failure to collapse and the behavior of temporal-spatial distribution of micro-seismicities. The stress, strain and the temporal-spatial distribution of micro-seismicities life-likely portrayed the phenomena of localization and temporal-spatial transitions, which is similar to those observed in our real crust. Also, the results obtained in simulations are in agreement with or similar to the reported experimental observations.

Tunnelling through weak and fragile rocks of Himalayas

A considerable amount of tunnelling has been going on in India for various projects such as hydroelectric power, irrigation, roads and railways. Most of these projects are located in Himalayas, far away from the urban areas. Tunnelling through weak and jointed rock masses such as the one in the Himalayas is a challenging task for the planners, designers, engineers and geologists because of high overburden, thickly vegetated surface, weak, poor and fragile rocks and highly varying geology with the presence of numerous small and big shear zones, faults, etc. Due to these reasons, various tunnelling problems have been faced in the past and are still being encountered. Failures and the problems may be regarded as challenges and opportunities for generating new knowledge base and thereby increasing self-reliance in tunnelling. The experiences of Himalayan tunnelling through weak and fragile rocks covering varying and mixed geology, understanding on tunnelling in squeezing ground conditions and applicability of TBM in Himalayas are presented. It has also been highlighted that the probe holes planning, drilling and monitoring shall be followed seriously to reduce the geological surprises.

露天矿高陡复杂边坡软弱岩层组“坐落-滑移式”破坏模式研究

边坡稳定性问题随露天矿开采的进行不断突出,而边坡软弱岩层严重影响边坡稳定性。大量工程实例显示,露天矿含软弱岩层组的高陡复杂边坡失稳模式通常为“坐落-滑移式”破坏。为明晰露天矿高陡复杂边坡软弱岩层组“坐落-滑移式”破坏模式的破坏机理,以某露天矿为例,提出一种针对露天矿含软弱岩层组高陡复杂边坡的综合分析方法。研究结果表明:采用工程地质分析、传统极限平衡方法和数值模拟分析相结合的综合分析方法,针对该类型复杂边坡可发挥不同分析方法的优势,较全面地从地质自然环境条件、定性定量方面、应力应变角度分析边坡破坏机理及模式,总结归纳出含软弱层组露天矿高陡复杂边坡“坐落-滑移式”破坏的“坐落-滑移-剪出”三段式破坏特征,为其他类似复杂边坡稳定性的分析和防治提供思路和手段。

采动力学与岩层控制关键理论及工程应用

研究岩体采动力学响应和岩层控制技术对促进煤炭安全高效开采、保障能源稳定供给具有重要意义,是实现煤炭资源科学开采的理论基础。矿山岩体灾害(围岩变形、冲击地压等)频发,其形成-演化-发生全过程与采动力演化分布、岩层运动、开采扰动和能量演化密切相关。基于实用矿山压力控制理论,提出并阐述了采场岩层控制进展与控制准则,建立了定量分析的力学模型和设计方法,发展了针对性的岩体灾害控制技术,并创新研制了配套试验研究装备。采动力学与岩层控制理论将岩层控制分为采场岩层控制和巷道围岩控制;提出控制或利用采动岩层运动改变致灾条件,给出“给定变形”和“限定变形”准则;调控“3S”因素准则(围岩应力环境、围岩结构属性、围岩支护结构)改变围岩自稳能力。以岩体灾害控制为目标,提出了以“应力主控”为核心的释能主控技术;建立了岩体灾害控制大小原理和弱面判据(安全系数K、冲击危险性系数U);研发了采场矿压机械模拟试验系统、采动力试验系统和蠕变及动力扰动冲击加载试验系统,实现了实验室尺度还原采动力作用下岩体变形-破裂-运动过程,为研究采动力作用下岩体力学响应提供了试验装备;分别从采场岩层控制、地质软岩巷道控制、工程软岩巷道控制及冲击地压控制4个方向进行了工程案例研究,相关研究成果在工程应用中得到了验证。

温湿度联合作用下软岩粗粒料三轴剪切力学特性研究

软岩粗粒料具有风化程度高、易破碎等特点,其力学特性易受温湿环境的影响。利用自主研制的温湿控制粗粒料大型三轴仪开展了一系列控制温湿度的软岩粗粒料三轴剪切试验,探究了温湿度对软岩粗粒料剪切强度、剪切变形、颗粒破碎及临界状态的影响规律。研究发现:(1)软岩粗粒料的力学行为受温湿度影响显著,随着温湿度的升高,其峰值剪切强度降低,剪缩变形量增加,颗粒破碎程度增大,p-q空间内的临界状态线向下旋转,同时e-(p/pa)^(ξ)空间内的临界状态线向下平移;(2)温湿度对力学特性的影响在低围压条件下更显著,随着围压的升高,温湿度引起的差异性变小。(3)基于不同温湿度作用下的颗粒破碎等效对应关系,实现了不同温湿工况下颗粒破碎及临界状态试验规律的归一化,为建立统一考虑温湿度影响的本构模型提供思路。