Engineering geological studies and tunnel support design at Sulakyurt dam site, Turkey

This paper presents the results of engineering geological investigations and tunnel support design studies, carried out at the Sulakyurt dam site, northeast of Ankara, Turkey. The Sulakyurt dam will be used for flow control and water storage for irrigation projects. Studies were carried out both in the field and the laboratory. Field studies include engineering geological mapping, intensive discontinuity surveying, core drilling and sampling for laboratory testing. The diversion tunnel will be driven in rock mass, consisting of granite and diorite. Empirical, analytical and numerical methods were combined for safe tunnel design. Rock mass rating (RMR), Rock mass quality (Q) and Geological strength index (GSI) systems were used for empirical rock mass quality determination, site characterization and support design. The convergence–confinement method was used as analytical method and software called Phase², a 2D finite element program, was utilized as numerical method. According to the results acquired from the empirical, analytical and numerical methods, tunnel stability problems were expected in both granite and diorite rock masses. The support system, suggested by empirical methods, was applied and the performance of suggested support system was evaluated by means of numerical modelling. It was concluded that the suggested support systems were adequate, since after applying the suggested support system to granite and diorite, tunnel deformation and the yielded elements around the tunnel decreased significantly. Thus, it is suggested that for more reliable support design empirical, numerical and analytical methods should be combined.     

Proposed support design, Kaletepe tunnel, Turkey

In this paper, preliminary support design of Kaletepe tunnel, located on Bilecik-Istanbul highway, Turkey, was analyzed by empirical and numerical methods. The rock mass rating (RMR) and rock mass quality (Q) systems were employed for empirical rock mass quality determination. Numerical analysis for the stress–strain distribution of the tunnel excavation and support systems was also carried out. The applied support performance was investigated at different sections of the tunnel route. It was seen that empirical and numerical approaches showed similar results. This indicates that when the empirical method is supported by numerical method, the preliminary support design will be more reliable.     

Empirical and numerical analyses of support requirements for a diversion tunnel at the Boztepe dam site, eastern Turkey

This paper presents the engineering geological properties and support design of a planned diversion tunnel at the Boztepe dam site that contains units of basalt and tuffites. Empirical, theoretical and numerical approaches were used and compared in this study focusing on tunnel design safety. Rock masses at the site were characterized using three empirical methods, namely rock mass rating (RMR), rock mass quality (Q) and geological strength index (GSI). The RMR, Q and GSI ratings were determined by using field data and the mechanical properties of intact rock samples were evaluated in the laboratory. Support requirements were proposed accordingly in terms of different rock mass classification systems. The convergence–confinement method was used as the theoretical approach. Support systems were also analyzed using a commercial software based on the finite element method (FEM). The parameters calculated by empirical methods were used as input parameters for the FEM analysis. The results from the two methods were compared with each other. This comparison suggests that a more reliable and safe design could be achieved by using a combination of empirical, analytical and numerical approaches.     

Support capacity estimation of a diversion tunnel in weak rock

This paper presents the results of the support capacity estimation for the diversion tunnel of the Uru dam site in highly weathered tuff and weak zone. Tunneling in weak rock requires some special considerations, since misjudgment in support design results in costly failures. There are several ways of estimating rock support pressure and selecting support. However, all systems suffer from their characteristic limitations in achieving objectives. Thus, it is more useful to use different methods for estimating support pressure and type of support. The support pressure p_i was established by three different methods. These methods are the (1) empirical methods based on rock mass rating (RMR) and rock mass quality index (Q-classification systems), (2) ground support interaction analysis (GSIA) and (3) numerical methods, namely, Phase² finite element (FEM) program. Rock masses were characterized in terms of RSR, RMR, Q-system and GSI. Drill-core samples were tested in the rock mechanics laboratory to determine physico-mechanical properties. Rock mass strength was estimated by empirical methods. Finally, the required support system is proposed and evaluated by different methods in the highly weathered tuff and weak zone of the diversion tunnel.     

乌鲁木齐地铁隧道互层岩体力学特性及几何特征因子敏感性模拟

为研究地铁隧道中软硬互层岩体力学特性及破坏机制,本文首先在乌鲁木齐泥岩、砂岩物理力学参数获取的基础上,对互层岩体物理力学参数进行微观参数标定,然后通过颗粒流数值模拟单轴压缩试验,分析互层岩体层厚、层厚比、岩层倾角作用下互层岩体强度响应规律及裂纹变化。分析结果表明:随着互层岩体层厚的增加,其单轴抗压强度在降低,裂纹数量也在降低,裂纹发展速度加快;随着互层岩体层厚比的增加,其单轴抗压强度在不断降低,在层厚比大于1时单轴抗压强度的变化相对稳定,且层厚比小于0.6时裂纹发展趋势较为快速,层厚比大于0.6时裂纹发展趋势较为缓慢;互层岩体岩层倾角的增加使单轴抗压强度的变化大体呈U字形变化趋势,40°时单轴抗压强度最低,90°时裂纹数量最多,发展趋势最为缓慢;由正交试验分析得出层厚比对单轴抗压强度敏感性最大,并分析得出了最优组合;最优组合为:层厚6 cm、层厚比0.1、岩层倾角0°。     

Estimating the Strength of Jointed Rock Masses

Determination of the strength of jointed rock masses is an important and challenging task in rock mechanics and rock engineering. In this article, the existing empirical methods for estimating the unconfined compressive strength of jointed rock masses are reviewed and evaluated, including the jointing index methods, the joint factor methods, and the methods based on rock mass classification. The review shows that different empirical methods may produce very different estimates. Since in many cases, rock quality designation (RQD) is the only information available for describing rock discontinuities, a new empirical relation is developed for estimating rock mass strength based on RQD. The newly developed empirical relation is applied to estimate the unconfined compressive strength of rock masses at six sites and the results are compared with those from the empirical methods based on rock mass classification. The estimated unconfined compressive strength values from the new empirical relation are essentially in the middle of the estimated values from the different empirical methods based on rock mass classification. Similar to the existing empirical methods, the newly developed relation is only approximate and should be used, with care, only for a first estimate of the unconfined compressive strength of rock masses. Recommendations are provided on how to apply the newly developed relation in combination with the existing empirical methods for estimating rock mass strength in practice.     

Analysis of support requirements for a shallow diversion tunnel at Guledar dam site, Turkey

Engineering geological properties and support design of a planned diversion tunnel at Guledar dam site, which was located at the North of Ankara, Turkey were studied in this article. The main purpose of the construction of the planned tunnel is to regulate, drainage and to provide water for irrigation purposes. The diversion tunnel runs mainly through formations of limestone, sandstone and diabase. Rock masses at the site were characterized using Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Mass Quality (Q), Rock Mass Index (RMi) and Geological Strength Index (GSI). RMR, Q, RMi and GSI were determined by using field data and mechanical properties of intact rock samples, measured in the laboratory. Support requirements for the planned diversion tunnel were determined accordingly in terms of the rock mass classification systems. Recommended support systems by empirical methods were also analyzed using 2D Finite Element method. Calculated parameters based on empirical methods were used as input parameters in the finite element models. The results from both methods were compared with each other. This comparison suggests that more reliable support design could be achieved by using the finite element method together with the empirical methods.     

Some Attempts for Estimating Rock Strength and Rock Mass Classification from Cutting Force and Investigation of Optimum Operation of Tunnel Boring Machines

Summary. Tunnel face and wall collapse are common during excavations performed by tunnel boring machines (TBMs) due to the difficulty of correctly identifying the properties of the excavated rock. This identification, however, can be simplified by using the cutting force to estimate rock strength, a method that has already proved quite successful in Japanese tunnel excavations. This paper summarizes knowledge relating to the cutting force obtained through tunnel excavation experience, and the relationship between rock strength and TBM operation is discussed. Although TBM operators rely on intuition to set the cutter head speed appropriately, this decision process represents a logical method of operation that takes advantage of the variable speed capability of the cutter head. Selection of appropriate support methods for the excavated face is also a critical issue in tunnel excavation. This selection process is based on the condition of the rock, which is difficult to determine quickly and accurately during tunnel excavation. The present paper uses the excavation of two tunnels to demonstrate that it is possible to assign rock mass classifications accurately based on rock strength when boring a uniform rock type. It is also shown that the rock mass can be classified from the rock strength normalized by the uniaxial compressive strength when boring through mixed rock types.     

Engineering geological studies of the diversion tunnel, focusing on stabilization analysis and support design, Iran

In this paper a detailed engineering geological assessment of rock masses and support design studies at Garmi Chay dam site, has been carried out. This project is located in the northwest of Iran and will be used for flow control and water storage. The diversion tunnel of the dam has a diameter of 5.5 m and a length of 420 m and will be driven in slightly to highly weathered micaschist and trachy andesite rock units. The geological studies include field and laboratory investigations that based on the results; for more exact investigation, tunnel alignment was divided into three geotechnical zones. These zones consist mainly of highly weathered gray micaschists, dark red trachy andesites and slightly weathered gray micaschists, respectively. Then, for every zone, support capacity of rock masses was evaluated by means of empirical and numerical methods. The rock mass classification systems (RMR, Q, GSI, RSR, SRC and RMi), the convergence–confinement method and a 2D finite element computer software, Phase² were used for empirical and numerical method, respectively. According to the results acquired from these methods some stability problems were expected in the tunnel especially in highly weathered micaschist zone, so that in practice two big collapses occurred. Because of high weathering, low constants of rock masses and their soil-like behavior, the stability analysis by analytical method does not give illogical results in lightly weathered micaschist zone. The support system, suggested by empirical method, was applied and its performance was evaluated by means of numerical modeling. After installation the support suggested by Phase² program, the thickness of plastic zone and deformations around the tunnel decreased significantly. Consequently the agreement of these methods with each other was resulted and using combination of them was recommended for more reliable support design.     

Estimation of the performance of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) using uniaxial compressive strength and rock mass rating classification (RMR)–A case study from the Deccan traps,India

The competency of any TBM in any geological condition is determined by a rock or rock mass breakage process. A 12.24 km long tunnel between Maroshi and Ruparel College was excavated by Brihanmumbai municipal corporation (BMC) to improve water supply system of greater Mumbai, India, using open-type hard rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs). In this paper an attempt has been made to establish the relationship between rock mass characteristics i.e. RMR and UCS of the Deccan trap rocks and TBMs performance characteristics for 5.83 km long Maroshi–Vakola tunnel section of the Maroshi–Ruparel college tunnel project. To analyze the effect of variable rock mass conditions on the TBM performance, the operating parameters i.e. thrust force, torque and RPM of the machine, were recorded and intact rock strength was determined. The effect of rock mass properties on machine penetration rate (PR) and the relation with other operational parameters were analyzed. The rock strength affects the rock behaviour under compression. When the rolling cutters indent the rock, the stress exerted must be higher than the rock strength i.e.; the rock strength is directly relevant to the performance of TBM. Studies show that the penetration rate decreases with increase in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). The comparison of measured penetration rate with empirical model developed by Graham, in which, the penetration rate is computed using UCS and average thrust per cutter, showed good agreement with coefficient of determination (R²), i.e. 0.97. The study shows that the TBM performance was maximum in rock mass rating (RMR) range from 40 to 75, while slower penetration was recorded both in very poor and very good rock masses.     

Application of Rock Mass Characterization for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Rock Mass: a Comparative Study

The results of geotechnical explorations, engineering geological investigation (including laboratory and in situ tests) and field observations have been used, along with borehole logging charts, to obtain the rock mass geotechnical data. Based on the data, the rock mass along the Sabzkuh water conveyance tunnel route was classified by rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system (Q), rock mass index (RMi) and geological strength index (GSI) (3 methods). A new series of correlations were established between the systems based on the data collected from the study area. These relationships were then compared with those reported in the literature, and two new relations were recommended. The classifications were utilized to calculate mechanical properties (rock mass strength and deformation modulus) of the rock mass along the tunnel according to available empirical relations, and to distinguish the upper-bound and lower-bound relations.     

莲花隧道软弱围岩大变形预测方法适用性评价研究

评估地质条件以及开挖风险是地下空间设计和施工中的重要阶段之一。在选择合适的开挖方法和支护系统时,识别和估计岩体的变形潜在趋势非常重要。在本研究中,对萍莲高速莲花隧道中的岩体变形潜在趋势进行了研究。首先介绍了莲花隧道的工程地质环境、隧道围岩工程特性、岩体质量评价以及现场实测的隧道变形情况,然后运用经验法和半经验-半理论法预测莲花隧道变形趋势,并将预测结果与实际变形监测情况进行对比。结果表明,莲花隧道的大变形主要受松散破碎、遇水膨胀的软弱围岩和丰富的地下与地表水以及断层破碎带与构造活动的影响。对于莲花隧道而言,现行大变形预测方法普遍存在一定问题:经验法主要依据岩体质量分级结果进行变形趋势预测,具有一定的主观性,其预测结果与实际变形情况存在一定偏差;半经验-半理论方法中运用围岩强度与应力关系进行预测效果较好,但基于围岩强度应力比的Jethwa法、Hoek法与ISRM法预测结果偏保守,且针对无变形段的预测效果较差。综上所述,在工程勘察与设计阶段,应客观、细致地进行围岩质量分级、地应力量测、地下水与地质构造勘探等工作,结合经验法、半经验-半理论方法对大变形趋势和变形量值进行预测,综合研判隧洞沿线变形趋势,为大变形支护结构设计、施工措施提供充分可靠的依据。     

统计岩体力学(SMRM)——岩体工程地质力学的传承与发展

本文是中国地质学会工程地质专业委员会和中国科学院页岩气与地质工程重点实验室第五届谷德振讲座主讲报告。本文简要回顾了谷德振先生岩体工程地质力学的核心价值和历史贡献,系统介绍了30年来统计岩体力学理论和应用技术探索对岩体工程地质力学的传承和发展。统计岩体力学借鉴经典统计物理学的思想方法,提出了岩体结构几何概率模型、断续介质连续等效的断裂力学能量原理、岩体结构-应力协同控制原理、岩体强度的弱环控制原理、断续裂隙网络渗流力学原理;建立了裂隙岩体本构模型、岩体全过程变形分析方法、高储能岩体特性与岩爆机理模型、圆形硐室围岩弹性变形解析解;发展了岩体数据现场采集技术与装备、全空间方向岩体结构参数、力学参数、渗透系数计算方法,以及各向异性岩体质量分级、工程岩体主动加固方法;开发了岩体工程参数计算系统和数值分析工具JointModel。统计岩体力学的建立对岩体工程地质力学和岩体力学理论与技术进步起到了重要的推进作用。     

Stability analysis of tunnels driven in jointed rocks by means of a homogenized limit analysis approach

Conceived as a potential alternative to the classical design methods employed for analyzing the stability of underground structures driven in jointed rocks, the homogenization approach stems from the heuristic idea that, from a macroscopic point of view, a rock mass cut by a network of joints may be perceived as a homogenized continuum. The strength properties of the latter can be theoretically obtained from the failure conditions of its individual constituents: rock matrix and joint interfaces. At the material level, the limit analysis reasoning is used in the context of homogenization to formulate the homogenized strength criterion of a jointed rock mass in the particular situation of a single set of parallel joints. As it could be expected, the obtained closed‐form expressions show the strength anisotropy induced by joint preferential orientation. The support functions (π functions) associated with the homogenized strength criterion are also determined in both plane strain and three‐dimensional cases. This criterion is then applied to the investigation of stability analysis of a tunnel excavated in a jointed rock mass. Upper bounds estimated of the stability factor are derived from the implementation of the kinematic approach directly on the homogenized underground structure. Finally, the approach is applied to analyze and discuss the collapse of the Pinheiros subway station (São Paulo, Brazil). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of the strain energy to estimate the rock load in squeezing ground condition of Eamzade Hashem tunnel in Iran

Estimation of rock load is a very important issue because the selection of a support system is highly related to this parameter. Several methods are used to estimate this parameter such as experimental, empirical, and numerical methods. This study propose a new empirical method to estimate the rock load in squeezing ground condition using actual collapses data of Emamzade Hashem tunnel of Iran based on the ration of the post-failure residual strain energy to the pre-failure stored strain energy. Prediction of squeezing ground condition in this study is performed based on Jethwa, Singh, and Hoek criterions. Results show that some sections in shale and sandstone of the Shemshak formation are prone to squeezing. Finally, the relation between the rock load and the ratio of the post-failure residual strain energy to the pre-failure stored strain energy, Ψ, in squeezing ground condition is estimated. Based on the statistical analysis, the maximum correlation between both parameters is achieved when Alejano’s equations are used to estimate the drop modulus. As the rock mass behavior changes from elastic–plastic to elastic–brittle, the drop modulus changes from 0 to infinite. The reason is that by increasing the quality of rock mass and reducing the minimum principal stresses, the ratio of post-failure residual strain energy to pre-failure stored strain energy and rock load height (H _p) reduce. So, regression analysis is used to investigate the relation between the rock load height and the ratio of post-failure residual strain energy to pre-failure stored strain energy, and finally, a formulation is presented to determine rock load height based on power function.     

Probabilistic analysis of three-dimensional tunnel face stability in soft rock masses using Hoek–Brown failure criterion

This paper investigates tunnel face stability in soft rock masses via coupled limit and reliability analyses. Specifically, a 3D face collapse mechanism was first constructed. Then the Hoek–Brown failure criterion was introduced into the limit analysis via the tangential technique. Taking the variability of rock mass parameters and loads into consideration, a reliability model was established. The collapse pressure and failure range of tunnel faces were determined. In addition, the required factor of safety (FS) and supporting pressure under three safety levels were obtained, and the corresponding safety level graphs for support design were presented. Comparison of the obtained results with previous work demonstrates the rationality of the 3D collapse mechanism and the validity of the results. A decrease in the geological strength index, Hoek–Brown parameter m_i, and uniaxial compressive strength or an increase in the disturbance factor results in a nonlinear increase of the collapse pressure and an enlargement of the failure zone. Such changes also lead to a nonlinear increase of the required support pressure under a certain safety level. By contrast, the FS does not exhibit any obvious change when these parameters vary. Therefore, when a rock mass is of poor quality or heavily disturbed, the advance support should be enlarged from upper front to right above the tunnel face. Moreover, as the safety level increases, both the required FS and supporting pressure of the tunnel face increase nonlinearly at a higher rate.     

工程岩爆灾害判别的RBF-AR耦合模型

岩爆是深部高地应力区地下岩体工程中的主要工程地质灾害之一,其发生及烈度预测是一个复杂的不确定系统问题。为了有效预测和判别深部工程岩爆灾害,在总体考虑岩爆各影响因素的基础上,选取地下工程中岩体完整性指数、岩石单轴抗压强度、岩石单轴抗拉强度、围岩最大切向应力、围岩抗压强度与其抗拉强度的比值、围岩切向应力与围岩抗压强度比值、弹性能量指数、岩爆倾向性指数作为岩爆预测的评判指标,提出了一种基于非线性参数优化的RBF-AR岩爆预测模型。在终南山隧道竖井岩爆判别中,利用RBF-AR法进行计算,计算结果与实际情况完全一致,表明该模型在岩爆预测中的可行性和有效性。     

Back analysis of an excavated slope failure in highly fractured rock mass: the case study of Kargar slope failure (Iran)

This paper examines the failure of Kargar cut slope located at the south part of Esfahan subway using analytical and numerical back analysis methods. The excavated trench has 27 m depth with near vertical walls due to the space limitation around it. The geology of the area comprises weathered and heavily jointed shale and sandstone overlaid by alluvium deposits. Despite the slope being supported by shotcrete and fully grouted rock bolts, a catastrophic failure occurred at the east wall. Due to the uncertainty about the causes of failure initiation, back analyses have been performed via both the limit equilibrium and numerical method for considering various probable mechanisms. In the back analysis with limit equilibrium method, the rock mass is assumed as an equivalent continuum and Hoek–Brown failure criterion and geological strength index (GSI) are applied to calculate the shear strength parameters. The results show that GSI value was 33 in the failed mass. In the numerical back analysis, the distinct element method is applied to study the contribution of rock joints to the failure and progressive rock mass strength degradation until failure. The results show that threshold values of joint cohesion and friction were 0.2 MPa and 30°, respectively. Also the modeled slip surface being step-shaped agrees with the observed one.     

Application of rock mass classifications: a case study from Ituango hydroelectric diversion tunnel,Colombia

ABSTRACT

The local site experience is a valuable component for the success of rock mass classification systems as tunnel design methods. The Ituango hydroelectric project is a very important source of information in order to evaluate the usefulness of the main rock mass classification systems. The objective of this research is to improve understanding of some important features of excavated rock mass, such as discontinuities, block size, shear strength and joint alteration, by analyzing some hundreds of data obtained during excavation cycle.

The field study included a survey of exposures after drilling and blasting rounds. Rock mass classification and support measures for each type of terrain along 1400 m tunnel were performed. The rock mass classes could be better explained if shear strength, alteration or block size is calculated. The assessment of these data allows evaluating the block fall risk, improving support and liner. A local correlation between the RMR and Q system was also obtained.     

An empirical method for design of grouted bolts in rock tunnels based on the Geological Strength Index (GSI)

The procedure presented in this paper has been developed for the design of grouted rock bolts in rock tunnels during preliminary design stage. The proposed approach provides a step-by-step procedure to set up a series of practical guidelines for optimum pattern of rock bolting in a variety of rock mass qualities. For this purpose, a new formula for the estimation of the rock load (support pressure) is recommended. Due to its wide-spread acceptance in the field of rock engineering, the Geological Strength Index (GSI) is adopted in support pressure equation. For poor and very poor rock mass where the GSI < 27, the use of Modified-GSI is, instead, recommended. The supporting action is assumed to be provided by rock bolts carrying a total load defined by the rock load height. The mechanism of bolting is assumed to rely on roof arch forming and suspension principle. Integrated with support pressure function, the bolt density parameter is modified in order to provide an optimized bolt pattern for any shape of tunnel. The modified bolt density can also be used in analysis of a reinforced tunnel in terms of Ground Reaction Curve (GRC) in such a way as to evaluate the reinforced rock mass and the tunnel convergence. By doing so, the effectiveness of the bolting pattern is well evaluated. The proposed approach based on GSI is believed to overcome constrains and limitations of existing empirical bolt design methods based on RMR or Q-system, which are doubtful in poor rock mass usage. The applicability of the proposed method is illustrated by the stability analysis and bolt design of a rail-road tunnel in Turkey.