Strength and deformation characteristics of irregular columnar jointed rock mass: A combined experimental and theoretical study

The irregularity of jointed network poses a challenge to the determination of field mechanical param-eters of columnar jointed rock mass(CJRM),and a reasonable prediction of deformation and strength characteristics of CJRM is important for engineering construction.The Voronoi diagram and three-dimensional printing technology were used to make an irregular columnar jointed mold,and the irregular CJRM(ICJRM)specimens with different dip directions and dip angles were prepared.Uniaxial compression tests were performed,and the anisotropic strength and deformation characteristics of ICJRM were described.The failure modes and mechanisms were revealed in accordance with the final appearances of the ICJRM specimens.Based on the model test results,the empirical correlations for determining the field deformation and strength parameters of CJRM were derived using the dip angle and modified joint factor.The proposed empirical equations were used in the Baihetan Project,and the calculated mechanical parameters were compared with the field test results and those obtained from the tunneling quality index method.Results showed that the deformation parameters determined by the two proposed methods are all consistent with the field test results,and these two methods can also estimate the strength parameters effectively.

Fracture behaviors of columnar jointed rock mass using interface mechanics theorem

For a special geological structure of columnar jointed rock mass(CJRM),its mechanical properties are strongly affected by the columnar joints.To describe the fracture behaviors of CJRM using the basic theories of interface mechanics for composite materials,the interface stresses of the vertical and horizontal joints,which are the two primary joints in the CJRM under triaxial compression,are studied,and their mathematical expressions are derived based on the superposition principle.Based on the obtained interface stresses of the vertical and horizontal joints in the CJRM,the crack initiation of the joint interface in the CJRM is studied using the maximum circumferential stress theory in fracture mechanics.Moreover,based on this investigation,the fracture behaviors of CJRM are analyzed.According to the results of similar material physical model tests for the CJRM,the theoretical study is verified.Finally,the influence of the mechanical parameters of the CJRM on the joint interface stress is discussed comprehensively.

Macro-mechanical properties of columnar jointed basaltic rock masses

From the geological structure of the columnar jointed rock mass, a visual model was established in software AUTOCAD by programming based on the algorithm of the Voronoi diagram. Furthermore, a program to convert the AUTOCAD model into 3DEC (3-dimensional distinct element code) model was developed, and a numerical model was established in 3DEC. Moreover, the results of triaxial compression tests of columnar jointed rock masses were simulated numerically. The REV (representative element volume) scale was studied, and the result shows that the REV size is 3 m × 3 m. The proposed approach, the established model and the numerical simulation were applied to study the macro-mechanical properties and the equivalent strength parameters of the columnar jointed rock mass. The numerical simulation results are in good accordance with the in-situ test results.

Unloading performances and stabilizing practices for columnar jointed basalt:A case study of Baihetan hydropower station

The columnar jointed rock mass(CJR), composed of polygonal cross-sectional columns cut by several groups of joints in various directions, was exposed during the excavations of the Baihetan hydropower station, China. In order to investigate the unloading performances and the stability conditions during excavation of the columns, an experimental field study was performed. Firstly, on-site investigations indicated that the geotechnical problems, including rock relaxation, cracking and collapse, were the most prominent for the CJR Class I that contains intensive joint network and the smallest column sizes.Comprehensive field tests, including deformation measurement by multi-point extensometers, ultrasonic wave testing, borehole television observation and stress monitoring of rock anchors, revealed that the time-dependent relaxation of the CJRs was marked. The practical excavation experiences for the Baihetan columnar jointed rock masses, such as blasting scheme, supporting time of shotcrete and rock bolts, were presented in the excavations of the diversion tunnels. These detailed investigations and practical construction experiences can provide helpful information for similar geotechnical works in jointed rock mass.

Feasibility of columnar jointed basalt used for high-arch dam foundation

Columnar jointed basalt, with a lot of small-spacing structural planes and poor integrity, is a kind of fractured rock mass. Through comprehensive study of columnar joints shape, roughness of fracture surface and chemical composition of basalt, it is known that columnar joints of Baihetan dam area were formed as a result of cooling and shrinkage effects of magma. The columnar jointed basalt is mainly formed through chemical reaction of chlorite, kaolinite, epidote and tremolite, and the columnar joints mainly consist of chlorite according to slice identification and chemical analysis. Test results show that the columnar jointed basalt has high uniaxial compressive strength, low friction coefficient, and high cohesion, shear strength and deformation index. Meanwhile, the columnar jointed basalt is closely locked, and joint surfaces are well closed. The permeability of the rock is quite weak, and the P-wave velocity in the rock could get up to 5 000 m/s. All these show good rock properties. The columnar joints develop regularly, different from the general fractured rock masses. In summary, the columnar jointed basalt can be used directly as a foundation of dam.

Geometrical characteristic investigation of the Baihetan irregular columnar jointed basalt and corresponding numerical reconstruction method

Columnar jointed rock mass with unique geometric and geological properties is one spectacular example of geometrical order in nature.Columnar joints are generally accepted to be formed by spatially uniform volume contraction during cooling.In this paper,substantial field work was performed to study the geological characteristics of irregular columnar jointed basalt on the left bank dam foundation in the Baihetan Hydropower Station,where the columnar jointed rock mass is extensively exposed due to excavation.The quantitative measurements of the sizing of polygonal crack pattern of columnar joints and assessment of their degree of irregularity were summarized.Considering the irregularity of polygonal crack pattern,a modified Voronoi polygon(MVP)method was developed to model the special polygonal crack pattern of columnar joints.The new polygonal pattern obtained by the MVP method consists of a large number of irregular polygons,of which the degree of irregularity is consistent with the field measurement results.This method can reproduce the rapid evolution from an initial ideal regular hexagonal pattern to a final actual irregular polygonal pattern as the degree of irregularity increases.The compression tests of columnar jointed rock mass with different irregularity show that the geometric irregularity has a great influence on its mechanical properties.This numerical construction method provides a reliable way to reconstruct columnar joint structure with specific polygonal crack pattern,which is consistent with onsite columnar jointed basalt.

Mechanical characteristics of columnar jointed rock at dam base of Baihetan hydropower station

Irregular columnar jointed structure is a primary irregular columnar morphological tensile fracture. In order to study the geometric features of irregular columnar joints and the new problems in geotechnical engineering, hydraulic and hydropower engineering caused by columnar jointed basaltic mass, Voronoi graph from geometry was introduced to simulate the irregular columnar jointed basaltic mass at Baihetan hydraulic station. Discrete element software UDEC was used to simulate the whole process of rigid bearing plate test. Anisotropic constitutive of columnar joints was adopted to analyze the stress diffusion of rock mass at dam base of Baihetan. The results show that, the compaction property and hysteresis effect are well simulated based on discrete element simulation of Voronoi joint structure by UDEC. Four stages of cyclic loading and unloading process are imaged clearly. The results from in situ rigid bearing plate tests are explicated and the stress diffusion rule of anisotropic body is affected by structure surface. The elements in the stress state of 4-5 MPa are the most, about more than 35% of the total. Appropriate constitutive must be proposed to columnar jointed rock mass with different styles. It has important significance to realize the nonlinear mechanical behavior of irregular columnar jointed basaltic mass.

The Late Carboniferous–Early Permian Ocean-Continent Transition in the West Junggar,Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Constraints from Columnar Jointed Rhyolite

The West Junggar of the western Central Asian Orogenic Belt is one of the typical regions in the term of ocean subduction, contraction and continental growth in the Late Paleozoic. However, it is still controversial on the exact time of ocean-continent transition so far. This study investigates rhyolites with columnar joint in the West Junggar for the first time.Based on zircon U-Pb dating, we determined that the ages of the newly-discovered rhyolites are between 303.6 and 294.5 Ma, belonging to Late Carboniferous–Early Permian, which is the oldest rhyolite with columnar joint preserved in the world at present. Geochemical results show that the characteristics of the major element compositions include a high content of SiO_2(75.78–79.20 wt%) and a moderate content of Al_2O_3(12.21–13.19 wt%). The total alkali content(K_2O +Na_2O) is 6.14–8.05 wt%, among which K_2O is 2.09–4.72 wt% and the rate of K_2O/Na_2O is 0.38–3.05. Over-based minerals such as Ne, Lc, and Ac do not appear. The contents of TiO_2(0.09–0.24 wt%), CaO(0.15–0.99 wt%) and MgO(0.06–0.18 wt%) are low. A/CNK=0.91–1.68, A/NK=1.06–1.76, and as such, these are associated with the quasi-aluminum-weak peraluminous high potassium calc-alkaline and some calc-alkaline magma series. These rhyolites show a significant negative Eu anomaly with relative enrichment of LREE and LILE(Rb, Ba, Th, U, K) and depletion of Sr, HREE and HFSE(Nb, Ta, Ti, P). These rhyolites also have the characteristics of an A2-type granite, similar to the Miaoergou batholith,which indicates they both were affected by post-orogenic extension. Combining petrological, zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical characteristics of the rhyolites, we conclude that the specific time of ocean-continent transition of the West Junggar is the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian.

The Columnar Joint Landscape of Acidic Volcanic Rocks in Sai Kung Area of Hong Kong,China

Columnar joints are regular columnar primary magmatic structure with polygonal cross sections developed in volcanic rocks which are commonly induced in cooling basaltic larva with low viscosity and high fluidity.In recent years,typical columnar joints in acidic volcanic rocks have been discovered in many other regions in China,including Quzhou area in Zhejiang Province,Siping and Shanmen area in Jilin Province.The latest studies on columnar joints revealed a different point of view on the

Study on Shear Strength Characteristics of Columnar Jointed Basalt Based on in-situ Direct Shear Test at Baihetan Hydropower Station

Columnar jointed basalt(CJB) widely distributes in the dam site of the Baihetan Hydropower Station.The columnar joint structure and fracture development of CJB have significant influence on the mechanical properties of rock mass,and the mechanical properties of CJB are of great significance to the Baihetan Hydropower Project.Therefore,in-situ direct shear tests were carried out on ten test adit at different locations in the dam site area to study the shear behavior of CJB.In this study,21 sets of in-situ direct shear tests were conducted for rock types of type Ⅱ_(2),type Ⅲ_(1)and type Ⅲ_(2),with horizontal and vertical shear planes and two different specimen sizes of CJB.Shear strength parameters of CJB were obtained by linear fitting of in-situ direct shear test results based on the Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion.The results indicate that the shear strength parameters of CJB with horizontal shear plane increase as the increase of rock type grade.The shear strength parameters of CJB show obvious anisotropy and the friction coefficient of the horizontal shear plane is greater than the vertical shear plane.The friction coefficient in the horizontal direction of the shear plane is 1.27 times that in the vertical direction of the shear plane.With the increase of rock type grade,the difference of friction coefficient becomes larger.However,the cohesion changes little whether the shear plane is horizontal or vertical.In addition,the size effect of CJB in this area is significant.The shear strength parameters of large size(100 cm × 100 cm) specimens are lower than those of regular size(50 cm × 50 cm) specimens.The reduction of cohesion is greater than that of the friction coefficient.For rock type Ⅲ_(2),the cohesion of large-size specimens is 0.637 of the regular-size specimens.The reduction percentage of the friction coefficient for type Ⅲ_(2)is 1.66 times that of type Ⅲ_(1).The reduction percentage of the cohesion for type Ⅲ_(2)is 1.27 times that of type Ⅲ_(1).The size effect decreases with the increase of rock type grade.The research results of this study can provide an important basis for the selection of rock mechanics parameters in the dam site area of Baihetan Hydropower Station and the stability analysis of the dam foundation and rocky slopes.

Loading-unloading test analysis of anisotropic columnar jointed basalts

To evaluate the columnar jointed basalts in the dam site of Baihetan hydropower station in southwest China, we developed a basic conceptual model of single jointed rock mass. Considering that the rock mass deformation consists of rock block deformation and joints deformation, the linear mechanical characteristics of the cell (including the elastic joints and the nonlinear mechanical behaviors of the cell) with a combined frictional-elastic interface were analyzed. We developed formulas to calculate the rock block deformation, which can be adapted for multiple jointed rock mass and columnar jointed basalts. The formulas are effective in calculating the equivalent modulus of multiple jointed rock mass, and precisely reveal the anisotropic properties of columnar jointed basalts. Furthermore, the in situ rigid bearing plate tests were analyzed and calculated, and the types of loading-unloading curves and the equivalent modulus along different directions of columnar jointed basalts were obtained. The analytical results are in close compliance with the test results.

考虑截面规则性的柱状节理岩体变形及强度特性研究

柱状节理岩体的复杂结构使其现场力学参数的确定存在困难,可靠地估计柱状节理岩体强度及变形特性对工程安全至关重要。结合Voronoi图形及3D打印技术制作不规则柱状节理岩体光敏树脂模具,并制备了具有不同倾角的规则及不规则柱状节理岩体试样。基于开展的单轴压缩试验结果,分析不同截面柱状节理岩体的变形及强度特性差异。根据试样最终破坏形态,揭示柱状节理岩体破坏模式及机制。结合已有研究结果,描述节理面材料对柱状节理岩体破坏形态及强度的影响。基于传统节理系数方法,提出了更能反映柱状节理岩体柱体结构特征的修正节理系数方法。采用修正节理系数法建立规则及不规则柱状节理岩体试验结果与现场变形及强度参数间的经验关系,将所提出计算公式应用于白鹤滩水电站工程,预测结果与现场实测值及RMR法(RMR为岩石质量评分指标)、Q法(Q为岩体质量指标)的预测值进行比较。结果表明,对于现场变形和强度参数,所提出的修正节理系数法的预测结果与现场实测结果较为吻合。

模拟柱状节理玄武岩试样的失效模式与各向异性特征试验研究

我国西南山区水利水电工程中玄武岩断续柱状节理赋存环境复杂,室内力学特性试验是探究柱状节理玄武岩失效模式与劣化机制的有益手段,借助3D打印技术、MTS单轴压缩试验与微距相机拍照,深化研究了柱状节理玄武岩试样的变形失效模式,讨论了柱状节理玄武岩试样各向异性效应并对其进行了量化分析研究。研究结果表明:(1)受柱体倾斜角度的影响,柱状节理玄武岩试样的破坏形态差异性较为显著,可以总结出3类典型失效模式,沿柱状节理网络的轴向劈裂失效模式、沿柱状节理面的剪切-滑移失效模式以及贯穿节理网络的张拉-剪切失效模式,失效模式符合坝址区地下洞室开挖过程中实际揭露的柱状节理玄武岩破坏情况;(2)柱状节理玄武岩试样峰值强度与变形模量随柱体倾角的变化曲线呈现“肩型”各向异性;(3)引入强度和模量各向异性比概念,给定了不同倾斜角度工况下柱状节理玄武岩试样的各向异性等级。该研究结果对实际工程岩体的变形失效模式与各向异性特征分析具有一定的参考价值。

不同截面形状柱状节理岩体真三轴渗流特性研究

随着以金沙江白鹤滩为代表的重大水电工程建设实践,掌握高围压、高水压为代表的复杂应力环境下工程岩体的力学及渗透性特征具有重要意义。以坝基岩体柱状节理玄武岩为研究对象,依据现场勘测数据及柱状节理岩体结构特征,制备了具有不同倾角β的四棱柱、六棱柱两种柱状节理相似材料模型试样,进一步开展真三轴应力-渗流耦合试验,试验结果表明:不同截面特征的柱状节理岩体均具有较强的渗透各向异性,不同加载阶段下的渗透系数k与β呈正相关性;在真三轴加载过程中,试样体积应变εV可作为k的有效表征参数,在体积压缩阶段k呈现较低水平,体积扩容阶段呈现快速增长趋势。试样最终破坏模式表现出3种典型形态,最危破坏模式为以节理面剪切滑移破坏为主的结构性破坏,主要出现于β为45°,60°试样中,因此在隧洞围岩及坝基岩体施工设计中应加强对该类岩体的侧向支护。

陡倾柱状节理岩体洞室松弛特征与破坏机制

白鹤滩水电站柱状节理岩体具有特殊的柱体结构特征,洞室开挖后卸荷松弛破坏严重。通过对白鹤滩水电站4#导流洞柱状节理岩体现场破坏调查、位移和松弛深度监测,发现柱状节理洞室呈现典型的非对称破坏特征,不同部位松弛深度差异较大,左右侧边墙破坏模式受倾角影响,分别呈现倾倒破坏和滑移破坏。离散元数值模拟结果显示洞室表层围岩主要以柱间节理张拉破坏为主,内部围岩以剪切破坏为主,左右侧边墙不同的变形破坏特征是柱体倾角和地应力综合作用的结果。最后分析了不同柱体倾角对洞室变形破坏特征的影响,不同倾角下洞室各部位松弛深度差异显著,应根据洞室不同部位塑性区深度和柱体角度进行预应力锚杆设计。

Breccia-cored columnar rosettes in a rubbly pahoehoe lava flow,Elephanta Island,Deccan Traps,and a model for their origin

Rubbly pahoehoe lava flows are abundant in many continental flood basalts including the Deccan Traps.However,structures with radial joint columns surrounding cores of flow-top breccia(FTB),reported from some Deccan rubbly pahoehoe flows,are yet unknown from other basaltic provinces.A previous study of these Deccan "breccia-cored columnar rosettes" ruled out explanations such as volcanic vents and lava tubes,and showed that the radial joint columns had grown outwards from cold FTB inclusions incorporated into the hot molten interiors.How the highly vesicular(thus low-density)FTB blocks might have sunk into the flow interiors has remained a puzzle.Here we describe a new example of a Deccan rubbly pahoehoe flow with FTB-cored rosettes,from Elephanta Island in the Mumbai harbor.Noting that(1)thick rubbly pahoehoe flows probably form by rapid inflation(involving many lava injections into a largely molten advancing flow),and(2)such flows are transitional to 'a'a flows(which continuously shed their top clinker in front of them as they advance),we propose a model for the FTB-cored rosettes.We suggest that the Deccan flows under study were shedding some of their FTB in front of them as they advanced and,with high-eruption rate lava injection and inflation,frontal breakouts would incorporate this FTB rubble,with thickening of the flow carrying the rubble into the flow interior.This implies that,far from sinking into the molten interior,the FTB blocks may have been rising,until lava supply and inflation stopped,the flow began solidifying,and joint columns developed outward from each cold FTB inclusion as already inferred,forming the FTB-cored rosettes.Those rubbly pahoehoe flows which began recycling most of their FTB became the 'a'a flows of the Deccan.

海南白沙盆地花岗斑岩柱状节理地质遗迹的发现及其意义

“柱状节理”指发育于火山岩中的种呈规则的或不规则的四方、五方、六方棱柱体形态的原生张性破裂构造,常构成壮观的石柱群,绝大多数火山岩石柱均发育在基性玄武岩中,许多学者均认为在Si O2质量分数大于65%以上、黏度大、流动性小的酸性喷出岩体中则很难发育此类构造。

压缩条件下玄武岩柱尺寸效应及破裂机理数值模拟研究

为研究压缩条件下玄武岩柱强度和变形的尺寸效应,及其破裂机理和破坏模式,本研究构建不同尺寸的玄武岩柱图像,然后将细观损伤力学、统计强度理论、连续介质力学相结合,基于RFPA3D-CT的数字图像处理,将玄武岩柱图像转化为有限元网格模型,并分别赋予节理、岩石的材料力学参数,其中,考虑节理及岩石的非均质。开展压缩条件下的玄武岩柱数值试验,分析侧压、垂直柱轴方向(Ⅰ/Ⅱ)对玄武岩柱的力学尺寸效应的影响,以及玄武岩柱破裂过程的应力场演化与损伤破裂特征。研究表明:对于垂直柱轴方向Ⅰ的情况,当侧压为0 MPa,试件抗压强度无明显的尺寸效应;当侧压为2 MPa,试件抗压强度的尺寸效应临界值为4 m;当侧压为4、6、8 MPa,试件抗压强度的尺寸效应临界值为6 m。对于垂直柱轴方向Ⅱ的情况,当侧压为0、2 MPa,试件抗压强度无明显的尺寸效应;当侧压为4 MPa,试件抗压强度的尺寸效应临界值为4 m;当侧压为6、8 MPa,试件抗压强度的尺寸效应临界值为6 m。当侧压为0~8 MPa,随着模型尺寸的增加,试件抗压强度的横观各向异性系数变化范围为0.75~1.15;试件等效变形模量的横观各向异性系数变化范围为0.90~1.15。因此,玄武岩柱可近似为横观各向同性。分析了不同侧压、模型尺寸、垂直柱轴方向(Ⅰ/Ⅱ)条件下玄武岩柱的节理开裂情况、应力集中、裂纹萌生扩展、破碎带形成的全过程,以及声发射特征。

柱状节理岩体水-力各向异性特性研究进展

柱状节理岩体是一类典型的结构性岩体,具有柱状节理网络发育、岩体完整性差的特点,其力学和渗流特性呈现出显著的各向异性。在分析柱状节理成因的基础上,从现场试验、物理模型试验、数值试验和理论分析4个方面系统总结了柱状节理岩体力学和渗流各向异性的最新研究成果,分析了现有研究方法和研究成果的不足,探讨了今后柱状节理岩体力学和渗流各向异性特性研究的新方向,即:基于柱状节理冷却收缩形成机制研究一种模拟柱状节理岩体试件一次成型制备方法,在考虑柱状节理卸荷扩容特性的基础上重点开展卸荷条件下柱状节理岩体力学和渗流各向异性规律研究。

优优坪玄武岩露天矿柱状节理边坡稳定性分析及治理

优优坪玄武岩露天矿的柱状节理结构对边坡稳定性影响较大,总结分析了柱节理岩体的各向异性及强度等力学特性,并采用COMSOL Multiphysics数值分析软件对优优坪玄武岩露天矿进行了数值建模,计算不同开挖深度的边坡稳定性状态。结果表明:竖直排列的柱状节理结构使边坡水平位移增加,稳定性远小于同参数下的其他类型岩质边坡,应采取保守设计;柱状节理岩体边坡滑坡面处于台阶深处呈近竖直状,应采用深锚索支护约束水平位移。提出采取预留保护层防松弛后加固再开挖的治理方案、边坡地表水管理以及常态化边坡监测措施,以确保露天矿山的安全开采。