RockGIS: a GIS-based model for the analysis of fragmentation in rockfalls

A rockfall is a mass instability event frequently observed in road cuts, open pit mines and quarries, steep slopes and cliffs. After its detachment, the rock mass may disaggregate and break due to the impact with the ground surface, thus producing new rock fragments. The consideration of the fragmentation of the rockfall mass is critical for the calculation of the trajectories of the blocks and the impact energies and for the assessment of the potential damage and the design of protective structures. In this paper, we present RockGIS, a GIS-based tool that simulates stochastically the fragmentation of the rockfall, based on a lumped mass approach. In RockGIS, the fragmentation is triggered by the disaggregation of the detached rock mass through the pre-existing discontinuities just before the impact with the ground. An energy threshold is defined in order to determine whether the impacting blocks break or not. The distribution of the initial mass between a set of newly generated rock fragments is carried out stochastically following a power law. The trajectories of the new rock fragments are distributed within a cone. The fragmentation model has been calibrated and tested with a 10,000 m³ rockfall that took place in 2011 near Vilanova de Banat, Eastern Pyrenees, Spain.     

A fractal fragmentation model for rockfalls

The impact-induced rock mass fragmentation in a rockfall is analyzed by comparing the in situ block size distribution (IBSD) of the rock mass detached from the cliff face and the resultant rockfall block size distribution (RBSD) of the rockfall fragments on the slope. The analysis of several inventoried rockfall events suggests that the volumes of the rockfall fragments can be characterized by a power law distribution. We propose the application of a three-parameter rockfall fractal fragmentation model (RFFM) for the transformation of the IBSD into the RBSD. A discrete fracture network model is used to simulate the discontinuity pattern of the detached rock mass and to generate the IBSD. Each block of the IBSD of the detached rock mass is an initiator. A survival rate is included to express the proportion of the unbroken blocks after the impact on the ground surface. The model was calibrated using the volume distribution of a rockfall event in Vilanova de Banat in the Cadí Sierra, Eastern Pyrenees, Spain. The RBSD was obtained directly in the field, by measuring the rock block fragments deposited on the slope. The IBSD and the RBSD were fitted by exponential and power law functions, respectively. The results show that the proposed fractal model can successfully generate the RBSD from the IBSD and indicate the model parameter values for the case study.     

高静载条件下受频繁动力扰动时蛇纹岩动力学特性研究

基于改进的分离式霍普金森压杆（SHPB）岩石动静组合加载试验系统,进行了在不同静力轴压条件下受频繁动力扰动作用的动力学试验,研究蛇纹岩在高静载下受频繁冲击扰动过程中的动态变形特性、动态峰值应力和应变、能量变化规律和岩石破坏模式等动力学特性。研究结果表明：高静载条件下受频繁冲击扰动作用时,在动态峰值应力前,动态应力与应变呈正相关关系,而在动态峰值应力后,出现变形回弹和不回弹两种现象;随着动力扰动次数的增加,岩石动态峰值应力减小、动态峰值应变增大、动态变形模量减小、岩石由释放能量向吸收能量方向转化;随着预加静力轴压的增大,单次冲击过程中岩石损伤加剧,岩石破坏需要的扰动冲击次数减少,同时岩石由拉伸破坏模式向压剪破坏模式转变,破坏块度由小变大、均匀度降低。试验结果对揭示深部岩体承受高地应力和频繁开挖爆破等动力扰动作用下的破坏机制具有重要意义,同时为工程实际中通过调整围岩静应力状态和爆破以提高围岩长期稳定性的可行性提供了室内试验支持。     

Perforation of Flexible Rockfall Barriers by Normal Block Impact

Flexible rockfall barriers are a common form of protection against falling blocks of rock and rock fragments (rockfall). These barriers consist of a system of cables, posts, and a mesh, and their capacity is typically quantified in terms of the threshold of impact (kinetic) energy at which the barrier fails. This threshold, referred to here as the “critical energy,” is often regarded as a constant. However, several studies have pointed out that there is no single representative value of critical energy for a given barrier. Instead, the critical energy decreases as the block size decreases, a phenomenon referred to as the “bullet effect.” In this paper, we present a simple analytical model for determining the critical energy of a flexible barrier. The model considers a block that impacts normally and centrally on the wire mesh, and rather than incorporate the structural details of the cables and posts explicitly, the supporting elements are replaced by springs of representative stiffness. The analysis reveals the dependence of the critical energy on the block size, as well as other relevant variables, and it provides physical insight into the impact problem. For example, it is shown that bending of the wire mesh during impact reduces the axial force that can be sustained within the wires, thus reducing the energy that can be absorbed. The formulas derived in the paper are straightforward to use, and the analytical predictions compare favorably with data available in the literature.     

Rock 14318: A polymict lunar breccia with chondritic texture

Rock 14318 is a complex microbreccia consisting of lithic fragments, chondrules, glass spherules, and glass and mineral fragments that are embedded into a fine-grained, partly glassy matrix. Rock fragmenta, chondrules, and glasses are tightly welded to the matrix and partly recrystallized, indicating a relatively high-temperature agglomeration history. Few lithic fragments have igneous textures; most are miorobreccias that have suffered various degrees of recrystallization before they were embedded into rock 14318. Compositions of lithic fragments, glasses and chondrules, in terms of compositional rock and rock suite equivalents, represent members of the ANT (anorthositic-noritic-troctolite) suite; the alkalic high-alumina basalt (KREEP) group; high-alkali quartz basalt; basalt; and dunite. The polymict nature of many lithic fragments suggests that rook 14318 require at least two, and probably more, impact episodes for its formation. Final agglomeration took place while part of the material was hot, as is indicated by the welded texture, suggesting that the final impact event was a large one, producing a fiery cloud similar to a nuée ardente. The close similarity in texture of lunar rock 14318 to certain polymict-brecciated meteorites such as Siena suggests that meteorites of this type were also formed by complex and successive impact events on the surface of the meteorite parent body, rather than during agglomeration of the parent body.     

岩石碎裂作用的分形尺度(英文)

各种各样的统计幂定律关系经常成功地被用来描述碎屑大小分布和断口形状 (不平整度 )的分级规律 ,表明碎裂作用是一种尺度不变的作用过程。一条新的有关岩石碎裂作用破裂能量的尺度律 ,可以由分形几何以及Griffith能量平衡的概念推导出来 ,而且它与先前三条关于大小缩减或Hall Petch关系的理论是相一致的。从材料强度的观点来看 ,断口形状的分形维数是形状因子和岩石Weibull均质系数的函数。在任何一次采集中 ,如果碎屑都是致密压实的 ,那么大小分布和碎屑不平整度的分形维数是相同的。然而有些地壳碎屑在三维体积上已不再是致密压实的 ,破裂的地壳可被当作分形的多孔物质来处理。在此情况下 ,地壳碎屑形状的分形容量与地壳断口大小分布的分形维数相关 ,可以预期 ,在大地构造及地震强度的分形分析中 ,地壳断口大小分布的分形维数可作为断裂制约条件之一。     

The Development of a new Numerical Modelling Approach for Naturally Fractured Rock Masses

Summary. An approach for modelling fractured rock masses has been developed which has two main objectives: to maximise the quality of representation of the geometry of existing rock jointing and to use this within a loading model which takes full account of this style of jointing. Initially the work has been applied to the modelling of mine pillars and data from the Middleton Mine in the UK has been used as a case example. However, the general approach is applicable to all aspects of rock mass behaviour including the stress conditions found in hangingwalls, tunnels, block caving, and slopes. The rock mass fracture representation was based on a combination of explicit mapping of rock faces and the synthesis of this data into a three-dimensional model, based on the use of the FracMan computer model suite. Two-dimensional cross sections from this model were imported into the finite element computer model, ELFEN, for loading simulation. The ELFEN constitutive model for fracture simulation includes the Rotating Crack, and Rankine material models, in which fracturing is controlled by tensile strength and fracture energy parameters. For tension/compression stress states, the model is complemented with a capped Mohr-Coulomb criterion in which the softening response is coupled to the tensile model. Fracturing due to dilation is accommodated by introducing an explicit coupling between the inelastic strain accrued by the Mohr-Coulomb yield surface and the anisotropic degradation of the mutually orthogonal tensile yield surfaces of the rotating crack model. Pillars have been simulated with widths of 2.8, 7 and 14 m and a height of 7 m (the Middleton Mine pillars are typically 14 m wide and 7 m high). The evolution of the pillar failure under progressive loading through fracture extension and creation of new fractures is presented, and pillar capacities and stiffnesses are compared with empirical models. The agreement between the models is promising and the new model provides useful insights into the influence of pre-existing fractures. Further work is needed to consider the effects of three-dimensional loading and other boundary condition problems.     

Fragmentation Energy in Rock Blasting

The theoretical explosive energy used in blasting is a common issue in many recent research works (Spathis 1999; Sanchidrian 2003). It is currently admitted that the theoretical available energy of the explosives is split into several parts during a blast: seismic, kinetic, backbreaks, heave, heat and fragmentation energies. Concerning this last one, the energy devoted to the breakage and to the creation of blocks within the muckpile can be separated from the microcracking energy which is devoted to developing new and/or extending existing micro cracks within the blocks (Hamdi et al. 2001; López et al. 2002). In order to investigate these two types of energy, a first and important task is to precisely study the main parameters characterising the two constitutive elements of the rock mass (rock matrix and discontinuity system). This should provide useful guidelines for the choice of the blasting parameters (type of explosive, blasting pattern, etc.), in order to finally control the comminution process. Within the frame of the EU LESS FINES research project, devoted to the control of fines production, the methodology was developed in order to: (1) characterize the in situ rock mass, by evaluating the density, anisotropy, interconnectivity and fractal dimension of the discontinuity system and (2) evaluate fragmentation (both micro and macro) energy spent during the blasting operation. The methodology was applied to three production blasts performed in the Klinthagen quarry (Sweden) allowing to estimate the part of the fragmentation energy devoted to the formation of muck pile blocks on one side and to the muckpile blocks microcracking on the other side.     

现代破岩方法综述

随着现代科学技术的发展 ,岩石破碎的方法和技术出现了一些新的发展趋势。一般地 ,破岩方法可分为机械能破岩和热能破岩 2种。介绍了几种现代破岩方法等离子体破岩、电子束破岩、激光破岩、微波破岩、热力综合破岩、射弹冲击破岩 ,以及它们的特点。     

A Method to Estimate In Situ Block Size Distribution

This paper presents a new technique for estimating the in situ block size distribution in a jointed rock mass. The technique is based on Monte Carlo simulations using more realistic fracture geometry as its input compared to other block size estimation methods described in the literature. This geometry represents fractures as either polygons or triangulated surfaces and therefore models persistence and truncation of fractures accurately. Persistence has been shown to be critically important for the accurate prediction of block size and shape. We show that for rock masses with relatively small discontinuities, the results of our predictions differ markedly from previous methods which over-predict fragmentation.     

含预制裂纹的脆性岩石单轴压缩下渐进性破坏过程的试验研究

对含预制裂纹的花岗岩进行单轴压缩试验研究预制裂纹倾角α对脆性岩石渐进性破坏过程的影响。首先埘破坏过程的轴向应力-横向应变曲线进行总结和讨论,然后分析预制裂纹与加载方向夹角α埘岩石的应应力门槛值：裂纹起始应力σci、裂纹扩展应力σed、峰值强度矿σf,由应变片记录的应力-应变曲线和试样的表嘶裂纹扩展情况的影响机制。结果表明,含有预制裂纹的岩石试样进行加载试验过程中,顶制裂纹倾角α的变化成了决定脆性岩石破裂办式的主要因素。故在对含节理、裂隙的脆性岩石的工程应用上,通过对岩休的轴向应力-横向应变向应变典线进行分析,可以对地下开挖工程起到指导设计开挖方式及支护形式的作用。     

Analysis of the Effect of Borehole Size on Explosive Energy Loss in Rock Blasting

In this paper, studies were conducted on the effect of borehole size on explosive energy loss in rock blasting. Since most industrial explosives are nonideal ones, the charge size and the confinement condition have significant impact on the detonation performance of these explosives. Analyses indicated that smaller boreholes will cause more loss of explosive energy than larger ones. This is especially true for most industrial explosives. The paper presents the analyses of energy loss for a number of different explosives with various borehole sizes. Based on these analyses recommendations and guidelines were given for borehole size determination in rock blasting operations.     

块系岩体滑移失稳中低摩擦效应的理论与试验研究

深部岩体具有块状层次结构,深部动载造成岩块发生相互间的振动脱离产生低摩擦效应,从而极易诱发原先处于平衡状态的岩体的动力变形破坏。在前人研究基础上,将块系岩体振动简化为等效质量-黏弹性模型,引入岩石摩擦滑移速率弱化模式,最终得到块系岩体滑移失稳计算模型。通过计算分析块系岩体自身特性及外荷载特性对岩块间低摩擦效应的影响。理论计算表明：水平静力及外扰动保持不变,增大岩块间弹性系数或者减小黏性系数,更容易引发岩体低摩擦滑移。随着冲击扰动、水平拉力幅值的增加,岩块的水平残余位移量值增加,当它们幅值超过一临界值时,岩块发生自持续滑移失稳运动。冲击扰动诱发岩块间不可逆位移、动力滑移失稳的临界能量与剪切力水平密切相关,在较大的剪切内力条件下,极其微弱的动力扰动即可诱发较大的岩块间不可逆位移甚至岩块的动力滑移失稳,随着剪切内力的减小,诱发岩块滑移失稳的能量阈值不断增大,当剪切内力低于岩块动摩擦强度时,单次冲击扰动只能诱发岩块间的不可逆位移。初步开展扰动诱发含初应力紫砂岩块体滑移试验,试验结果与理论计算基本符合,证明该模型的可行性。     

Fracture Initiation and Propagation in a Brazilian Disc with a Plane Interface: a Numerical Study

In the present study, fracture initiation and propagation from a pre-existing plane interface in a Brazilian disc is investigated using a finite-discrete element combined method. Different fracture patterns, depending on the frictional resistance of the pre-existing crack or interface, are observed from the numerical simulation. It is found that when there is no or very little frictional resistance on the surfaces of the pre-existing crack, the primary fractures (wing cracks), which are tensile in nature and are at roughly right angles to the pre-existing crack, start from the tips of the pre-existing crack. As the friction coefficient increases, the wing cracks’ initiation locations deviate from the crack tips and move toward the disc center. Secondary fractures, which are also tensile in nature, initiate from the disc boundary and occur only when the length of the pre-existing crack is sufficiently long. The secondary fractures are roughly sub-parallel to the pre-existing crack. The failure load is found to be influenced by the friction coefficient of the pre-existing crack. A 38 % failure load increase can result when the friction coefficient changes from 0 to 1. A good understanding of the fracture initiation and propagation in the forms of primary and secondary fractures provides insight into explaining some fracture patterns observed underground.     

On the Effect of Thermally Induced Stresses in Failures of Some Rock Slopes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Previous studies have indicated that many rock slope failures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, occur during relatively dry periods when there is little, if any, rainfall. In the present paper, we describe these events and propose possible mechanisms for their occurrence. It is believed that daily fluctuations in temperature may create thermally induced stresses of enough magnitude to propagate fractures already existing in the rock mass. Laboratory experiments were conducted in order to measure temperature variations in a fractured rock system. Using the experimentally obtained data, we carried out numerical analyses in order to verify whether temperature-related stresses were indeed able to propagate fractures existing in the rock mass. The results obtained indicate that cycles of temperature change over time, especially during the colder months of the year can indeed create stress conditions in the rock mass able to propagate existing non-persistent joints, and ultimately lead to failure of the rock slope.     

刃具斜切入破岩的试验与研究

介绍了刃具斜切入破岩的试验装置及试验结果，推导出了跃进载荷的计算公式，并对试验结果进行了理论分析，探讨了影响刃具侵入岩石难易的因素和影响破岩比功大小的因素。     

某电站地下厂房裂隙发育规律及其对围岩稳定性的影响

裂隙岩体内的洞室围岩块体稳定问题是抽水蓄能电站地下厂房建设中要解决的重要工程地质问题。为了在厂房开挖之前较准确地预测不稳定块体的发育位置,本文以某抽水蓄能电站为例,对厂房探洞内的裂隙进行统计分析,结合厂房区构造断层的发育情况,确定了裂隙发育规律;根据裂隙发育规律将厂房区岩体划分为A、B、C、D、E 5个构造分区;并利用Unwedge程序,以各分区裂隙组合为基础,确定可能形成的块体位置,评价了其稳定性状况。研究结果表明,裂隙受多期构造控制,在一定范围内具有方向性,A、E区优势裂隙与构造产状接近,B、C、D区优势裂隙与构造产状斜交;裂隙在厂房上、下游侧边墙各形成6处潜在不稳定块体,顶拱处形成10处潜在不稳定块体,右端墙处形成1处潜在不稳定块体。     

基于连续-非连续方法的裂隙破坏与相互作用研究

岩体内裂隙等非连续结构面对岩体的强度及变形等力学特性有着显著的影响,研究岩体裂隙起裂、扩展、相互作用和贯通机制,对工程岩体力学行为的表征和工程性能的评价十分重要。本文基于连续介质力学模型的离散元方法,通过考虑裂隙分布、模型加载条件及其与裂隙产状的关系,建立了一系列裂隙力学计算模型,研究了不同模型裂隙扩展演化特征和岩体破裂机制,分析了岩体裂隙扩展规律及其对岩体破坏路径和强度的影响,研究结果表明:（1）裂隙岩体模型加载条件下的破坏起裂点、最终贯通破坏特征及损伤分布受控于裂隙的产状及其与最大主压应力取向角度大小及围压大小。（2）裂隙弱面走向与最大主压应力取向斜交时,裂隙弱面在加载条件下其端部裂隙扩展、贯通破坏表现比较明显,反之,当裂隙弱面走向与最大主压应力取向一致时,裂隙弱面被动影响裂隙模型内新生裂隙的萌生、扩展和贯通模式,自身未出现新的扩展破坏。（3）裂隙数目的增多和围压的增大会显著增加模型内部剪切裂缝的数量和模型破坏后的破碎程度,模型内部的损伤区域主要围绕破裂面呈滑移线型交叉分布,非破裂面区域损伤呈条带状X型分布。（4）裂隙弱面走向与最大主压应力取向斜交时,裂隙对岩体模型强度的弱化程度高于裂隙弱面走向与最大主压应力取向一致的情况,而裂隙模型破坏后的残余强度则正好相反。     

The Planar Shape of Rock Joints

Knowing the planar shape of discontinuities is important when characterizing discontinuities in a rock mass. However, the real discontinuity shape is rarely known, since the rock mass is usually inaccessible in three dimensions. Information on discontinuity shape is limited and often open to more than one interpretation. This paper discusses the planar shape of rock joints, the most common discontinuities in rock. First, a brief literature review about the shape of joints is presented, including some information on joint-surface morphology, inferences from observed trace lengths on different sampling planes, information based on experimental studies, and joint shapes assumed by different researchers. This review shows that joints not affected by adjacent geological structures such as bedding boundaries or pre-existing fractures tend to be elliptical (or approximately circular but rarely). Joints affected by or intersecting such geological structures tend to be rectangular. Then, using the general stereological relationship between trace length distributions and joint size distributions developed by Zhang et al. (Geotechnique 52(6):419–433, 2002) for elliptical joints, the effect of sampling plane orientation on trace lengths is investigated. This study explains why the average trace lengths of non-equidimensional (elliptical or similar polygonal) joints on two sampling planes can be about equal and thus the conclusion that rock joints are equidimensional (circular) drawn from the fact that the average trace lengths on two sampling planes are approximately equal can be wrong. Finally, methods for characterizing the shape and size of joints (elliptical or rectangular) from trace length data are recommended, and the appropriateness of using elliptical joint shapes to represent polygonal, especially rectangular, joints is discussed.     

浅埋煤层开采地面塌陷裂缝规律及防治方法

陕北浅埋煤层大规模、高强度开采诱发了严重的地面塌陷,造成大面积土地损毁、水土流失和植被死亡,导致表生环境出现退化。为掌握浅埋煤层开采地面塌陷裂缝发育规律,明晰其机理,提出适宜的治理恢复措施,实现“煤?水?生态”的协调发展,以陕北张家峁井田和柠条塔井田为研究区,采用实地调查、模拟实验和理论分析相结合的方法开展了浅埋煤层开采地面塌陷规律及防治方法研究。结果表明:浅埋煤层开采地表裂缝呈“O”型展布,静态发育特征与采高和地形地貌呈正相关关系、与采深呈负相关关系,且同一工作面切眼附近地表裂缝发育程度最高、巷道次之、面内最低;地表裂缝具有“先开后(半)合”和“只开不合”2种活动特征,整体活动时间为4~9 d,活动期间裂缝初始开裂宽度与最大发育宽度呈线性正相关关系,与稳定宽度呈线性和指数2种正相关关系;黄土沟壑区下坡段开采地表裂缝活动与表土块体的稳定性系数有关,而稳定系数与坡角呈负相关的一次幂函数,与主裂缝间距呈正相关的一次幂函数。上坡段开采坡体裂缝“先开后(半)合”活动受岩块倒转和坡体滑移双重控制,面内沟底裂缝“先开后合”的活动特征受关键岩层运移控制。研究提出了黄土沟壑区沟底贯通型裂缝“裂缝填充+沟道恢复”、坡体裂缝 “裂缝充填+微地形改造”的治理方法和风沙滩地塌陷区的“三圈”修复模式。研究成果在陕北安山煤矿和柠条塔煤矿进行了应用,效果良好。