DEM–SPH simulation of rock blasting

A numerical model is proposed for the simulation of rock blasting. A bonded particle system is utilized to mimic the behavior of rock. The particles interact at the contact points through normal and shear springs to simulate rock elasticity. To withstand the deviatoric stresses, the particles are glued to each other. If the applied force exceeds the contact strength, local failure occurs and microcracks are developed in the synthetic rock. For simulation of gas flow, the smooth particle hydrodynamic method is implemented. The interaction of gas particles with the rock grains is assumed to follow a perfect plastic collision model in which the initial momentum of the colliding particles is preserved. A detailed examination of the interaction of gas with blast hole is investigated. It is shown that the proposed hybrid model is capable of simulating the induced shock waves in the gas together with wave propagation in the rock material. The model successfully mimics crack propagation in rock. In particular, the crushed zone around the borehole, radial cracks, and surface spalling are all captured successfully. The results of numerical analysis suggest that gas–rock interaction can, in fact, generate a few successive compressive waves in the rock specimen, causing further extension of radial cracks with time as the weaker secondary and tertiary waves interact with the crack tips.     

Geochemistry of arsenic during low-temperature water–rock interaction

High arsenic water has been a global focus of both scientists and water supply managers because of its serious adverse impact on human health and wide distribution in the world. Processes of redox, sorption, precipitation, and dissolution release arsenic in both natural systems and in environments intensely modified by human activities. In natural systems, groundwater arsenic is controlled by lithologic geochemistry, sedimentation conditions, hydrogeologic setting and groundwater chemistry. However, in the intensely human-affected systems (such as mining and tilling areas), arsenic mobilization is dependent on the composition of the primary materials, treatment methods, storage design, and local climate. Well-designed experimental systems aid in characterizing sorption, precipitation, and redox processes associated with arsenic dynamics during water-rock interaction. Continued investigations of field sites will further refine understanding of the processes favoring arsenic mobility in the range of natural and man-made systems. The combination of field and experimental studies will lead to better understanding of arsenic cycling in all systems and sustainable management of water resources in arsenic-affected areas.     

Effect of rock mass disturbance on the stability of rock slopes using the Hoek–Brown failure criterion

The process of creating man made or “cut” slopes in rock invariably leads to stress relief within the rock mass which in turn induces a certain degree of fracturing and disturbance. The level of disturbance can be particularly significant when the slope is formed using blasting techniques. However, the effects of this disturbance on the overall rock slope stability have not been investigated thoroughly in the current literature. In order to account for rock mass disturbance during construction, a disturbance factor has been included in the Hoek–Brown failure criterion [1]. This paper uses finite element upper and lower bound limit analyses to estimate rock slope stability based on the Hoek–Brown failure criterion whilst including the effect of rock mass disturbance. A rigorous set of analyses have been performed where the level of disturbance is considered as constant or linearly varying throughout the slope. The results are then compared to a number of reported case histories for verification purposes. From the results of this study, the disturbance factor was found to have significant influence on the rock slope stability assessment, especially for poorer quality rock masses. Hence, cautious engineering judgement must be exercised when estimating the level of disturbance. In addition, utilising stability charts to estimate the stability of cut rock slopes without considering the rock mass disturbance may lead to significant overestimations.     

Meso and macroscale mechanical behaviors of soil–rock mixtures

Acta Geotechnica - Composed of large rock blocks and fine soil particles, the physical and mechanical behaviors of soil–rock mixtures (S–RMs) are quite complex. To develop insight into...     

Coastal flooding: impacts of coupled wave–surge–tide models

Wind waves and elevated water levels together can cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas, where the water level may be a combination of mean sea level, tides and surges generated by storm events. In areas with a wide continental shelf a travelling external surge may combine with the locally generated surge and waves and there can be significant interaction between the propagation of the tide and surge. Wave height at the coast is controlled largely by water depth. So the effect of tides and surges on waves must also be considered, while waves contribute to the total water level by means of wave setup through radiation stress. These processes are well understood and accurately predicted by models, assuming good bathymetry and wind forcing is available. Other interactions between surges and waves include the processes of surface wind-stress and bottom friction as well as depth and current refraction of waves by surge water levels and currents, and some of the details of these processes are still not well understood. The recent coastal flooding in Myanmar (May 2008) in the Irrawaddy River Delta is an example of the severity of such events, with a surge of over 3 m exacerbated by heavy precipitation. Here, we review the existing capability for combined modelling of tides, surges and waves, their interactions and the development of coupled models.     

Pseudo-dynamic stability of rock slope considering Hoek–Brown strength criterion

Rock slopes with planar joints or weak structural planes are vulnerable in nature, especially suffering from the natural hazards, instabilities of slopes are more prone to occur. Therefore, concerning to the influence of earthquakes, this paper performs a new procedure to evaluate slope stability in a geomaterial governed by Hoek–Brown strength criterion. A rotational failure mechanism determined by 21 dependent angle variables is introduced to respect the Hoek–Brown strength criterion. The earthquake load is characterized by a modified pseudo-dynamic method that does not violate the zero boundary condition and considers the damping properties of geomaterials. A slice approach is adopted to calculate the earthquake-induced inertial force work rate. The stability number of rock slope is considered to measure the safety. The stability number is formulated as a classical optimization problem controlled by 21 dependent angle variables and a time variable which need to be optimized by the genetic algorithm toolbox. Comparisons with the literature are made to prove rationality and accuracy of the proposed procedure. Parametric study is carried out to reveal the influence of dynamic properties. For engineering application, stability charts are provided for a quick assessment of slope safety.

     

Influence of freeze–thaw dynamics on internal geochemical evolution of low sulfide waste rock

Continuous monitoring of a 15 m high heavily instrumented experimental waste rock pile (0.053 wt.% S) since 2006 at the Diavik diamond mine in northern Canada provided a unique opportunity to study the evolution of fresh run-of-mine waste rock as it evolved over annual freeze–thaw cycles. Samples were collected from soil water solution samplers to measure pore water properties, from twelve 4 to 16 m² basal collection lysimeters to measure basal leachate properties in the region underlying the crest of the pile (the core), and from basal drains to measure aggregate total pile leachate properties. By 2012, monitoring of pore water geochemistry within the core structure of the test pile revealed an apparent steady state with respect to weathering geochemistry, represented by (i) a flush of pre-existing blasting residuals and applied tracers, (ii) declining pH, (iii) a stepwise progression and subsequent equilibrium with acid-neutralizing phases (depletion of available carbonates; equilibrium with respect to aluminum hydroxide phases and subsequent iron (III) hydroxide phases), and (iv) concordant release of SO₄, major cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Si), and trace metals (Al, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn). Distinct, high concentration ‘spring flushes’, characteristic of drainage in northern environments and primarily explained by a combination of fluid residence time and the build-up of oxidation products over the winter, were released from core drainage each season. Following the initial flush, the concentration of all dissolved constituents steadily declined, with distinct minimums prior to freeze-up. The opposite trend was observed in the cumulative pile drainage, in which early season leachate dominated by snowmelt and batter flow had low concentrations and late season leachate dominated by contributions from the core of the pile (indicated by season end merging of core and cumulative drainage geochemistry) had higher concentrations. Northern waste rock pile drainage geochemistry is strongly influenced by freeze–thaw cycling and varying core and batter subsystem contributions to total drainage. A comprehensive understanding of thermal cycling in waste rock piles is an important component of temporal predictions of drainage water composition based on up-scaling or reactive transport modeling.     

Experimental testing of olivine–melt equilibrium models at high temperatures

Data are presented on the equilibrium compositions of olivine and melts in the products of 101 experiments performed at 1300–1600°C, atmospheric pressure, and controlled oxygen fugacity by means of new equipment at the Vernadsky Institute. It was shown that the available models of the olivine–melt equilibrium describe with insufficient adequacy the natural systems at temperatures over 1400°C. The most adequate is the model by Ford et al. (1983). However, this model overestimates systematically the equilibrium temperature with underestimating by 20–40°C at 1450–1600°C. These data point to the need for developing a new, improved quantitative model of the olivine–melt equilibrium for high-temperature magnesian melts, as well as to the possibility of these studies on the basis of the equipment presented.     

Thermodynamic modelling of a cooling C–O–H fluid–graphite system: implications for hydrothermal graphite precipitation

Carbon-saturated crustal fluids in the C–O–H system comprise H₂O, CO₂ and CH₄ as the most important fluid species. Graphite precipitation from a cooling C–O–H is discussed for two different systems, namely for a fluid–rock system in which no transfer of atomic oxygen and hydrogen between the fluid and the rock is possible (closed fluid system), and for an open fluid system. Thermodynamic model calculations show that the graphite-forming reactions and the graphite precipitation potential are different for these two systems. Furthermore, the calculations demonstrate that for both systems, the following factors play a role in determining the graphite precipitation potential, i.e. (1) the redox state of the fluid, (2) the initial pressure and temperature conditions and (3) whether cooling is combined with decompression. Open and closed fluid system graphite precipitation can be distinguished from each other using fluid inclusion and stable carbon isotope studies. The results of this study provide insight in the formation of hydrothermal graphite deposits.     

Aquifer disposal of acid gases: modelling of water–rock reactions for trapping of acid wastes

The pore space of deep saline aquifers in the Alberta (sedimentary) Basin offers a significant volume for waste storage by “hydrodynamic trapping”. Furthermore, given the slow regional fluid flow in these deep saline aquifers, ample time exists for waste-water/rock chemical reactions to take place. A geochemical computer model (PATHARC) was used to compute the interaction of industrial waste streams comprising CO₂, H₂SO₄ and H₂S with the minerals in typical carbonate and sandstone aquifers from the Alberta Basin. The results support the idea that these acids can be neutralized by such reactions and that new mineral products are formed, such as calcite, siderite, anhydrite/gypsum and pyrrhotite, thereby trapping the CO₃, SO₄ and S ions that are formed when the acid gases dissolve in the formation water. Siliciclastic aquifers appear to be a better host for “mineral trapping” than carbonate aquifers, especially with regard to CO₂. Carbonate aquifers may be more prone to leakage due to high CO₂ pressures generated by reaction with H₂SO₄ and H₂S. Even though permeability decreases are expected due to this “mineral trapping”, they can be partially controlled so that plugging of the aquifer does not occur.     

U–Pb,Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd isotopic constraints on provenance and depositional timing of metasedimentary rocks in the western Gawler Craton: Implications for Proterozoic reconstruction models

The Gawler Craton forms the bulk of the South Australian Craton and occupies a pivotal location that links rock systems in Antarctica to those in northern Australia. The western Gawler Craton is a virtually unexposed region where the timing of basin development and metamorphism is largely unknown, making the region ambiguous in the context of models seeking to reconstruct the Australian Proterozoic.Detrital zircon data from metasedimentary rocks in the central Fowler Domain in the western Gawler Craton provide maximum depositional ages between 1760 and 1700 Ma, with rare older detrital components ranging in age up to 3130 Ma. In the bulk of samples, ?_Nd(1700 Ma) values range between ?4.3 and ?3.8. The combination of these data suggest on average, comparatively evolved but age-restricted source regions. Lu–Hf isotopic data from the ca 1700 Ma aged zircons provide a wide range of values (?_Hf(1700 Ma) +6 to ?6). Monazite U–Pb data from granulite-grade metasedimentary rocks yield metamorphic ages of 1690–1670 Ma. This range overlaps with and extends the timing of the widespread Kimban Orogeny in the Gawler Craton, and provides minimum depositional age constraints, indicating that basin development immediately preceded medium to high grade metamorphism.The timing of Paleoproterozoic basin development and metamorphism in the western Gawler Craton coincides with that in the northern and eastern Gawler Craton, and also in the adjacent Curnamona Province, suggesting protoliths to the rocks within the Fowler Domain may have originally formed part of a large ca 1760–1700 Ma basin system in the southern Australian Proterozoic. Provenance characteristics between these basins are remarkably similar and point to the Arunta Region in the North Australian Craton as a potential source. In this context there is little support for tectonic reconstruction models that: (1) suggest components of the Gawler Craton accreted together at different stages in the interval ca 1760–1680 Ma; and (2) that the North Australian Craton and the southern Australian Proterozoic were separate continental fragments between 1760 and 1700 Ma.     

Bearing capacity of spatially random rock masses obeying Hoek–Brown failure criterion

This paper presents a probabilistic analysis to compute the probability density function of the bearing capacity of a strip footing resting on a spatially varying rock mass. The rock is assumed to follow the generalised Hoek–Brown failure criterion. The uniaxial compressive strength of the intact rock (σc) was considered as a random field and the geological strength index was modelled as a random variable. The uncertainty propagation methodology employed in the analysis is the sparse polynomial chaos expansion. A global sensitivity analysis based on Sobol indices was performed. Some numerical results were presented and discussed.     

The colloid chemistry of acid rock drainage solution from an abandoned Zn–Pb–Ag mine

Acid rock drainage (ARD) solution from an abandoned ore mine (pH 2.7, SO²⁻₄ concentration 411 mmol/l, Fe concentration 93.5 mmol/l) was investigated by photon correlation spectroscopy, centrifugation, filtration, ultrafiltration, scanning electron microscopy, ICP–MS, AAS, ion chromatography, TOC analysis, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. A colloid concentration of ⩾1 g/l was found. The prevailing particle size was <5 nm. Iron, As and Pb were the metal constituents of the colloidal particles. The most probable mineralogical composition of the particles is a mixture of hydronium jarosite and schwertmannite. A small amount of a relatively coarse precipitate was formed in the ARD solution during the months after sampling. The colloid particles are obviously an intermediate in the precipitate formation process. The results suggest that the arsenate is bound to the colloids by the formation of a bidentate binuclear inner-sphere surface complex. However, the transformation of the colloidal material to the more aggregated long-term precipitate results in the incorporation of the arsenate into the interior of the Fe hydroxy sulfate crystal structures. Lead seems to occur as anglesite.     

Cement–fly ash stabilisation/solidification of contaminated soil: Performance properties and initiation of operating envelopes

This study was aimed at evaluating the mechanical and pH-dependent leaching performance of a mixed contaminated soil treated with a mixture of Portland cement (CEMI) and pulverised fuel ash (PFA). It also sought to develop operating envelopes, which define the range(s) of operating variables that result in acceptable performance. A real site soil with low contaminant concentrations, spiked with 3000 mg/kg each of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn, and 10,000 mg/kg of diesel, was treated with one part CEMI and four parts PFA (CEMI:PFA = 1:4) using different binder and water contents. The performance was assessed over time using unconfined compressive strength (UCS), hydraulic conductivity, acid neutralisation capacity (ANC) and pH-dependent leachability of contaminants. With binder dosages ranging from 5% to 20% and water contents ranging from 14% to 21% dry weight, the 28-day UCS was up to 500 kPa and hydraulic conductivity was around 10⁻⁸ m/s. With leachant pH extremes of 7.2 and 0.85, leachability of the contaminants was in the range: 0.02–3500 mg/kg for Cd, 0.35–1550 mg/kg for Cu, 0.03–92 mg/kg for Pb, 0.01–3300 mg/kg for Ni, 0.02–4010 mg/kg for Zn, and 7–4884 mg/kg for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), over time. Design charts were produced from the results of the study, which show the water and/or binder proportions that could be used to achieve relevant performance criteria. The charts would be useful for the scale-up and design of stabilisation/solidification (S/S) treatment of similar soil types impacted with the same types of contaminants.     

Geochemical modelling of CO2–water–rock interactions in a potential storage formation of the North German sedimentary basin

The lower Triassic/Bunter sandstone and lower Jurassic/Rhät formations of the Northern Germany sedimentary basin constitute feasible reservoirs for the storage of CO₂ from combustion of fossil fuels or industrial production processes. This study presents analyses of geochemical interactions between CO₂, formation fluid and rock of these potential reservoirs using geochemical modelling in order to assess the short and long term impact of CO₂ sequestration. Batch equilibrium modelling was performed first for assessing the consistency of fluid and mineralogy field data and for identifying potential secondary minerals under the influence of injected CO₂. Inclusion of reaction kinetics in the batch models allowed an observation of reaction paths and to estimate the time frame of geochemical reactions. Finally, one-dimensional equilibrium reactive transport modelling was used in order to investigate the direction of reactions under conditions of fluid flow and mass transport and to quantify feedbacks of reactions on transport processes.Results of the simulations performed show that dawsonite may act as the main CO₂ storage mineral in both formations, while the carbonates calcite and dolomite dissolve over time. Also, changes in porosity and permeability are significant in the equilibrium reactive transport simulations. The time scale of kinetically controlled reactions observed in the kinetic batch modeling, however, suggests that CO₂ mineral trapping in both formations requires very long time frames, and hence other mechanisms such as structural or solubility trapping seem to be more relevant within the injection or early post-injection phase for the studied formations.     

Numerical determination of the effective permeability coefficient of soil–rock mixtures using the numerical manifold method

The present study extends the numerical manifold method to investigate the effective permeability coefficient (k_eff) of soil–rock mixtures. The influence of rock content, rock size, rock shape, and rock blocks' major axis direction on k_eff is studied. The results show the following: (1) k_eff decreases as the rock content increases; (2) the influence of rock size on k_eff can be neglected if other parameters are fixed; (3) the values of k_eff are nearly the same if rock blocks are in circular or regular hexagon shapes; and (4) the major axis direction of rock blocks has some influence on k_eff.