Modelling rock fracturing and blast-induced rock mass failure via advanced discretisation within the discontinuous deformation analysis framework

Rock mass failure is a particularly complex process that involves the opening and sliding of existing discontinuities and the fracturing of the intact rock. This paper adopts an advanced discretisation approach to simulate rock failure problems within the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) framework. The accuracy of this approach in continuum analysis is verified first. Then, the advanced discretisation approach for fracturing modelling is presented, and the discretisation strategy is discussed. Sample rock static failures are simulated and the results are compared with experimental results. Thereafter, with a generalised definition of the artificial joints, this approach is further extended and applied in the simulation of blast-induced rock mass failures in which the instant explosion gas pressure obtained by the detonation pressure equation of state is loaded on the main blast chamber walls and the induced surrounding connected fracture surfaces. In the simulation instance of rock mass cast blasting, the whole process, including the blast chamber expansion, explosion gas penetration, rock mass failure and cast, and the formation of the final blasting pile, is wholly reproduced.     

Fracture plane control in rock blasting

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3D numerical model for dynamic loading-induced multiple fracture zones around underground cavity faces

Three dimensional numerical modelling was used to examine the fracture responses around cavities in rock masses experiencing the stress of excavation. In addition to the primary fracture zone in the near-field, numerical modelling generated a second fracture zone in the far-field and an elastic non-fracture zone between the two fields, i.e., fracture and non-fracture zones occurred alternately around a deep cavity. Further research illustrated that the dynamic load and static stress gradient are two necessary precursors for a far-field fracture in the excavation process. Neither quasi-static loading nor homogeneous stress conditions could induce a far-field fracture. A simple theory is introduced, suggesting that multiple fracture zones occur during excavation due to both the initial stress gradient and the dynamic load. This finding indicates that it may be possible to induce continuous rock fractures in deep underground rock masses by employing optimal excavation methods to generate multiple contiguous fracture zones.     

切缝药包在定向断裂爆破中的应用研究

对切缝药包用于岩石定向断裂爆破进行了一定的研究,对相关爆破参数进行了设计,并利用模型试验进行验证,实验结果表明切缝药包的定向断裂控制效果好。现场试验也表明该法是一种比较理想的断裂控制爆破技术。最后指明该技术有待进一步研究的方向。     

爆破开挖对岩体含水裂纹扩展的扰动机制

岩体裂纹的水力劈裂是岩体开裂渗漏甚至施工涌水的重要影响因素之一,也是岩土工程界的研究热点。从断裂力学角度分析了爆破开挖对岩体含水裂纹扩展的扰动作用,结果表明,爆破开挖扰动下,岩体含水裂纹的扩展,与爆炸应力波强度及其入射角、地应力的大小与方向、孔隙水压大小、裂纹的倾角及断裂韧度等因素相关;爆炸应力波的作用,相当于增大了岩体裂纹中的孔隙水压力,每1 cm/s的峰值振动速度相当于增大100 kPa的孔隙水压力,爆破振动速度越大,所产生的爆破扰动荷载越大;岩体开挖引起的岩体裂纹近区地应力及其孔隙水压力的变化,对裂纹的失稳与扩展具有较复杂的影响,可改变裂纹的失稳扩展模式。     

顶板诱导崩落爆破效果的全景探测与评价

基于连续采矿的顶板诱导崩落技术,采用预裂爆破控制裂隙发展区间,强制崩顶爆破诱导顶板围岩裂隙发育、扩展,从而诱导顶板致裂失稳的可控崩落。然而在地下采空区顶板诱导致裂失稳崩落处理采空区过程中,预裂与崩顶爆破效果具有极大的隐蔽性,难以进行直观可视的评价。采用钻孔摄像系统,利用前视与全景可视技术,对顶板诱导爆破前钻孔形态和爆破的效果进行了探测,特别在爆破后的全景钻孔摄像,数字化描述了钻孔的裂隙特征,并通过钻孔摄像的图片分析评价了顶板诱导崩落爆破效果。全景探测的结果表明：（1）预裂爆破在顶板岩体中形成了清晰可见宽为20～40 mm的预裂缝,炮孔底部存在半个孔壁的预裂特征。（2）顶板围岩中产生了大量的次生诱导微裂隙带,裂隙交错呈“X”型,并且原生裂隙得到了扩展。（3）顶板诱导爆破实施后爆堆形状良好,大量裂隙发育以及碎裂岩体结构的形成有利于顶板的诱导可控崩落。     

The use of discrete fracture networks for modelling coupled geomechanical and hydrological behaviour of fractured rocks

We present a discussion of the state-of-the-art on the use of discrete fracture networks (DFNs) for modelling geometrical characteristics, geomechanical evolution and hydromechanical (HM) behaviour of natural fracture networks in rock. The DFN models considered include those based on geological mapping, stochastic generation and geomechanical simulation. Different types of continuum, discontinuum and hybrid geomechanical models that integrate DFN information are summarised. Numerical studies aiming at investigating geomechanical effects on fluid flow in DFNs are reviewed. The paper finally provides recommendations for advancing the modelling of coupled HM processes in fractured rocks through more physically-based DFN generation and geomechanical simulation.     

岩体可爆性分级物元分析模型及其应用

首次提出用物元分析进行岩体可爆性分级的新方法。该模型将岩体可爆性类别、分类指标及其特征值作为物元，根据岩体可爆性分级标准建立关联函数，通过计算综合关联度判断岩体可爆性类别，用实例与其他方法进行了对比，得到一致的结果。该方法计算简便、分类合理，实用性强。     

Stochastic Representation of Sedimentary Geology

Discrete fracture network representations of discontinuities in rock masses have been shown to be useful in capturing heterogeneity in rock mass properties. Providing computational efficiency in the resulting simulations and analyses is attained, these fracture representations can be combined with structural modelling and sampling algorithms. Multiple fracture network realisations can be generated and the resulting rock mass properties interrogated. Statistical analyses based on fracture connectivity, block size distribution and slope stability can be performed and provide results defined in terms of confidence intervals. For sedimentary geology consisting of dense bedding, equivalent medium continuum methods have traditionally been used in preference to discrete fracture representations due to the large numbers of structures involved and resulting computational complexity. In this paper, it is shown that stochastic representation of these layers can be employed. An analytical solution to accommodate bedding given an assumed block size distribution has been derived. Using this formulation, polyhedral modelling has been used to investigate the influence of bedding on block formation and block size distributions using field data. It is shown that the analysis is both computationally efficient and can capture truncation of size distribution by such layers without numerical methods.     

岩体爆破破碎的微观机理

利用扫描对三种岩石的岩体及有机平板玻璃的爆破破碎现象进行了观测,对观测结果进行了分析、对比与讨论,分析了爆破荷载作用下岩体破碎的微观机理。     

基于ANSYS/LS-DYNA的岩石爆破结构数值模拟分析

等离子爆破技术是一种新型爆破技术,其爆破孔的设计对整个爆破效果及爆破效率起着决定性的作用。本文基于ANSYS/LS-DYNA建立了爆破孔的有限元模型,并对爆炸荷载作用下掏槽孔孔壁压力及其破碎区进行了数值模拟。研究结果表明,爆破时畸变能的变化自始至终都基本呈椭圆形,孔径越小,积累的能量越大,对岩体破坏越大;孔深长度越短,能量积聚空间越小,爆破对岩体造成的破坏越大;孔深长度的改变对下部岩体影响较小,对中部岩体影响较大。此外由于爆炸实验多为破坏性实验,很难进行原型试验,因此使用数值模拟方法研究爆破孔的结构是可行的,可以作为实际工程的参考。     

An Integrated Numerical Modelling–Discrete Fracture Network Approach Applied to the Characterisation of Rock Mass Strength of Naturally Fractured Pillars

Naturally fractured mine pillars provide an excellent example of the importance of accurately determining rock mass strength. Failure in slender pillars is predominantly controlled by naturally occurring discontinuities, their influence diminishing with increasing pillar width, with wider pillars failing through a combination of brittle and shearing processes. To accurately simulate this behaviour by numerical modelling, the current analysis incorporates a more realistic representation of the mechanical behaviour of discrete fracture systems. This involves realistic simulation and representation of fracture networks, either as individual entities or as a collective system of fracture sets, or a combination of both. By using an integrated finite element/discrete element–discrete fracture network approach it is possible to study the failure of rock masses in tension and compression, along both existing pre-existing fractures and through intact rock bridges, and incorporating complex kinematic mechanisms. The proposed modelling approach fully captures the anisotropic and inhomogeneous effects of natural jointing and is considered to be more realistic than methods relying solely on continuum or discontinuum representation. The paper concludes with a discussion on the development of synthetic rock mass properties, with the intention of providing a more robust link between rock mass strength and rock mass classification systems.     

试谈岩溶石漠化地区植树造林构想——爆破造隙蓄水凿岩挖坑培土植树造林法

依据岩溶石山区环境地质和水文地质等特征,结合贵州凯里在白云岩极浅覆盖区挖坑植树造林的成功事例,笔者首次提出了爆破造隙蓄水凿岩挖坑培土植树造林的构想,即先钻孔打眼装药爆破,将岩体适当震松,然后凿岩挖坑培土植树,利用爆破漏斗的囊状裂隙空间构建局部地下水仓,并依靠裂隙水毛细管作用向上供水和植物根系向下生长吸取地下水及水中的有效元素养分等,使种植的树木长期得到滋养而易于成活成林成材。该法简单易行,在岩溶石山区以及其它地层岩石区广泛使用,可望达到较快恢复生态环境的预期效果。      

An introduction to Chinese safety regulations for blasting vibration

By reviewing the development history and the state-of-art, this paper introduces Chinese safety regulations for blasting vibration for adjacent structures and equipments, as well as for structures themselves under blasting operation, such as high rock slopes, underground caverns, foundation rock masses, and fresh concrete. The mechanism of failures or damages induced by blasting vibration, the analysis methods of dynamic stability for rock slopes and surrounding rock mass of underground caverns under blasting vibration, and the influence of blasting vibration on early-aged concrete, etc., are analyzed or explained. Standards adopted in China are compared with those adopted in some other countries. Furthermore, the main problems considered in the revision of Chinese national and industrial regulations are discussed, such as the distinction of different damage mechanics induced by propagation of blasting vibration in rock mass and by dynamic response of various structures, the influence of vibration frequency and duration and so on.     

Study on Smooth Blasting Results in Jointed and Fractured Rock

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The Use of Lagrange Diagrams in Precise Initiation Blasting. Part I: Two Interacting Blastholes

Using the concept of Lagrange diagrams this contribution details the calculation of the delay time between blastholes in a row and rows of blastholes with respect to precise initiation timing within the new advanced blasting technology which is based on the use of electronic detonators. After introducing the representations of stress waves and cracks, this contribution focuses on the role of stress wave interaction in optimal fragmentation in surface blasting and bench blasting. Part I of the paper considers two interacting blast-holes, Part II will be devoted to three or more out of plane interacting blastholes, whereas Part III will treat the interaction with a free face such as encountered in bench blasting. A few simplifying assumptions have been made in this paper with respect to the rock mass as well as the mechanical treatment. The essential assumptions include that the rock mass is treated as a continuum with finite tensile and compressive strength and the effects of structural geology are not taken into account. In addition, the analysis in Part I is simplified by two 'educational' assumption, that all waves are plane (i.e., one-dimensional) waves and three-dimensional effects of finite size blastholes and charges are not taken into account. This contribution will also show that knowledge in wave propagation and fracture mechanics is essential for the successful application of the new blasting technique in industry. In particular, the delay time, the wave speeds in the rock mass, the shape of the wave pulse and the acoustic impedance mismatch (not considered in this paper) have become decisive parameters in advanced blasting. Utilizing the wave speed and wave shapes of detonations, large scale tests in various countries (Australia, Chile, etc.) have shown that optimal delay timing requires shorter delay times in conjunction with allowing for a wider drilling pattern and the use of a grossly reduced amount of explosives , i.e., a lower powder factor. This seemingly contradictory arrangement is fully justified by using scientific principles in blasting, and converting blasting from an art to a scientific discipline .     

Fractural structure of thick hard roof stratum using long beam theory and numerical modeling

The thick hard rock (THR) roof of the long-wall mining face is prone to the large-sized cantilever roof, and its sudden fracture will cause serious rock dynamic disasters, such as coal and gas outburst and rockburst. In this study, based on the long beam theory, the initial fracture mechanical model for THR was established, and the first weighting characteristics and extreme fracture step distance were calculated. This study introduced a new technology called deep-hole pre-splitting blasting (DPB) which could break the THR by drilling holes with different depths and angles at different levels of roof rock and then blasting it. Field measurement analysis indicated that the immediate roof and lower thick hard strata were fully collapsed to fill the goaf, and the upper thick hard stratum was effectively cut off. The results showed that mechanical model and drilling holes method and DPB technique were so notably that would lead to a foundation for large-scale popularization and application in a Chinese Mine.     

Integration of surface geophysical methods for fracture detection in crystalline bedrocks of southwestern Nigeria

The application of electrical imaging and very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetics was investigated for the purpose of delineating basement fracture zones, and to show how incorporating a priori information in numerical modelling would facilitate the location of fractured zones within a basement rock more precisely. To this end, direct current (DC) dipole–dipole resistivity and VLF modelling and inversion experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the methods in detecting low-resistivity fracture zones in a typical crystalline basement rock that is favourable for groundwater accumulation. Most wells drilled in such an environment usually have low yields. Results of the numerical experiment generally indicate that fractures covered by moderate overburden, and having considerable depth, extent, and thickness compared to the depth of fracture burial, produce good responses resulting in high-resolution resistivity images. Lower resolution resistivity images were obtained as the thickness of the overburden increased. Also, the model investigations indicate that width of the fracture zone plays a major role in controlling image resolution. Conclusions from the synthetic modelling were confirmed by resistivity and VLF data gathered across a suspected fault in a hard rock terrain of southwestern Nigeria. The results from the field data are in general agreement with the numerical modelling experiments.Integración de métodos geofísicos superficiales para la detección de fracturas en macizos rocosos cristalinos del suroeste de Nigeria.     

A Review of General Considerations for Assessing Rock Mass Blastability and Fragmentation

Blasting is the primary comminution process in most mining operations. This process involves the highly complex and dynamic interaction between two main components. The first is the detonating explosive and the second is the rock mass into which the explosive is loaded. The mechanical properties of the rock material (such as dynamic strength, tensile strength, dynamic modulus and fracture toughness) are important considerations in understanding the blasting process. However, it is the characteristics of the geological defects (joints, foliation planes, bedding planes) within the rock mass that ultimately determine how effectively a blast performs in terms of fragmentation, all else being equal. The defect characteristics include, but are not limited to, their orientation, spacing, and mechanical properties. During the blasting process, some of the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mass are substantially changed. From the blasting outcome point of view, the most notable and important is the change in fragment size distribution that the rock mass undergoes. The pre-blast in situ defect-bounded block size distribution is transformed into the post-blast muckpile fragment size distribution. Consequently, it is fundamental to our understanding of and ability to predict the blasting process that both the blastability of a rock mass and its transformation into the fragment size distribution can be appropriately quantified.     

A Spatial Clustering Approach for Stochastic Fracture Network Modelling

Fracture network modelling plays an important role in many application areas in which the behaviour of a rock mass is of interest. These areas include mining, civil, petroleum, water and environmental engineering and geothermal systems modelling. The aim is to model the fractured rock to assess fluid flow or the stability of rock blocks. One important step in fracture network modelling is to estimate the number of fractures and the properties of individual fractures such as their size and orientation. Due to the lack of data and the complexity of the problem, there are significant uncertainties associated with fracture network modelling in practice. Our primary interest is the modelling of fracture networks in geothermal systems and, in this paper, we propose a general stochastic approach to fracture network modelling for this application. We focus on using the seismic point cloud detected during the fracture stimulation of a hot dry rock reservoir to create an enhanced geothermal system; these seismic points are the conditioning data in the modelling process. The seismic points can be used to estimate the geographical extent of the reservoir, the amount of fracturing and the detailed geometries of fractures within the reservoir. The objective is to determine a fracture model from the conditioning data by minimizing the sum of the distances of the points from the fitted fracture model. Fractures are represented as line segments connecting two points in two-dimensional applications or as ellipses in three-dimensional (3D) cases. The novelty of our model is twofold: (1) it comprises a comprehensive fracture modification scheme based on simulated annealing and (2) it introduces new spatial approaches, a goodness-of-fit measure for the fitted fracture model, a measure for fracture similarity and a clustering technique for proposing a locally optimal solution for  fracture parameters. We use a simulated dataset to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach followed by a real 3D case study of the Habanero reservoir in the Cooper Basin, Australia.