Rock mass redefined: integrating discrete fracture network models and rock mass classification systems

重新定义岩体：集成离散裂缝网络模型和岩体分类系统

基本信息

批准号：
RGPIN-2019-03925
负责人：
Elmo, Davide
金额：
$ 2.62万
依托单位：
University of British Columbia
依托单位国家：
加拿大
项目类别：
Discovery Grants Program - Individual
财政年份：
2019
资助国家：
加拿大
起止时间：
2019-01-01 至 2020-12-31
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=686803
关键词：
Rock mass redefined integrating discrete

项目摘要

In 1963 Karl Terzaghi, the father of modern geotechnical engineering, wrote “we are overstepping the limits of our ability to predict the consequences of our actions”. 55 years later, rock engineering design still depends on empirical methods, whereby observations are used to reach conclusions and generate theories. What makes rock engineering design challenging is the presence of physical discontinuities in the form of joints, bedding planes, and faults, which may affect the stability of slopes, underground excavations, and dam foundations. Several classification systems exist to quantify the quality of the rock mass and account for the effects of those discontinuities. However, most of those classification systems were developed in the 1960s-1970s, at a time when the scale of rock engineering projects was much limited. As large open pit operations are approaching their economic limits and mines are being developed deeper underground, a new approach to design is required that is not limited by a subjective interpretation of empirical tables and qualitative assessments of rock mass properties. We believe our research can contribute to reduce the degree of occurrence of “unforeseeable” events, by providing a better understanding of geological variability and the relationship between rock mass behaviour and intensity/nature of the discontinuities. Integrating conventional discontinuities mapping with new long-range remote sensing techniques for resource geotechnics and natural hazard investigations, discrete fracture network (DFN) methods have increasingly become an effective tool to assist with rock engineering design. Coupled with advanced numerical analyses, DFN-based rock engineering can support more efficient mine design and improve operational safety. My research group has introduced a new method that analyse the properties of DFN models, and provides a measure of the network connectivity, which is the key element for implementing a DFN-based approach to rock mass classification and design. Several geotechnical consulting companies in Canada are now using DFN methods for rock engineering design. In this application, we propose a research program to advance and update rock mass classification systems, removing qualitative measurements, and focusing on the use of new technologies to map key geological parameters that are more appropriate for statistical analysis (e.g. fracture frequency and blocks volumes). This is a key requirement if we want rock engineering to evolve and to support modern design frameworks such as the analysis of probability of failure and risk assessment. To meet these objectives, the proposal will seek funding for 5 Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP). The research will have a significant impact with respect to improving the design of engineered slopes and underground excavations, and increasing the use of DFN tools and probability methods in rock engineering design.*****

1963年，现代岩土工程的父亲卡尔·特扎吉（Karl Terzaghi）写了“我们超越了我们预测行动后果的能力的局限性”。 55年后，岩石工程设计仍然取决于经验方法，从而使用观察来得出结论并生成理论。使岩石工程设计挑战的原因是以关节，床上用品和断层形式存在物理不连续性，这可能会影响插槽，地下发掘和大坝基础的稳定性。存在几种分类系统来量化岩石质量的质量并解释这些不连续性的影响。但是，大多数分类系统是在1960年代 - 1970年代开发的，当时岩石工程项目的规模很少。随着大型开放坑的运营正在接近其经济限制，地雷正在更深入地下，因此需要一种新的设计方法，不受对经验表的主题解释和对岩体质量特性的定性评估的限制。我们认为，我们的研究可以通过更好地理解地质可变性以及摇滚质量行为与不连续性的强度/强度/性质之间的关系，从而有助于降低“不可预见”事件的发生程度。将传统的不连续性与用于资源岩土技术和自然危害调查的新的远程遥感技术和自然危害调查相结合，离散断裂网络（DFN）方法已成为协助岩石工程设计的有效工具。再加上高级数值分析，基于DFN的岩石工程可以支持更有效的矿山设计并提高运营安全性。我的研究小组引入了一种新方法，该方法分析了DFN模型的属性，并提供了网络连接性的度量，这是实施基于DFN的岩石质量分类和设计方法的关键要素。现在，加拿大的几家岩土技术咨询公司正在使用DFN方法用于岩石工程设计。在此应用程序中，我们提出了一项研究计划，以推进和更新岩体分类系统，删除定性测量结果，并专注于使用新技术来映射更适合统计分析的关键地质参数（例如断裂频率和阻止量）。如果我们希望摇滚工程发展并支持现代设计框架，例如分析失败和风险评估的概率，这是一个关键要求。为了实现这些目标，该提案将为5名高素质的人员（HQP）寻求资金。这项研究将对改善工程插槽和地下发掘的设计产生重大影响，并增加岩石工程设计中DFN工具和概率方法的使用。****