NON-LINEAR FAULT BEHAVIOUR NEAR UNDERGROUND EXCAVATIONS — A BOUNDARY ELEMENT APPROACH

A boundary element model for stress/stability analysis of underground excavations in the vicinity of faults is presented. The boundary element formulation adopts the fictitious stress method for the simulation of excavation boundaries and the displacement discontinuity method for the representation of faults. The numerical model employs the Barton–Bandis non-linear joint model for the modelling of the fault behaviour and linear elastic behaviour for the rock. An incremental-iterative in situ stress relaxation algorithm is implemented for the non-linear analysis of the faults. Both deformation and peak strength models of Barton–Bandis are incorporated for modelling the mechanical behaviour of the fault. The non-linear deformation of fault considers the effects of coupling between shear and normal stresses and displacement, joint closure, joint separation, hardening followed by post-peak or residual behaviour. The peak strength model employs a mobilized non-linear shear strength envelope. The differences between linear and non-linear simulation of the fault models are discussed. A comparison of model predictions with the classical Mohr–Coulomb peak strength model with constant joint stiffness is presented. The numerical model is used for a case study of Canadian hard rock underground mine. The shear and normal displacements along the fault during four mining sequences with backfill simulation are presented and discussed.     

Physical explanation for the displacement-length relationship of faults using a post-yield fracture mechanics model

A plane strain model for a fault is presented that takes into account the inelastic deformation involved in fault growth. The model requires that the stresses at the tip of the fault never exceed the shear strength of the surrounding rock. This is achieved by taking into account a zone, around the perimeter of the fault surface, where the fault is not well developed, and in which sliding involves frictional work in excess of that required for sliding on the fully developed fault. The displacement profiles predicted by the fault model taper out gradually towards the tip of the fault and compare well with observed displacement profiles on faults. Using this model it is found that both (1) the shape of the displacement profile, and (2) the ratio of maximum displacement to fault length are a function of the shear strength of the rock in which the fault forms. For the case of a fault loaded by a constant remote stress, the displacement is linearly related to the length of the fault and the constant of proportionality depends on the shear strength of the surrounding rock normalized by its shear modulus. Using data from faults in different tectonic regions and rock types, the in situ strength of intact rock surrounding a fault is calculated to be on the order of 100 MPa (or a few kilobars). These estimates exceed, by perhaps a factor of 10, the strength of a well developed fault and thus provide an upper bound for the shear strength of the crust. It is also shown that the work required to propagate a fault scales with fault length. This result can explain the observation that the fracture energy calculated for earthquake ruptures and natural faults are several orders of magnitude greater than that for fractures in laboratory experiments.     

Growth of vertically segmented normal faults

The geometry and evolution of vertically segmented normal faults, with dip separations of < ca 11.5 m have been studied in a coastal outcrop of finely bedded Cretaceous chalk at Flamborough Head, U.K. Fault trace segments are separated by both contractional and extensional offsets which have step, overlap or bend geometries. The location of fault trace offsets is strongly controlled by lithology occurring at either thin (ca 1 mm-8 cm) and mechanically weak marl layers or partings between chalk units. Fault segmentation occurred during either fault nucleation within, or propagation through, the strongly anisotropic lithological sequence. An inverse relationship between fault displacement and number of offsets per length of fault trace reflects the progressive destruction of offsets during fault growth. The preservation of fault offsets is therefore dependent on offset width and fault displacement. Fault rock, comprising gouge and chalk breccia, may vary in thickness by 1.5–2.0 orders of magnitude on individual fault traces. Strongly heterogeneous fault rock distributions are most common on small faults (< 10 cm displacement) and are produced mainly by destruction of fault offsets. Shearing of fault rock with increasing displacement gives rise to a more homogeneous fault rock distribution on large faults at the outcrop scale.     

Rock joint modeling using a visco-plastic multilaminate model at constant normal load condition

Rock joints play an important role in the behavior of rock masses under normal and shear loading conditions. Numerical simulation of the behavior of jointed rock masses is not an easy task due to complexities involved in the problem such as joint roughness, joint shear strength, hardening and softening phenomenon and mesh dependency. In this study for modeling purposes, a visco-plastic multilaminate model considering hardening and softening effects has been employed. For providing the necessary data for numerical simulation, a series of laboratory experiments have been carried out on regular tooth-shape asperities made by gypsum, under constant normal load conditions. Shear stress–shear displacement and normal displacement–shear displacement of artificial joint specimens are simulated using the proposed numerical model at constant normal load condition (CNL). The results indicate the capability of the model for simulating rock joints behavior in both strength and deformation field. Although the numerical model has been developed for simulating the behavior of artificial joints, the concept of the method can also be used for natural rock joints.     

Caving-induced fault reactivation behaviour and its effects on mining safety with a multiple seam context

Caving-induced fault reactivation and its effects on caving process are widely recognized as serious safety issues in mining and tunnelling industry. In this study, the effects of a variety of factors (i.e. friction coefficient, stick–slip instability, geological structure, pre-mining status, mining and its induced effects) that might exert an influence on fault dynamic behaviour of a 5-seam coal mine are investigated using practical mine-wide finite element numerical models with a normal fault. Based on the research outcomes on R-minimum-based finite element modelling of earthquake dynamics, the node-to-point contact strategy and the nonlinear friction contact law have been used here to simulate and analyse the caving-induced stick–slip frictional instability along the fault and related effects. The simulation results show that: (1) stress distribution before mining is relatively uniform around the fault for a homogenous rock material case, while stress concentration appears around the fault for the model with contrasting rock material properties; (2) the multiple-layered models are in favour of fault reactivation than models with only one material for whole strata; (3) the fault reactivation scale (i.e. dynamic relative motion and fault slip) induced by caving activity is significantly affected by rock mass strength, caving depth and its relative position to the fault. As caving progresses deeper and closer to the fault, the fault reactivation scale increases. Meanwhile, the fault in low strength strata is much more sensitive to fault slip behaviour; (4) seismic source parameters, namely seismic moment and moment magnitude, are adopted to evaluate the magnitude of caving-induced seismicity based on numerical results and fault slip risk and magnitude increase as fault reactivation scale expands; (5) during the caving stage, the failure zone initiates, develops and eventually connects the reactivated fault to the working area, presenting asymmetric failure pattern around the caving zone. The failure zone is obviously larger for the side closer to the fault than the other side due to caving-induced fault reactivation effects. This could help in better understanding fault reactivation and rock failure behaviours towards an optimised design of caving in a faulted region.

     

Groundwater Effect on Faulted Rock Mass: An Evaluation of Modi Khola Pressure Tunnel in the Nepal Himalaya

Groundwater has a negative impact not only in construction activity, but also in stability of a tunnel. Severity increases particularly in tunnels passing through fault gouge and breccia, where rock material is completely crushed and extremely weak. Instantaneous collapse and excessive plastic deformation is most likely in tunnels passing through such zones. Often, ‘flowing’ conditions may prevail if groundwater is mixed in the rock mass. This paper presents one such tunnel case in the Nepal Himalaya; i.e. the Modi pressure tunnel. This pressure tunnel passes through a tectonic fault consisting of gouge material. High deformation in the tunnel was observed while excavating the tunnel through the fault. Based on the tunnel deformation that was actually measured, the paper first back-calculates the rock mass strength by analytical approach. Then, the extent of in-situ stress condition in the area is determined by numerical modeling for the rock mass with no ground water in consideration. The ground water effect is then analyzed. We found that the effect of ground water with a static head <1.5 bar pressure may increase the deformation by up to a maximum of 30 %. Finally, we briefly discuss uncertainties related to the input parameter study and used methodologies.     

Investigation into the effect of fault properties on wave transmission

The estimation of wave transmission across the fractured rock masses is of great importance for rock engineers to assess the stability of rock slopes in open pit mines. Presence of fault, as a major discontinuity, in the jointed rock mass can significantly impact on the peak particle velocity and transmission of blast waves, particularly where a fault contains a thick infilling with weak mechanical properties. This paper aims to study the effect of fault properties on transmission of blasting waves using the distinct element method. First, a validation study was carried out on the wave transmission across a single joint and different rock mediums through undertaking a comparative study against analytical models. Then, the transmission of blast wave across a fault with thick infilling in the Golgohar iron mine, Iran, was numerically studied, and the results were compared with the field measurements. The blast wave was numerically simulated using a hybrid finite element and finite difference code which then the outcome was used as the input for the distinct element method analysis. The measured uplift of hanging wall, as a result of wave transmission across the fault, in the numerical model agrees well with the recorded field measurement. Finally, the validated numerical model was used to study the effect of fault properties on wave transmission. It was found that the fault inclination angle is the most effective parameter on the peak particle velocity and uplift. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Localization patterns in sandbox-scale numerical experiments above a normal fault in basement

The finite element program ELFEN is used to study the effect of basement fault dip on the evolution of shear band patterns in unconsolidated sand. The material properties and boundary conditions of the model were chosen to correspond to generic sandbox experiments.Model results reproduce the range of structural styles found in corresponding sandbox experiments. With a basement fault dip of 60° and lower, a graben structure is formed, composed of a synthetic shear band followed by one or more antithetic shear bands. With a basement fault dip of 70° and steeper, a reverse (precursor) shear band forms first, followed by a synthetic, normal shear band that accommodates all further displacement. The dip of the synthetic shear band is close to the basement fault dip. For basement fault dips between 60° and 70°, we observe a transition in localization patterns. An analysis of the stress fields and velocity vectors in the model explains the first-order aspects of the relationships observed.We consider the observed ‘precursor-dominated’ and ‘graben-dominated’ structural domains to be important components of normal fault systems in which the first order structural style and deformation patterns are only weakly dependent on the details of the rheology of the model materials and explore the interesting problem of the change in structural style from ‘precursor-dominated’ to ‘graben-dominated’ structural domains above a normal fault in basement. We find similar structural domains in sandbox experiments for the same set of boundary conditions but with slightly different material properties, suggesting that the modeled patterns are robust within these two structural domains, (i.e. will occur over a range of similar material properties and boundary conditions).The results of this study contribute to our ability to validate numerical models against experiments in order to finally better simulate natural systems.     

青藏高原东缘活动断裂带地壳岩体构造损伤特征与模式讨论

活动断裂带强烈复杂的构造运动会对地壳岩体产生不同程度的损伤,这些损伤能够显著影响地震破裂、地貌演化和地质灾害等地质过程,并对工程岩体稳定有较大影响,但目前鲜见对大型活动断裂地壳岩体构造损伤的深入研究。本文首次提出地壳岩体构造损伤的科学概念,揭示其具有不可逆性、累积性、非均匀性与愈合性。通过对青藏高原东缘鲜水河断裂带等6条主要活动断裂带大范围岩体露头的实测分析,采用构造结构面面密度作为表征构造损伤的定量指标,将断裂带地壳岩体划分为损伤带与围岩,测得最宽损伤带达3100 m。分析了地壳岩体损伤分布特征、变形破裂特征和损伤分布影响因素,取得如下认识:(1)损伤带主要沿活动性较强的主断裂分布,其内部具有高、低损伤区交替的分区损伤特征;(2)损伤带与围岩岩体分别表现为高应变速率与低应变速率状态下脆性损伤特征,损伤带的形成与断裂近期区域应力场密切相关;(3)表征断层发展阶段的累积位移量控制损伤带的总体规模,而其局部变化主要受控于断裂的几何展布与岩石性质;(4)提出了典型活动断裂带地壳岩体构造损伤模式。研究成果可为地震动力学、构造地貌、地质灾害和大型工程建设等提供约束地壳岩体结构的科学证据,有助于深化对活动断裂带地壳岩体力学环境的认识和理解。     

红透山铜矿区F8断层构造应力场的有限元数值模拟

针对断层对周围岩石地层影响的问题,本文提出了一种有限元算法计算模拟该断层对周围地层产生的应力场和位移场。首先,根据最大主应力、中间主应力和最小主应力来研究正断层、逆断层以及走滑断层的应力状态;其次,基于弹性力学相关理论研究应力—应变关系,采用线性四面体单元有限元分析方法进行算法实现;最后,在考虑到断层两侧岩体的物理性质(弹性模量和泊松比)、断层几何形态以及边界条件等情况下,应用有限元法模拟正断层、逆断层以及走滑断层在层状岩体中产生的应力场和位移场。以红透山铜矿区F₈断层为例,通过地质勘探获得的资料判别该断层性质及其周围地层属性,使用本文构建的有限元算法模拟了该断层对周围地层产生的应力场和位移场。     

Calculating the long-term displacement rates of a normal fault from the high-resolution stratigraphic record (early Tethyan rifting, French Alps)

Displacement rates of normal faults deduced from stratigraphic data are often unreliable. Here we calculate the velocity of motion on a normal fault from the variations in accommodation potential on both sides of the fault within a high‐resolution time‐frame established by biostratigraphy and physical stratigraphy. Our example is the Ornon normal fault bounding the Early Jurassic Bourg‐d'Oisans Basin formed during Tethyan rifting. We show that motion on the fault was discontinuous when examined at high resolution and over a long time interval. During a first interval (Hettangian to Sinemurian Arietites bucklandi zone) a low rate of displacement (=202–423 m Myr^?1) coeval with diffused extensional deformation throughout the sedimentary basin is observed. A second interval of localized deformation (Early Sinemurian Caenisites turneri zone) is characterized by higher rates of displacement on the fault (1846 m Myr^?1). Our results concur with recent numerical models identifying the main stages of extensional deformation.     

库车坳陷-南天山盆山过渡带的收缩构造变形模式

用地面露头、地震和CEMP(连续电磁剖面法)勘探资料揭示的库车坳陷-南天山盆山过渡带构造变形特征难以用经典的“A型俯冲”冲断褶皱楔变形模型来解释,因而文中提出一种“分层变形、垂向叠置”的“非俯冲”收缩构造解释模型。所谓分层变形是指受古近系膏盐岩层和侏罗系含煤地层等软弱岩层分隔,不同深度的岩层发育不同的收缩变形样式;所谓垂向叠置是指不同层次的强变形带在垂向上叠置,不存在区域性大位移的拆离断层。位于盐岩层之上的新生界以滑脱褶皱变形为主,而盐下层的中生界沉积层及盆地基底则以收缩断裂变形为主。浅部的滑脱褶皱表现出紧闭背斜和宽缓向斜组合,背斜具有不对称形态,其核部在古近系盐岩层或侏罗系含煤地层中滑脱,可在陡翼发育破冲断层或缓翼发育顺层滑脱逆冲断层。深层断裂变形以向山脉倾斜的高角度基底卷入逆冲断层为主干断层,断层上盘形成冲断隆起,次级断层相对较少,下盘则发育一系列同向倾斜的次级逆冲断层构成楔状叠瓦冲断构造。深层断层向上延伸在古近系盐岩层中尖灭,部分次级断层向下延伸并在侏罗系含煤地层中或盆地基底面滑脱,但是主干逆冲断层高角度切入基底,向上则对应于浅层背斜的核部。基底卷入的高角度主干逆冲断层可能利用了先存正断层发生反转位移,并成为控制局部构造变形的主要构造要素。天山上升引起的垂直剪切作用是导致库车坳陷-南天山盆山过渡带发育高角度逆冲断层或促成先存正断层的反转的可能原因。     

Rock slope stability assessment using finite element based modelling – examples from the Indian Himalayas

Numerical modelling of rock slides is a versatile approach to understand the failure mechanism and the dynamics of rock slopes. Finite element slope stability analysis of three rock slopes in Garhwal Himalaya, India has been carried out using a two dimensional plane strain approach. Two different modelling techniques have been attempted for this study. Firstly, the slope is represented as a continuum in which the effect of discontinuities is considered by reducing the properties and strength of intact rock to those of rock mass. The equivalent Mohr-Coulomb shear strength parameters of generalised Hoek-Brown (GHB) criterion and modified Mohr-Coulomb (MMC) criterion has been used for this continuum approach. Secondly, a combined continuum-interface numerical method has been attempted in which the discontinuities are represented as interface elements in between the rock walls. Two different joint shear strength models such as Barton-Bandis and Patton’s model are used for the interface elements. Shear strength reduction (SSR) analysis has been carried out using a finite element formulation provided in the PHASE². For blocky or very blocky rock mass structure combined continuum-interface model is found to be the most suitable one, as this model is capable of simulating the actual field scenario.     

Faulting, fracturing and in situ stress prediction in the Ahnet Basin, Algeria — a finite element approach

Many low-efficiency hydrocarbon reservoirs are productive largely because effective reservoir permeability is controlled by faults and natural fractures. Accurate and low-cost information on basic fault and fracture properties, orientation in particular, is critical in reducing well costs and increasing well recoveries. This paper describes how we used an advanced numerical modelling technique, the finite element method (FEM), to compute site-specific in situ stresses and rock deformation and to predict fracture attributes as a function of material properties, structural position and tectonic stress. Presented are the numerical results of two-dimensional, plane-strain end-member FEM models of a hydrocarbon-bearing fault-propagation-fold structure. Interpretation of the modelling results remains qualitative because of the intrinsic limitations of numerical modelling; however, it still allows comparisons with (the little available) geological and geophysical data.

In all models, the weak mechanical strength and flow properties of a thick shale layer (the main seal) leads to a decoupling of the structural deformation of the shallower sediments from the underlying sediments and basement, and results in flexural slip across the shale layer. All models predict rock fracturing to initiate at the surface and to expand with depth under increasing horizontal tectonic compression. The stress regime for the formation of new fractures changes from compressional to shear with depth. If pre-existing fractures exist, only (sub)horizontal fractures are predicted to open, thus defining the principal orientation of effective reservoir permeability. In models that do not include a blind thrust fault in the basement, flexural amplification of the initial fold structure generates additional fracturing in the crest of the anticline controlled by the material properties of the rocks. The folding-induced fracturing expands laterally along the stratigraphic boundaries under enhanced tectonic loading. Models incorporating a blind thrust fault correctly predict the formation of secondary syn- and anti-thetic mesoscale faults in the basement and sediments of the hanging wall. Some of these faults cut reservoir and/or seal layers, and thus may influence effective reservoir permeability and affect seal integrity. The predicted faults divide the sediments across the anticline in several compartments with different stress levels and different rock failure (and proximity to failure). These numerical model outcomes can assist classic interpretation of seismic and well bore data in search of fractured and overpressured hydrocarbon reservoirs.     

基岩振动干扰下的动力滑坡机制研究

本文通过对边坡基底岩石振动因素的分析, 建立了单一滑面滑体受基底岩石强迫振动的模型, 采用非线性动力学方程描述滑体的变形规律, 分析了基底岩石振动过程中导致滑体移动的原因。指出在一个频带范围和力幅范围内, 基底的振动, 会引起潜在滑体位移突跳, 在滑面的法向方向上张开, 切向上错动而诱发滑坡。     

Probabilistic analysis of tunnel displacements based on correlative recognition of rock mass parameters

Displacement is vital in the evaluations of tunnel excavation processes,as well as in determining the postexcavation stability of surrounding rock masses.The prediction of tunnel displacement is a complex problem because of the uncertainties of rock mass properties.Meanwhile,the variation and the correlation relationship of geotechnical material properties have been gradually recognized by researchers in recent years.In this paper,a novel probabilistic method is proposed to estimate the uncertainties of rock mass properties and tunnel displacement,which integrated multivariate distribution function and a relevance vector machine(RVM).The multivariate distribution function is used to establish the probability model of related random variables.RVM is coupled with the numerical simulation methods to construct the nonlinear relationship between tunnel displacements and rock mass parameters,which avoided a large number of numerical simulations.Also,the residual rock mass parameters are taken into account to reflect the brittleness of deeply buried rock mass.Then,based on the proposed method,the uncertainty of displacement in a deep tunnel of CJPL-II laboratory are analyzed and compared with the in-situ measurements.It is found that the predicted tunnel displacements by the RVM model closely match with the measured ones.The correlations of parameters have significant impacts on the uncertainty results.The uncertainty of tunnel displacement decreases while the reliability of the tunnel increases with the increases of the negative correlations among rock mass parameters.When compared to the deterministic method,the proposed approach is more rational and scientific,and also conformed to rock engineering practices.     

断层内部结构及其对封闭性的影响

先前的研究多考虑断层封堵和开启的2种极端状态,近来的研究认为,在多数情况下断层处于2种之间的状态,只有在静止期具有封闭能力的断层,才有可能对油气起封堵作用。分析断层对流体运移的影响,需要分析断层在演化过程中的内部结构特征。断层可以划分出破碎带、诱导裂缝带和围岩3部分,断层岩和伴生裂缝构成破碎带的主体部分。常见的断层岩包括断层角砾岩、断层泥和部分碎裂岩,它们充填在断层裂缝空间中,断层内部结构受断层形成时的构造应力性质、断层活动强度和围岩岩性因素的控制。从动态角度看,随着断距增加,断层活动伴随着裂缝的发育和岩石的破碎混杂,可用泥质源岩层厚度和断距的比值来划分不同的发育阶段。断层活动期为油气运移通道,在静止时表现出差异性的封闭,通常用断层渗透率和排替压力2个参数来定量评价断层的封闭程度。断层岩渗透率主要受断距、泥质含量、埋深等因素的控制;断层排替压力的预测方法有2种:一种是从断层岩成岩角度分析的"等效埋深法",另一种是分析实测排替压力与主控地质因素的"拟合法"。通过简化的断层模型,建立了渗透率、排替压力与主控因素的预测关系。和储层类似,流体在断层中的运移遵循多孔介质的渗流特征。利用断层两侧的流体压力和油气柱高度并不能直接评价封闭性能,还必须考虑油气充注史和流体压力变化历史。     

反向断裂下盘较顺向断裂上盘更易富集油气机理的定量解释

为了研究含油气盆地中断裂对油气成藏与分布的控制作用,在断层侧向封闭机理及影响因素研究的基础上,对反向断裂下盘较顺向断裂上盘更易富集油气的机理进行了定量解释。结果表明,无论是反向断裂还是顺向断裂,均源于断层岩封闭油气,断层岩油气运移方向排替压力是影响其侧向封闭油气能力的主要因素。在断裂埋深、断裂倾角和地层岩性、地层倾角相同的条件下,理论上反向断裂断层岩泥质体积分数大于顺向断裂断层岩泥质体积分数,即反向断裂断层岩油气运移方向排替压力大于顺向断裂断层岩油气运移方向排替压力,反向断裂侧向封闭能力强于顺向断裂侧向封闭能力,造成反向断裂下盘较顺向断裂上盘更易富集油气。歧口凹陷板桥断裂下盘沙一段下部断层岩在反向条件和顺向条件下油气运移方向排替压力的实例研究结果表明,反向条件下较顺向条件下在油气运移方向有更高的排替压力,侧向封闭能力更强,更有利于油气在板桥断裂下盘沙一段储层中富集。     

Upper crustal shortening and forward modeling of the Himalayan thrust belt along the Budhi-Gandaki River, central Nepal

A balanced cross-section along the Budhi-Gandaki River in central Nepal between the Main Central thrust, including displacement on that fault, and the Main Frontal thrust reveals a minimum total shortening of 400 km. Minimum displacement on major orogen-scale structures include 116 km on the Main Central thrust, 110 km on the Ramgarh thrust, 95 km on the Trishuli thrust, and 56 km in the Lesser Himalayan duplex. The balanced cross-section was also incrementally forward modeled assuming a generally forward-breaking sequence of thrusting, where early faults and hanging-wall structures are passively carried from the hinterland toward the foreland. The approximate correspondence of the forward modeled result to observe present day geometries suggest that the section interpretation is viable and admissible. In the balanced cross-section, the Trishuli thrust is the roof thrust for the Lesser Himalayan duplex. The forward model and reconstruction emphasize that the Lesser Himalayan duplex grew by incorporating rock from the footwall and transferring it to the hanging wall along the Main Himalayan thrust. As the duplex developed, the Lesser Himalayan ramp migrated southward. The movement of Lesser Himalayan thrust sheets over the ramp pushed the Lesser Himalayan rock and the overburdens of the Greater and Tibetan Himalayan rock toward the erosional surface. This vertical structural movement caused by footwall collapse and duplexing, in combination with erosion, exhumed the Lesser Himalaya.     

THE NUMERICAL SIMULATE OF THE UPLIFT PROCESS OF THE QINGHAI—TIBET PLATEAU

THE NUMERICAL SIMULATE OF THE UPLIFT PROCESS OF THE QINGHAI—TIBET PLATEAU