Controls on the stability and inclinations of hillslopes formed on hard rock

In identifying controls on rock slope form a distinction is made between: (1) rock slopes with joints which dip steeply out of a cliff and hence are subject to mass failure of the rock mass above a critical joint; and (2) rock slopes with inclinations which are either in equilibrium with the mass strength of their rocks, or have profiles which will develop towards strength equilibrium as cross joints open. In the first class of slope, stability results not just from the basic frictional resistance of the rock but also from the frictional roughness along the critical joint and from the normal stress acting across that joint. Stability may be reduced by weathering and loss of strength of the joint wall rock. As a result of normal stress variations with depth, induced by overburdens, high cliffs which are not undercut have a concave profile. The second group of slopes includes those with inclinations controlled at the scale of individual joint blocks, buttressed slopes and those on unjointed rock masses. Buttressed and unjointed rock masses develop towards a condition of mass strength equilibrium as cross joints open. Strength equilibrium slopes may be recognized by application of a rock mass strength classification proposed for geomorphic purposes. Eleven propositions are formulated which identify controls on rock slope development and some consequences of these controls.     

THE TRANSIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC RESPONSE OF A POLARIZABLE SPHERE IN A CONDUCTING HALF SPACE1

A polarizable sphere embedded in a conducting half-space can give rise to negative voltage transients in a coincident-loop time-domain electromagnetic system. Such transients have been observed in field situations. Our results are obtained from a model in which the contributions of the host rock, the currents in the sphere, and the interaction between the sphere and the host rock are separated and superposed. This model uses approximations to the integral equation solutions rather than finite-element or finite-difference approximations, and so allows very rapid computation. The theoretical demonstration suggests that interpretation of the negative voltage transients as a polarization response is valid, but more detailed interpretation of polarization properties may not be possible, because the superposition of the polarization response on the normal response depends strongly on the position of the target.     

Dynamic behaviour of rocking two-block assemblies

The dynamic behaviour of systems consisting of two blocks, one placed on the top of the other, and free to rock without sliding, is examined in this analysis. The equations of motion for each ‘mode’ of vibration are derived and criteria for the initiation of rocking and the transition between modes are given. During vibration, the system continuously changes from one mode to another and this makes the response non-linear. This transition may be accompanied by impact, in which case dissipation of energy occurs, the amount of which depends on the relative velocities and the dimensions of the blocks. Also, redistribution of the kinetic energy of the system in the blocks happens. In most cases, the fractional contribution from the upper block to the system energy increases, which results in a larger and longer response of the top block, compared to the vibration of the lower one.     

Small-scale electrical resistivity tomography of wet fractured rocks

This paper describes a series of experiments that tested the ability of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method to locate correctly wet and dry fractures in a meso-scale model. The goal was to develop a method of monitoring the flow of water through a fractured rock matrix. The model was a four by six array of limestone blocks equipped with 28 stainless steel electrodes. Dry fractures were created by placing pieces of vinyl between one or more blocks. Wet fractures were created by injecting tap water into a joint between blocks. In electrical terms, the dry fractures are resistive and the wet fractures are conductive. The quantities measured by the ERT system are current and voltage around the outside edge of the model. The raw ERT data were translated to resistivity values inside the model using a three-dimensional Occam's inversion routine. This routine was one of the key components of ERT being tested. The model presented several challenges. First, the resistivity of both the blocks and the joints was highly variable. Second, the resistive targets introduced extreme changes the software could not precisely quantify. Third, the abrupt changes inherent in a fracture system were contrary to the smoothly varying changes expected by the Occam's inversion routine. Fourth, the response of the conductive fractures was small compared to the background variability. In general, ERT was able to locate correctly resistive fractures. Problems occurred, however, when the resistive fracture was near the edges of the model or when multiple fractures were close together. In particular, ERT tended to position the fracture closer to the model center than its true location. Conductive fractures yielded much smaller responses than the resistive case. A difference-inversion method was able to correctly locate these targets.     

岩石滞后非线性弹性响应的物理模型

介绍了岩石滞后非线性弹性的几个物理模型。赫兹颗粒接触模型是具有多尺度和滞后特性的经典模型,它预测了岩石中强烈的非线性;软的粘结系统几乎决定了岩石的力学性质,粘结系统中的流体对非线性响应的贡献特别显著,但是目前还没有搞清楚粘结系统和孔隙流体究竟是如何影响非线性响应的;GL模型是一个基于金属位错的物理模型,这是滞后动力行为方面一个开拓性的微观模型;PM模型是一个基于岩石细观尺度的唯象模型,它对理解岩石滞后非线性的机制和尺度是很重要的。     

Equivalent stationary motion and average response spectra

This study not only attempts to justify an equivalent stationary motion model, but also endeavours to illustrate its potentials as an attractive analysis tool. Using 38 ground accelerations recorded on rock sites as data base, this study first demonstrates that the equivalent stationary motions do give average response spectra compatible with real records. This study also shows that through the equivalent stationary model, a set of motions may be defined by specifying the joint distributions of the model parameters. Finally, by converting a relationship between earthquake magnitude and liquefaction potentials of ground motions, this study has derived normalized magnitude-dependent response spectra for rock sites.     

带纵向加强肋复合墙结构动力反应分析

采用脉动测试法测试带纵向加强肋复合墙结构示范工程房屋的动力特性,从而确定结构的自振频率;建立结构有限元数值模型,对该结构进行弹性及弹塑性时程分析,研究结构的动力反应,进而评估低层带纵向加强肋复合墙结构的抗震能力。动力反应分析结果表明:结构的破坏按先砌块后框格的顺序分阶段进行,带纵向加强肋复合墙结构具有两道抗震防线。结构变形以剪切变形为主,罕遇地震作用下结构损伤主要集中在门窗联肢墙体上,且门窗联肢墙体中窗洞两侧砌块的损伤程度最大,洞顶肋格砌块次之,洞底肋格砌块最小。最大层间位移角为1/773,结构表现出较强的抗倒塌能力。     

Static and dynamic analysis on slope stability using a DFN-DEM approach on the right abutment of the Karun 4 dam

Uncertainty in input fracture geometric parameters during analysis of the stability of jointed rock slopes is inevitable and therefore the stochastic discrete fracture network (DFN) — distinct element method (DEM) is an efficient modeling tool. In this research, potentially unstable conditions are detected in the right abutment of the Karun 4 dam and downstream of the dam body as a case study. Two extreme states with small and relatively large block sizes are selected and a series of numerical DEM models are generated using a number of validated DFN models. Stability of the rock slope is assessed in both static and dynamic loading states. Based on the design basis earthquake (DBE) and maximum credible earthquake (MCE) expected in the dam site, histories of seismic waves are applied to analyze the stability of the slope in dynamic earthquake conditions. The results indicate that a MCE is likely to trigger sliding of rock blocks on the rock slope major joint. Furthermore, the dynamic analysis also shows a local block failure by the DBE, which can consequently lead to slope instability over the long term. According to the seismic behavior of the two models, larger blocks are prone to greater instability and are less safe against earthquakes.

     

Nonlinear earthquake analysis of high arch dam–water–foundation rock systems

A nonlinear finite element model for earthquake response analysis of arch dam–water–foundation rock systems is proposed in this paper. The model includes dynamic dam–water and dam–foundation rock interactions, the opening of contraction joints, the radiation damping of semi‐unbounded foundation rock, the compressibility of impounded water, and the upstream energy propagating along the semi‐unbounded reservoir. Meanwhile, a new equivalent force scheme is suggested to achieve free‐field input in the model. The effects of the earthquake input mechanism, joint opening, water compressibility, and radiation damping on the earthquake response of the Ertan arch dam (240 m high) in China are investigated using the proposed model. The results show that these factors significantly affect the earthquake response of the Ertan arch dam. Such factors should therefore be considered in the earthquake response analysis and earthquake safety evaluation of high arch dams. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Weathering and erosion of fractured bedrock systems

We explore the contribution of fractures (joints) in controlling the rate of weathering advance for a low‐porosity rock by using methods of homogenization to create averaged weathering equations. The rate of advance of the weathering front can be expressed as the same rate observed in non‐fractured media (or in an individual block) divided by the volume fraction of non‐fractured blocks in the fractured parent material. In the model, the parent has fractures that are filled with a more porous material that contains only inert or completely weathered material. The low‐porosity rock weathers by reaction‐transport processes. As observed in field systems, the model shows that the weathering advance rate is greater for the fractured as compared to the analogous non‐fractured system because the volume fraction of blocks is < 1. The increase in advance rate is attributed both to the increase in weathered material that accompanies higher fracture density, and to the increase in exposure of surface of low‐porosity rock to reaction‐transport. For constant fracture aperture, the weathering advance rate increases when the fracture spacing decreases. Equations describing weathering advance rate are summarized in the ‘List of selected equations’. If erosion is imposed at a constant rate, the weathering systems with fracture‐bounded bedrock blocks attain a steady state. In the erosional transport‐limited regime, bedrock blocks no longer emerge at the air‐regolith boundary because they weather away. In the weathering‐limited (or kinetic) regime, blocks of various size become exhumed at the surface and the average size of these exposed blocks increases with the erosion rate. For convex hillslopes, the block size exposed at the surface increases downslope. This model can explain observations of exhumed rocks weathering in the Luquillo mountains of Puerto Rico. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA     

Design of a model blasting system to measure peak p-wave stress

Literature review information and model scale rock blasting tests have been utilized to study the effects of some blast and fragmentation parameters on peak p-wave stress. A method for modelling scaled blasting in sandstone blocks with dimensions 515×335×215 mm³ has been presented. The dynamic and static properties of the sandstone are given. The results from model blasting experiments instrumented with pressure gauges are discussed. It is also shown there exists a useful correlation between blast, fragmentation parameters and peak p-wave stress.     

岩体准静态运动失稳的 CUSP 型突变模型

为了研究岩体在水平力(N)和垂直力(P)作用下运动的稳定性问题,本文对简化的岩体系统建立了突变理论模型,用以定量描述引起运动失稳的应力条件.文中导出了系统的总势能函数表达式,证明了该系统可由 CUSP 型突变模型描述,确定了N-P 控制空间中使系统失去稳定平衡的分叉集 B.得到的主要结果是:对 N-P 控制空间中使岩体运动保持稳定平衡和失稳的区域进行了划分;分析了作用力的渐变导致状态突变的过程,和点(N,P)在控制空间的运动途径对岩体运动稳定性的影响;讨论了势能发生突变时,所要求的应力变化量级.并根据这些初步结果,讨论了地震过程的某些现象.     

The three-dimensional dynamic displacement discontinuity method: Theory and applications

A boundary element technique has been developed for solving three-dimensional elastodynamic problems in rock mechanics, such as joint slip and the sudden advance of excavations. Both implicit and explicit versions of the technique have been implemented. Comparisons of accuracy and computational efficiency are made for a simple verification problem. Examples in which the technique has been used to investigate the dynamic response of supported and unsupported excavations in tabular orebodies are presented.     

Sandstone response to salt weathering following simulated fire damage: a comparison of the effects of furnace heating and fire

Fire has long been recognized as an agent of rock weathering. Our understanding of the impact of fire on stone comes either from early anecdotal evidence, or from more recent laboratory simulation studies, using furnaces to simulate the effects of fire. This paper suggests that knowledge derived from simulated heating experiments is based on the pre‐conceptions of the experiment designer – when using a furnace to simulate fire, the operator decides on the maximum temperature and the duration of the experiment. These are key factors in determining the response of the stone to fire, and if these are removed from real‐world observations then knowledge based on these simulations must be questioned. To explore the differences between heating sandstone in a furnace and a real fire, sample blocks of Peakmoor Sandstone were subjected to different stress histories in combination (lime rendering and removal, furnace heating or fire, frost and salt weathering). Block response to furnace heating and fire is discussed, with emphasis placed on the non‐uniformity of the fire and of block response to fire in contrast to the uniform response to surface heating in a furnace. Subsequent response to salt weathering (by a 10% solution of sodium chloride and magnesium sulphate) was then monitored by weight loss. Blocks that had experienced fire showed a more unpredictable response to salt weathering than those that had undergone furnace heating – spalling of corners and rapid catastrophic weight loss were evidenced in blocks that had been subjected to fire, after periods of relative quiescence. An important physical side‐effect of the fire was soot accumulation, which created a waxy, relatively impermeable layer on some blocks. This layer repelled water and hindered salt ingress, but eventually detached when salt, able to enter the substrate through more permeable areas, concentrated and crystallized behind it, resulting in rapid weight loss and accelerated decay. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rock creep and the development of the Niagara cuesta

This work addresses the post‐glacial development of the Niagara Escarpment, specifically the east‐facing scarp slopes between Hamilton and Collingwood. The escarpment is one of a series of scarps that shape the Great Lakes Basin. One interpretation suggests that the escarpment has evolved through homoclinal recession to the west. It is therefore viewed as an erosional feature brought about due to fluvial action on the weaker shale formations that underlie the cap rock. However, the deposition of large amounts of drift during the Pleistocene glaciation has resulted in the disruption of the preglacial drainage pattern within the Great Lakes Basin. Therefore, the current drainage is typically orthogonal to the scarp face with an absence of fluvial action along the base. Consequently, the cuesta is experiencing an extremely slow rate of retreat. Conventional thinking on the evolution of the present morphology suggests that it developed rapidly following deglaciation due to periglacial processes. The concept of the escarpment as a relict feature during the Holocene therefore pervades the modern literature. However, the cambering of the cap rock towards the scarp face and the apparent motion of individual joint‐bounded blocks indicates that in the absence of exogenetic processes, a slow development due to endogenetic processes has dominated the modern development of the escarpment. It has been proposed that the present morphology of the cliffed sections may be due to deformation within the shale layers. In order to test this hypothesis, the rheology of the rocks that form the escarpment was tested and compared to the gravitational stresses that would be expected within the rock mass. The results indicate that the compressive strength of the shale layers of the Cabot Head Formation is lower than the expected effective stresses. It is therefore concluded that in the absence of high confining stresses, as would be expected near the cliff face, slow plastic deformation within this formation is occurring. The morphological expression of this deformation is seen in the cambering of the escarpment, the dilation of pre‐existing joints, and the rotation of joint‐bounded blocks. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the similarity in the formation mechanism of the fracture structure of a rock massif

Local segments of the Earth’s crust reside at the mechanical nonequilibrium and continuously obtain and dissipate mechanical energy. The energy exchange between the structural elements of a geophysical medium determines its state, especially if the medium is fragmented into blocks. The stationary state of a rock differs from its static equilibrium by the fact that the mechanical energy is conserved because the energy input is equal to the energy dissipation. From this point of view, the cracks, the faults, and the block structure are not simply the manifestations of rock destruction, but rather the mode of existence of a medium with large irreversible deformations. Then, the fracture structure, whose formation is actually a response of a rock to large irreversible deformation, becomes, in terms of physics, the characteristic of the state of a geophysical medium; for example, it allows one to assess the parameters of the deformation processes during the period of formation of the fracture structure. The present paper addresses the identification of the features of the fracture structure in geological objects of different scales.     

地质条件对隧道地震响应的影响因素研究

地质条件对隧道的地震响应的影响因素研究,目前已有较多研究者开展,但多数研究者关注单因素研究,但对多因素及各因素间相互作用关注较少.本文以华丽高速公路典型隧道为工程背景,将其抽象为数值算例,并基于正交设计及均匀设计等试验方法,分别研究地质条件中岩体的力学效应、应力状态效应、结构面的力学效应对隧道的影响.研究结果表明:对于...     

震后地下岩层分形渗透率的时间演化规律研究

天然地震发生后,地震波及区域内的地下岩层渗透率常常会发生显著改变,其变化曲线显示出独有的特征,造成这一现象的机理较为复杂,传统渗流理论尚不能给出合理解释.针对这一问题,从震后渗透率变化规律入手,深入分析了地下岩层裂缝体系对渗透率的影响,给出了裂缝结构参数与渗透率之间的定量关系.结合岩层黏弹特性以及天然地震所产生的地下岩层体应变特征,基于裂缝体系分维度正比于外部应力的实验事实,将黏弹体应力松弛机制引入该体系,对裂缝分形渗透率模型进行了含时推广,建立起震后地下岩层渗透率的时间演化模型,理论预测曲线与实验曲线吻合较好.在此基础上提出‘分形裂缝渗透率松弛效应’这一全新概念.本研究为震控流体运移研究提供了新思路,对于揭示震后断层恢复机制,探讨断层活动与孕震的关联有一定的理论价值和现实意义.

     

Seismic performance of an existing bridge with scoured caisson foundation

A three-dimensional rigid body on the shape of a parallelepiped is modelled in order to rock on a side or a vertex of the base,in order to evaluate the seismic response of rigid blocks lying on a horizontal support.The center of mass of the body is considered as eccentric with respect to its geometric center.As seismic input,three Italian recorded accelerograms,with different spectral content,are used.The study is mainly conducted to highlight the differences between the seismic response of 2D and 3D models of rigid blocks,with the aim to understand if,in some cases,the use of the 3D model of rigid block is required to obtain safer results.In fact,the outcomes show that in some ranges of the geometrical and mechanical parameters that characterize the excitation and the body,a two-dimensional model,which is not able to consider the 3D rocking on a vertex,can provide unsafe results.In particular,it is found that the overturning process of the three-dimensional block can occur under excitations which are lower than those which overturn a corresponding two-dimensional block.