Developing an algorithm for reconstruction of blocky systems in discontinuous media: two-dimensional analysis

Block detection is one of the most important steps in all discontinuous methods of analysis like Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) and Discrete Element Method (DEM). This is in fact a pre-processing step for those methods. In this study, a comprehensive computational algorithm, for tracing rock block created by discontinuities, has been developed. Using square matrices with integer elements and performing edge regularization step, reduce the size of the matrices due to elimination of unnecessary edges and vertices. Therefore speed and accuracy of block tracing operation will be increased. This algorithm is able to trace and identify all kind of blocks including convex and concave blocks formed by limited or unlimited fractures. The algorithm was programmed in C#.Net by over 3400 code lines and some cases were modeled by the code as example.     

3D key‐group method for slope stability analysis

Because of the simplicity and the speed of execution, methods used in static stability analyses have yet remained relevant. The key‐block method, which is the most famous of them, is used for the stability analysis of fractured rock masses. The KBM method is just based on finding key blocks, and if no such blocks are found to be unstable, it is concluded that the whole of the rock mass is stable. Literally, though groups of ‘stable’ blocks are taken together into account, in some cases, it may prove to be unstable. An iterative and progressive stability analysis of the discontinuous rock slopes can be performed using the key‐group method, in which groups of collapsible blocks are combined. This method is literally a two‐dimensional (2D) limit equilibrium approach. Because of the normally conservational results of 2D analysis, a three‐dimensional (3D) analysis seems to be necessary. In this paper, the 2D key‐group method is developed into three dimensions so that a more literal analysis of a fractured rock mass can be performed. Using Mathematica software, a computer program was prepared to implement the proposed methodology on a real case. Then, in order to assess the proposed 3D procedure, its implementation results are compared with the outcomes of the 2D key‐group method. Finally, tectonic block No.2 of Choghart open pit mine was investigated as a case study using the proposed 3D methodology. Results of the comparison revealed that the outcomes of the 3D analysis of this block conform to the reality and the results of 2D analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于布尔交运算的三维流形单元生成研究

三维流形单元的生成是进行三维数值流形分析的首要问题之一。详细研究了三维流形单元的生成过程,并采用C++语言编写了相应的程序。借鉴二维流形单元的形成技术,基于拓扑学的“有向性”原理,将点、有向边、有向环、有向面和有向壳等作为三维块体的基本数据结构。将材料体和数学网格进行布尔交运算,并对形成的流形块体进行有效性检测,满足要求后即形成新的三维流形单元。每个数学网格的顶点作为新流形单元的数学覆盖,再对数学覆盖进行细分,形成流形单元的物理覆盖。分别选取凹形体、空心体和包含有限结构面的材料体与数学网格进行布尔交运算,并选取一个典型工程来检查该方法和程序的可行性。计算结果表明,该方法可以对复杂块体（凹形体、空心体和包含有限结构面的体）进行处理,为今后进行复杂结构计算和分析奠定基础,具有较强的适应性和可靠性。     

Determination of volume and centroid of irregular blocks by a simplex integration approach for use in discontinuous numerical methods

Conventional integration techniques employed in continuous numerical methods can only be applied to regular blocks such as tetrahedrons or cubes. Therefore using such methods to compute the volume and centroid of blocks restricts the application of discontinuous numerical methods to the analysis of blocky systems. Subdividing a block into sub-blocks may solve this problem, but an algorithm which can be applied to blocks of different shapes has not been introduced. A new procedure for computing the volume and centroid of an arbitrarily shaped block based on area calculation using two-dimensional simplex integration and formulations of three-dimensional simplex integration developed by Shi is introduced in this paper. The new algorithm is easy to program and can be used instead of the complicated and time-consuming mesh generation approach. The proposed algorithm was programmed using VC?+?+?and is verified using an illustrative example.     

A new stereo‐analytical method for determination of removal blocks in discontinuous rock masses

The paper provides a new stereo‐analytical method, which is a combination of the stereographic method and analytical methods, to separate finite removable blocks from the infinite and tapered blocks in discontinuous rock masses. The methodology has applicability to both convex and concave blocks. Application of the methodology is illustrated through examples. Addition of this method to the existing block theory procedures available in the literature improves the capability of block theory in solving practical problems in rock engineering. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Coupling of BEM with a large displacement and rotation algorithm

In stability analysis of rock blocks, the deformability of the blocks can conveniently be simulated using the boundary element method (BEM). However, all boundary conditions are given as stresses. Thus, the displacement solution is not unique. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed to remove rigid body motions in the solution of the boundary form of Somigliana identity discretized by the direct BEM formulation. The algorithm is applied to the calculation of the normal stiffness of rock blocks and coupled with BS3D, large displacement and rotation algorithm for the general stability of rock blocks. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analytical formulas for the geometric and inertia quantities of the largest removable blocks around tunnels

This paper presents algorithms for determining the vertices of the maximum removable block (MB) created by a joint pyramid (JP) around a tunnel when discontinuities are fully persistent. It is shown that an MB cannot be formed by more than 4 discontinuities and this drastically limits the proliferation of rock blocks that need to be analysed. The non‐convex block obtained after the MB is tunnelled through (real maximum block, RMB) is partitioned into a set of tetrahedra, and procedures are given for determining the vertices of these tetrahedra. Geometric and inertia quantities needed for stability analysis and support/reinforcement design are determined as functions of the calculated vertices' co‐ordinates. These quantities are: RMB's volume, face areas, perimeter of the excavated surface, centroid and inertia tensor. The algorithms for their calculation are at least two times faster than other algorithms previously proposed in other applications. It is shown that the formulations presented by Goodman and Shi for translational analysis and by Tonon for rotatability analysis can be used to analyse the RMBs using the geometric quantities presented. A numerical example is presented among those used to verify these analytical procedures and their implementation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A two‐dimensional coupled hydromechanical discontinuum model for simulating rock hydraulic fracturing

Within the framework of our discontinuous deformation analysis for rock failure algorithm, this paper presents a two‐dimensional coupled hydromechanical discontinuum model for simulating the rock hydraulic fracturing process. In the proposed approach, based on the generated joint network, the calculation of fluid mechanics is performed first to obtain the seepage pressure near the tips of existing cracks, and then the fluid pressure is treated as linearly distributed loads on corresponding block boundaries. The contribution of the hydraulic pressure to the initiation/propagation of the cracks is considered by adding the components of these blocks into the force matrix of the global equilibrium equation. Finally, failure criteria are applied at the crack tips to determine the occurrence of cracking events. Several verification examples are simulated, and the results show that this newly proposed numerical model can simulate the hydraulic fracturing process correctly and effectively. Although the numerical and experimental verifications focus on one unique preexisting crack, because of the capability of discontinuous deformation analysis in simulating block‐like structures, the proposed approach is capable of modeling rock hydraulic fracturing processes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A coupled time integration algorithm for discontinuous deformation analysis using the numerical manifold method

To improve the computational efficiency of the numerical manifold method for discontinuous deformation simulations, a spatial-domain coupled explicit-implicit time integration algorithm is proposed. A subdomain partition algorithm based on a super manifold element is developed for the numerical manifold method to simulate dynamic motions of blocky rock mass. In different subdomains, explicit or implicit time integration method is employed respectively based on its contact and motion status. These subdomains interact through assembling the corresponding explicit or implicit time integration-based matrices of different rock blocks. The computational efficiency of the discontinuity system under dynamic loading is improved by partially diagonalizing the global matrices. Two verification examples of a sliding block along an inclined plane under a horizontal acceleration excitation and a multiblock system acted on by dynamic forces are studied to examine the accuracy of the proposed numerical method, respectively. A highly fractured rock mass situated on an inclined slope subjected to seismic excitations is then studied to show the computational efficiency of the developed algorithm. The simulated results are in good agreement with those from the versions using purely implicit or explicit time integration algorithm for the numerical manifold method. The computational efficiency is shown to be higher using the proposed algorithm, which demonstrates its potential for application in dynamic analysis of highly fractured rock masses.     

The key‐group method

This paper proposes an extension to the key‐block method, called ‘key‐group method’, that considers not only individual key blocks but also groups of collapsable blocks into an iterative and progressive analysis of the stability of discontinuous rock slopes. The basics of the key‐block method are recalled herein and then used to prove how key groups can be identified. We reveal that a key group must contain at least one basic key block, yet this condition is not entirely sufficient. The second block candidate for grouping must be another key block or a block whose movement‐preventing faces are common to one or more single key blocks. We also show that the proposed method yields more realistic results than the basic key‐block method and a comparison with results obtained using a distinct element analysis demonstrates the ability of this new method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A generalized procedure to identify three‐dimensional rock blocks around complex excavations

This paper presents a generalized procedure for the identification of rock blocks formed by finite‐sized fractures around complex excavations. It was assumed that the study domain could be partitioned into a finite number of subdomains, where each either was, or could be, approximated by a convex polyhedron, and the fractures were finite in size and disc shaped and were defined using the location of the disc center, orientation, radius, cohesion coefficient, and friction angle. These may be either deterministic fractures obtained from a field survey or random fractures generated by stochastic modeling. In addition, the rock mass could be heterogeneous; i.e. the rock matrix and individual fractures could have different parameters in different parts. The procedure included: (1) partitioning of the model domain into convex subdomains; (2) removing noncontributive fractures. A fracture was deemed contributive when it played a part in block formation; i.e. it formed at least one surface with some of the blocks; (3) decomposing the subdomains into element blocks with fractures; (4) restoring the infinite fractures to finite discs; and (5) assembling the modeling domain. Our procedure facilitates robust computational programming, and is flexible in dealing with the problem of a complex study domain and with rock heterogeneity. A computer code was developed based on the algorithm developed in this study. The algorithm and computer program were verified using an analytical method, and were used to solve the problem of block prediction around the underground powerhouse of the Three Gorges Project. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of single rock blocks for general failure modes under conservative and non‐conservative forces

After describing the kinematics of a generic rigid block subjected to large rotations and displacements, the Udwadia's General Principle of Mechanics is applied to the dynamics of a rigid block with frictional constraints to show that the reaction forces and moments are indeterminate. Thus, the paper presents an incremental‐iterative algorithm for analysing general failure modes of rock blocks subject to generic forces, including non‐conservative forces such as water forces. Consistent stiffness matrices have been developed that fully exploit the quadratic convergence of the adopted Newton–Raphson iterative scheme. The algorithm takes into account large block displacements and rotations, which together with non‐conservative forces make the stiffness matrix non‐symmetric. Also included in the algorithm are in situ stress and fracture dilatancy, which introduces non‐symmetric rank‐one modifications to the stiffness matrix. Progressive failure is captured by the algorithm, which has proven capable of detecting numerically challenging failure modes, such as rotations about only one point. Failure modes may originate from a limit point or from dynamic instability (divergence or flutter); equilibrium paths emanating from bifurcation points are followed by the algorithm. The algorithm identifies both static and dynamic failure modes. The calculation of the factor of safety comes with no overhead. Examples show the equilibrium path of a rock block that undergoes slumping failure must first pass through a bifurcation point, unless the block is laterally constrained. Rock blocks subjected to water forces (or other non‐conservative forces) may undergo flutter failure before reaching a limit point. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Probabilistic prediction of the spatial distribution of potential key blocks during tunnel surrounding rock excavation

Jointed network simulations tend to be more random in nature due to the uncertainty of rock mass structures. In this paper, a series of jointed network models can be established in batches using Monte Carlo simulation (MSC) and loop iteration. Taking the joints, tunnel profile and their intersections as the edges E and vertices V of graph G, the jointed network model can serve as an unweighted undigraph. Then, the breadth-first search is introduced to search the closed paths around the tunnel profile, such as the potential key blocks. With batch simulation of network models, the spatial distribution characteristics and probability distribution rules of blocks can be automatically analysed during the search process. For comparison, the Laohushan tunnel of the Jinan Belt Expressway in China has been analysed using the breadth-first search, discontinuous deformation analysis method and procedure of “Finding the Key Blocks-Unrolled Tunnel Joint Trace Maps”. Each simulation starts from the same probabilistic model of geometrical parameters of joints but develops differently with different outcomes. The spatial distribution rule of potential key blocks simulated by the aforementioned batch jointed network models is essentially identical to the actual rockfall during tunnel excavation.

     

Comparative study of Sarma's method and the discontinuous deformation analysis for rock slope stability analysis

This paper presents a comparative study of two methods, Sarma's method and the discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA), for rock slope stability analysis. The comparison concerns the stability analysis of two classic rock slopes. The study shows that the DDA, which accounts for the block kinematics, provides a very different factor of safety as compared with Sarma's method. More realistic reaction forces around each rock block can be obtained by the DDA, including the thrust forces between rock blocks and the forces between the base and the blocks. The DDA's result shows two possible directions for the relative movement between two contiguous blocks at the initiation of slope failure. It also indicates that the limit equilibrium condition may not occur along the interfaces of rock blocks at the initiation of slope failure. The determination of realistic interaction forces around each block will be very important in rock slope stability analysis if nonlinear failure criteria are considered.     

裂隙岩体一般块体理论初步

本文在前人工作的基础上提出了一种通用方法解决任意大小裂隙、任意形状工程岩体的岩石块体识别及稳定性计算问题。在这一方法中裂隙既可以是实测裂隙也可以是通过随机模拟方法生成的随机裂隙,工程岩体可以是任意由多面体组合成的形状,如复杂边坡或地下洞室,而且岩体和裂隙面可以是非均质的。这一通用过程被称为一般块体理论。它克服了关键块体理论(或楔形体法)中存在的弱点:即把裂隙假设为无限大的不连续面,因此无法预测岩石块体的数量和位置,而且一般只能识别出简单形状的凸形体。它在块体识别的同时将复杂的块体分解为几个简单的凸形块体,从而使复杂块体的几何描述、体积及重力计算、力学分析、可视化表示等一系列问题大大简化。在对一公路边坡的裂隙进行了详细观测之后,利用本文的方法进行了块体识别和稳定性分析,对本文的研究进行初步的验证。     

Analysis of tetrahedral and pentahedral key blocks in underground excavations

This paper presents a study the non-pyramidal key blocks of the rock mass. After a review of the Key Blocks Method (KBM), the study focuses on the analysis of key blocks formed by three and four discontinuity planes in underground excavations. The concept of non-pyramidal key blocks is described and their generation from a geometric operation called dislocation, thus determining the pentahedral key blocks that may be formed. To do so, the software program ASTUR (Analysis of the Support of Tunnels in Rock) was used, which develops a ubiquitous approach and allows the analysis of both pyramidal and non-pyramidal tetrahedral and pentahedral blocks.     

一种新的节理裂隙岩体弹塑性模型

提出一种节理裂隙岩体弹塑性模型,将结构划分为块体单元和缝单元,其中缝单元可以是实际节理裂隙,也可以是人为缝单元。以块体单元形心的刚体位移和块体的平均应变作为基本未知量。该模型能充分考虑节理裂隙材料和块体材料的本构关系,计算量不大,是一种位移不协调单元。该模型特别适合节理裂隙岩体的数值分析。     

Modified predictor-corrector solution approach for efficient discontinuous deformation analysis of jointed rock masses

The high computational costs associated with the implicit formulation of discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) have been one of the major obstacles for its implementation to engineering problems involving jointed rock masses with large numbers of blocks. In this paper, the Newmark-based predictor-corrector solution (NPC) approach was modified to improve the performance of the original DDA solution module in modeling discontinuous problems. The equation of motion for a discrete block system is first established with emphasis on the consideration of contact constraints. A family of modified Newmark-based predictor-corrector integration (MNPC) scheme is then proposed and implemented into a unified analysis framework. Comparisons are made between the proposed approach and the widely used constant acceleration (CA) integration approach and central difference (CD) approach, regarding the stability and numerical damping features for a single-degree-of-freedom model, where the implications of the proposed approach on open-close iteration are also discussed. The validity of the proposed approach is verified by several benchmarking examples, and it is then applied to two typical problems with different numbers of blocks. The results show that the original CA approach in DDA is efficient for the simulation of quasi-static deformation of jointed rock masses, while the proposed MNPC approach leads to improved computational efficiency for dynamic analysis of large-scale jointed rock masses. The MNPC approach therefore provides an additional option for efficient DDA of jointed rock masses.     

Sarma‐based key‐group method for rock slope reliability analyses

The methods used in conducting static stability analyses have remained pertinent to this day for reasons of both simplicity and speed of execution. The most well‐known of these methods for purposes of stability analysis of fractured rock masses is the key‐block method (KBM). This paper proposes an extension to the KBM, called the ‘key‐group method’ (KGM), which combines not only individual key‐blocks but also groups of collapsable blocks into an iterative and progressive analysis of the stability of discontinuous rock slopes. To take intra‐group forces into account, the Sarma method has been implemented within the KGM in order to generate a Sarma‐based KGM, abbreviated ‘SKGM’. We will discuss herein the hypothesis behind this new method, details regarding its implementation, and validation through comparison with results obtained from the distinct element method. Furthermore, as an alternative to deterministic methods, reliability analyses or probabilistic analyses have been proposed to take account of the uncertainty in analytical parameters and models. The FOSM and ASM probabilistic methods could be implemented within the KGM and SKGM framework in order to take account of the uncertainty due to physical and mechanical data (density, cohesion and angle of friction). We will then show how such reliability analyses can be introduced into SKGM to give rise to the probabilistic SKGM (PSKGM) and how it can be used for rock slope reliability analyses. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于有限结构面的三维复杂块体切割研究

岩体的块体结构和结构面网络模型生成,是进行各种力学分析和场分析的基础。详细研究了有限结构面进行复杂块体切割的过程,提出了相应的算法,并采用C++语言编写了相应的程序。为描述块体切割后的复连通特性,在块体数据结构中添加了有向壳的概念。结构面可以为简单的凸多边形,也可采用形态更加复杂的凹多边形。通过面-面求交线、交线环路搜索形成有向环、有向环包含关系分析形成有向面、有向面拓扑搜索形成有向壳和有向壳包含关系分析形成块体等过程,将有限结构面分别与各块体进行切割运算,形成进行块体切割的一般方法。在切割过程中将得到的有向环,有向面、有向壳和块体分别进行拓扑有效性校核,满足要求后得到最终的块体和结构面网络模型。选取4个算例来验证该方法的可行性。计算结果表明,该方法可以对复杂块体进行有效地切割,结构面可以选择包括凹形面在内的复杂多边形,方法具有普遍意义。