Sliding behaviors of the trapezoidal roof rock block under a lateral dynamic disturbance

The surrounding rock of underground space is always affected by external dynamic disturbance from the side position,such as blasting vibration from a stope at the same level or seismic waves from adjacent strata.A series of laboratory tests,numerical simulations and theoretical analyses were carried out in this study to disclose the sliding mechanism of roof rock blocks under lateral disturbance.Firstly,the experiments on trapezoidal key block under various clamping loads and disturbance were conducted,followed by numerical simulations using the fast Lagrangian analysis of continua(FLAC3D).Then,based on the conventional wave propagation model and the classical shear-slip constitutive model,a theoretical model was proposed to capture the relative displacement between blocks and the sliding displacement of the key block.The results indicate that the sliding displacement of the key block increased linearly with the disturbance energy and decreased exponentially with the clamping load when the key block was disturbed to slide(without instability).Meanwhile,when the key block was disturbed to fall,two types of instability process may appear as immediate type or delayed type.In addition,the propagation of stress waves in the block system exhibited obvious low-velocity and lowfrequency characteristics,resulting in the friction reduction effect appearing at the contact interface,which is the essential reason for the sliding of rock blocks.The results can be applied to practical underground engineering and provide valuable guidance for the early detection and prevention of rockfalling disasters.

Automatic identification of rock discontinuity and stability analysis of tunnel rock blocks using terrestrial laser scanning

Local geometric information and discontinuity features are key aspects of the analysis of the evolution and failure mechanisms of unstable rock blocks in rock tunnels.This study demonstrates the integration of terrestrial laser scanning(TLS)with distinct element method for rock mass characterization and stability analysis in tunnels.TLS records detailed geometric information of the surrounding rock mass by scanning and collecting the positions of millions of rock surface points without contact.By conducting a fuzzy K-means method,a discontinuity automatic identification algorithm was developed,and a method for obtaining the geometric parameters of discontinuities was proposed.This method permits the user to visually identify each discontinuity and acquire its spatial distribution features(e.g.occurrences,spac-ings,trace lengths)in great detail.Compared with hand mapping in conventional geotechnical surveys,the geometric information of discontinuities obtained by this approach is more accurate and the iden-tification is more efficient.Then,a discrete fracture network with the same statistical characteristics as the actual discontinuities was generated with the distinct element method,and a representative nu-merical model of the jointed surrounding rock mass was established.By means of numerical simulation,potential unstable rock blocks were assessed,and failure mechanisms were analyzed.This method was applied to detection and assessment of unstable rock blocks in the spillway and sand flushing tunnel of the Hongshiyan hydropower project after a collapse.The results show that the noncontact detection of blocks was more labor-saving with lower safety risks compared with manual surveys,and the stability assessment was more reliable since the numerical model built by this method was more consistent with the distribution characteristics of actual joints.This study can provide a reference for geological survey and unstable rock block hazard mitigation in tunnels subjected to complex geology and active rockfalls.

A calculation model to assess the crack propagation length of rock block in clastic flow

The primary cracks in the rock block undergo series of steps and finally disintegrate,during this procession,the radius affects the impact force of rock block in clastic flow.Therefore,it is essential to figure out the evolution mechanism of crack propagation for the design of engineering protection.In this study,based on fracture mechanics and Hertz contact theory,collision happened between rock block and slope surface is assumed to be elastic contact.Based on the above assumption,the critical impact force of crack propagation is obtained,and a model used to calculate the crack propagation length in a single collision is established.Besides,a rock fall site in Jiuzhai Valley was used to verify the calculation model.According to the model,several key factors were identified to influence crack propagation length including falling height,initial equivalent radius,and recovery coefficient of slope surface.Moreover,as a result of the orthogonal experiment,the influence of those factors on the crack propagation length was ranked,normal recovery coefficient>initial radius>initial falling height.In addition,the kinetic energy of the rock block in the compression stage is transformed into elastic deformation energy,angular kinetic energy,and dissipated energy of crack propagation.Due to the increase of collisions,the kinetic energy is gradually transformed into angular kinetic energy,and the dissipated energy of crack propagation weights is reduced.In conclusion,the crack propagation in rock block is a complicated progress,which is affected by multiple factors,especially falling height,initial equivalent radius,and recovery coefficient of slope surface.Our study may provide guidance for the design of protective structure of clastic flows.

Mechanical properties of bimrocks with high rock block proportion

For the investigation of mechanical properties of the bimrocks with high rock block proportion,a series of laboratory experiments,including resonance frequency and uniaxial compressive tests,are conducted on the 64 fabricated bimrocks specimens.The results demonstrate that dynamic elastic modulus is strongly correlated with the uniaxial compressive strength,elastic modulus and block proportions of the bimrocks.In addition,the density of the bimrocks has a good correlation with the mechanical properties of cases with varying block proportions.Thus,three crucial indices(including matrix strength)are used as basic input parameters for the prediction of the mechanical properties of the bimrocks.Other than adopting the traditional simple regression and multi-regression analyses,a new prediction model based on the optimized general regression neural network(GRNN)algorithm is proposed.Note that,the performance of the multi-regression prediction model is better than that of the simple regression model,owing to the consideration of various influencing factors.However,the comparison between model predictions indicates that the optimized GRNN model performs better than the multi-regression model does.Model validation and verification based on fabricated data and experimental data from the literature are performed to verify the predictability and applicability of the proposed optimized GRNN model.

An estimation model for the fragmentation properties of brittle rock block due to the impacts against an obstruction

Mountain hazards with large masses of rock blocks in motion – such as rock falls, avalanches and landslides – threaten human lives and structures. Dynamic fragmentation is a common phenomenon during the movement process of rock blocks in rock avalanche, due to the high velocity and impacts against obstructions. In view of the energy consumption theory for brittle rock fragmentation proposed by Bond, which relates energy to size reduction, a theoretical model is proposed to estimate the average fragment size for a moving rock block when it impacts against an obstruction. Then, different forms of motion are studied, with various drop heights and slope angles for the moving rock block. The calculated results reveal that the average fragment size decreases as the drop height increases, whether for free-fall or for a sliding or rolling rock block, and the decline in size is rapid for low heights and slow for increasing heights in the corresponding curves. Moreover, the average fragment size also decreases as the slope angle increases for a slidingrock block. In addition, a rolling rock block has a higher degree of fragmentation than a sliding rock block, even for the same slope angle and block volume. Finally, to compare with others' results, the approximate number of fragments is estimated for each calculated example, and the results show that the proposed model is applicable to a relatively isotropic moving rock block.

Experimental and numerical simulation on the sliding process of roof rock blocks triggered by dynamic disturbance

With the excavation of underground opening,the roof rock block may fall under external dynamic disturbance.In this paper,the roof rock mass was simplified as a rock block system composed of trapezoidal rock blocks.A series of experiments and numerical simulations were performed to study the sliding process of the key block under the horizontal static clamping load and vertical impact disturbance.The propagation of stress wave in the block system were captured and analyzed by using high-speed camera and digital image correlation technique.The results reveal that a pendulum-type wave was generated due to the propagation and superposition of stress waves in the block system.Therefore,the governing mechanism of the sliding displacement of the key block was clarified based on the propagation of incident stress waves or pendulum-type waves.Meanwhile,it is found that the sliding distance of the key block decreases in a power function with the increasing friction coefficient,or decreases in a parabolic function with the increasing trapezoid internal angle.Finally,a case study on the roof block sliding of the roadway at a gold mine was conducted,and it is concluded that the sliding of the key block resulted from the coupled effects of"shear driving"and"low friction"driven by stress wave propagation,regardless of a single or multi-layer rock block system.These results may provide technical guideline for preventing rock-falling accidents caused by blasting distur-bances in underground mining.

Experimental Field Study of Movement Charateristics of Rock Blocks Falling down a Slope

The downslope movement of detached rock blocks along steep slopes is an important process endangering the safety of infrastructure along the foot of a slope and on the valley bottom,but only limited knowledge is available on the influence of various factors on the velocity and distance of movement of such blocks.We discuss the influence of the mass and shape of the rock blocks,the steepness of the slope,and the thickness of the overburden on the slope,on the distance of movement of rock blocks which was observed in 256 field experiments with differently shaped blocks from 3 different positions on the slope with a height of 176 m.The statistical evaluation of the results of the field tests shows that the slope condition of gradient and overburden is the main factor,the form of rock masses is the second factor,and the mass is the third of the influencing factors.It is the maximum average acceleration for movement of rock masses when the mass of rock masses is 15≤m27 kg,the form of rock masses is flake,the condition of gradient is on average 59.6° and the overburden is basic exposed bedrock and a small quantity of gravel-soil in the experiment condition.It is the minimum average acceleration for movement of rock masses when the mass of rock masses is 9.5≤m15 kg,the form of rock masses is rectangular,the condition of gradient is on average 39° and the overburden is gravel-soil and cinder.Then,the foundation for impact energy is provided and the new feasible methods to prevent potential unstable rock masses are put forward.

Heterogeneity induced strain localization in block-in-matrix-soils subjected to uniaxial loading using real-time CT scanning

Block-in-matrix-soils(bimsoils)are geological mixtures that have distinct structures consisting of relatively strong rock blocks and weak matrix soils.It is still a challenge to evaluate the mechanical behaviors of bimsoils because of the heterogeneity,chaotic structure,and lithological variability.As a result,only very limited laboratory studies have been reported on the evolution of their internal deformation.In this study,the deformation evolution of bimsoils under uniaxial loading is investigated using real-time X-ray computed tomography(CT)and image correlation algorithm(with a rock block percentage(RBP)of 40%).Three parameters,i.e.heterogeneity coefficient(K),correlation coefficient(CC),and standard deviation(STD)of displacement fields,are proposed to quantify the heterogeneity of the motion of the rock blocks and the progressive deformation of the bimsoils.Experimental results show that the rock blocks in bimsoils are prone to forming clusters with increasing loading,and the sliding surface goes around only one side of a cluster.Based on the movement of the rock blocks recorded by STD and CC,the progressive deformation of the bimsoils is quantitatively divided into three stages:initialization of the rotation of rock blocks,formation of rock block clusters,and formation of a shear band by rock blocks with significant rotation.Moreover,the experimental results demonstrate that the meso-motion of rock blocks controls the macroscopic mechanical properties of the samples.

Rocking Block线碰撞离散化研究

针对Rocking Block中的线碰撞问题,首先采用离散化思想将线碰撞问题离散为多点碰撞系统,而后基于LZB方法对所建多点碰撞系统进行动力学建模.仿真结果表明随着离散点数的增加,基于LZB方法的多点碰撞模型能够很好地刻画Rocking Block中的相关线碰撞问题,且精度与离散程度紧密相关.

GREY CLASSIFICATION FOR EVALUATING THE STABILITY OF DANGEROUS ROCK-BLOCK MASSES

This paper introduces a grey classifica- tion method forevaluating the stability of dangerous rock- block masses according tothe Grey System Theory. This method is applied to the stability ofthe V~# dangerous rock- block masses of Qingjiang water conservancyproject, and better results are abtained. The method which isadvanced in the article is very single and practical, and it can meetall kinds of project's demands.

Mechanism of anomalous low friction phenomenon in deep block rock mass

Deep rock mass has the unique ＂self-stressed＂ block-hierarchical structure, anomalous low friction （ALF） was one of the typical nonlinear get-mechanical and dynamic responses in deep block rock mass, which occurred as the result of movements of large-scale get-blocks under the impact of external pulses （such as a deep confined explosion, earthquakes, rock bursts and etc.）. ALF phenomenon obtained its name to describe the curious phenomenon that the friction between interacting get-blocks qua- si-periodically disappears at some discrete points in time along the direction orthogonal to the direction of the external pulse. With the objective to confirm the existence of the ALF phenomenon and study the get-mechanical conditions for its occurrence experi- mentally and theoretically, laboratory tests on granite and cement mortar block models were carried out on a multipurpose testing system developed independently. The ALF phenomenon was realized under two loading schemes, i.e., blocks model and a working block were acted upon jointly by the action of a vertical impact and a horizontal static force, as well as the joint action of both ver- tical and horizontal impacts with differently delayed time intervals. We obtained the rules on variation of horizontal displacements of working blocks when the ALF phenomenon was realized in two tests. The discrete time delay intervals, corresponding to local maxima and minima of the horizontal displacement amplitudes and residual horizontal displacements of the working block, satis- fied canonical sequences multiplied by （√2）＇. Some of these time intervals satisfied the quantitative expression （√2）＇ ,alva. At last, 1D dynamic theoretical model was established, the analytical results agreed better with the test data, while the quantitative expression drawn from test data was not validated well in theoretical analyses.

Mechanism of Pendulum-type wave phenomenon in deep block rock mass

Pendulum-type ( μ wave) wave is a new type of elastic wave propagated with low frequency and low velocity in deep block rock masses. The μ wave is sharply different from the traditional longitudinal and transverse waves propagated in continuum media and is also a phenomenon of the sign-variable reaction of deep block rock masses to dynamic actions, besides the Anomalous Low Friction (ALF) phenomenon. In order to confirm the existence of the μ wave and study the rule of variation of this μ wave experimentally and theoretically, we first carried out one-dimensional low-speed impact experiments on granite and cement mortar blocks and continuum block models with different characteristic dimensions, based on the multipurpose testing system developed by us independently. The effects of model material and dimensions of models on the propagation properties of 1D stress wave in blocks medium are discussed. Based on a comparison and analysis of the propagation properties (acceleration amplitudes and Fourier spectra) of stress wave in these models, we conclude that the fractures in rock mass have considerable effect on the attenuation of the stress wave and retardarce of high frequency waves. We compared our model test data with the data of in-situ measurements from deep mines in Russia and their conclusions. The low-frequency waves occurring in blocks models were validated as Pendulum-type wave. The frequencies corresponding to local maxima of spectral density curves of three-directional acceleration satisfied several canonical sequences with the multiple of 2～(1/2), most of those frequencies satisfied the quantitative expression (2～(1/2))i V p/2△ .

Identifying rock blocks based on hierarchical rock-mass structure model

Rock-masses are divided into many closed blocks by deterministic and stochastic discontinuities and engineering interfaces in complex rock-mass engineering. Determining the sizes, shapes, and adjacent relations of blocks is important for stability analysis of fractured rock masses. Here we propose an algorithm for identifying spatial blocks based on a hierarchical 3D Rock-mass Structure Model (RSM). First, a model is built composed of deterministic discontinuities, engineering interfaces, and the earth's surface, and the deterministic blocks surrounded by these interfaces are traced. Then, in each deter-ministic block, a network model of stochastic discontinuities is built and the stochastic blocks are traced. Building a unitary wire frame that connects all interfaces seamlessly is the key for our algorithm to identify the above two kinds of blocks. Using this algorithm, geometric models can be built for block theory, discrete element method, and discontinuous deformation analysis.

Petrogenesis of Early and Late Carboniferous Volcanic Rocks in the Yining Block:Constraints from Sr-Nd Isotope

The Yining Block is located in the southwestern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt （CAOB）,which is characterized by widespread Carboniferous volcanic rocks.Recently,we carried out the National Nature Science Foundation of China （No.41273033） and Special Fund for Basic Scientific Research of Central Colleges （No.310827153407） project,and focused on two suits volcanic rocks from the Early Carboniferous Dahalajunshan Formation and the Late Carboniferous Yishijilike Formation.Field observations,zircon U-Pb dating,and Sr-Nd isotopic dating were conducted to evaluate the petrogenesis.

Investigation of block foundations resting on soil-rock and rock-rock media under coupled vibrations

In the present study,the dynamic response of block foundations of different equivalent radius to mass（R;/m） ratios under coupled vibrations is investigated for various homogeneous and layered systems.The frequency-dependent stiffness and damping of foundation resting on homogeneous soils and rocks are determined using the half-space theory.The dynamic response characteristics of foundation resting on the layered system considering rock-rock combination are evaluated using finite element program with transmitting boundaries.Frequencies versus amplitude responses of block foundation are obtained for both translational and rotational motion.A new methodology is proposed for determination of dynamic response of block foundations resting on soil-rock and weathered rock-rock system in the form of equations and graphs.The variations of dimensionless natural frequency and dimensionless resonant amplitude with shear wave velocity ratio are investigated for different thicknesses of top soil/weathered rock layer.The dynamic behaviors of block foundations are also analyzed for different rock-rock systems by considering sandstone,shale and limestone underlain by basalt.The variations of stiffness,damping and amplitudes of block foundations with frequency are shown in this study for various rock—rock combinations.In the analysis,two resonant peaks are observed at two different frequencies for both translational and rotational motion.It is observed that the dimensionless resonant amplitudes decrease and natural frequencies increase with increase in shear wave velocity ratio.Finally,the parametric study is performed for block foundations with dimensions of 4 m × 3 m × 2 m and 8m×5m×2m by using generalized graphs.The variations of natural frequency and peak displacement amplitude are also studied for different top layer thicknesses and eccentric moments.

Development of 2D computer program to determine geometry of rock mass blocks

Due to various geological processes such as tectonic activities fractures might be created in rock mass body which causes creation of blocks with different shapes and sizes in the rock body. Exact understand- ing of these blocks geometry is an essential issue concerned in different domains of rock engineering such as support system of underground spaces built in jointed rock masses, design of blasting pattern, optimi- zation of fragmentation, determination of cube blocks in quarry mines, blocks stability, etc. The aim of this paper is to develop a computer program to determine geometry of rock mass blocks in two dimen- sional spaces. In this article, the eometrv of iointed rock mass is programmed in MATLABTM.

Study on the adaptability of block-rock embankment in permafrost regions

As an effective solution for protecting the underlying permafrost and preventing roadway damages, the block-rock embankment(BRE) has been widely used on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway, Qinghai–Tibet Highway, and Ching–Hong Road;and it will be promoted for other roadways in the future. To evaluate the adaptability of BRE, the catastrophe-progression method was adopted for the evaluation. By analyzing the factors affecting the stability of BRE and utilizing engineering experience, we were able to establish the mathematical model and divide the adaptability of BRE into five grades. After the verifying analysis of 28 practical engineering examples, the evaluation results are broadly in line with practical application effects. Therefore, the adaptability of BRE can be evaluated and predicted more accurately with this evaluation model.

Fluctuating uplift on rock blocks at the bottom of a scour pool by overfall jets

By use of the model of transient flow, the mechanism of fluctuating pressure propagation in the cracks of a bed rock and the cause of the fluctuating uplift were investigated in detail, and the predicting formula for the maximum fluctuating uplift on rock blocks in a scour pool was deduced. To confirm the theoretical results, fluctuating uplift on various-sized rock blocks at the bottom of the scour pool was measured in the Three-Gorge spillway model.

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.

Study on the Theory and Method on Identification of the Mobile Block in the Face-Contacted Blocks Structure in Rocks Between Coal Seams to Mine the Left-over Coal Above the Gob

In mining the left-over coal above the gob,stope wall rock of mining area have hard limestone.through field observation,the face-contacted block structure was found in rocks between coal seams to mine the left-over coal above the gob.In order to probe into the movement law of rock strata and strata control measures,it is very important to identify the mobile block in face-contacted block structure of rocks between coal seams.This paper relies on the thought of block theory to establish appropriate parameter matrix and figure out its discrimination matrix in view of the fact that the block in face-contacted block structure has high intensity and stiffness,the