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，现代岩土工程之父 Karl Terzaghi 写道：“我们正在超越我们预测行为后果的能力极限”，55 年后，岩石工程设计仍然依赖于经验方法，因此需要通过观察来得出结论。结论并生成理论。岩石工程设计具有挑战性的是节理、层理面和断层形式的物理不连续性的存在，这可能会影响边坡、地下开挖和断层的稳定性。存在多种分类系统来量化岩体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 20 世纪 60 年代至 1970 年代开发的，当时岩石工程项目的规模还很大。由于大型露天矿作业正在接近其经济极限，并且矿山正在向地下深处开发，因此需要一种不受经验表的主观解释和岩体特性定性评估限制的新设计方法。研究可以通过将传统的不连续性测绘与新的远程资源遥感技术相结合，更好地了解地质变化以及岩体行为和不连续性的强度/性质之间的关系，有助于减少“不可预见”事件的发生程度。岩土工程和自然灾害调查中，离散裂缝网络 (DFN) 方法日益成为辅助岩石工程设计的有效工具，与先进的数值分析相结合，基于 DFN 的岩石工程可以支持更高效的矿山设计并改善运营。我的研究小组引入了一种分析 DFN 模型属性的新方法，并提供了网络连通性的度量，这是实施基于 DFN 的岩体分类和设计方法的关键要素。加拿大现在正在使用 DFN 方法进行岩石工程设计。在此应用中，我们提出了一项研究计划，以推进和更新岩体分类系统，取消定性测量，并重点使用新技术来绘制更重要的关键地质参数。适合统计分析（例如裂缝频率和块体体积）。如果我们希望岩石工程发展并支持现代设计框架（例如失败概率分析和风险评估），那么该提案将寻求资金支持。 5 高素质人员 (HQP) 该研究将对改进工程边坡和地下开挖的设计以及增加 DFN 工具和概率方法在岩石工程设计中的使用产生重大影响。*****