Numerical analysis of slope stability based on the gravity increase method

A micromechanical model is proposed for studying the stability and failure process of slopes based on the gravity increase method (GIM). In this numerical model the heterogeneity of rock at a mesoscopic level is considered by assuming that the material properties conform to the Weibull distribution. Elastic damage mechanics is a method used for describing the constitutive law of the meso-level element, the finite element method (FEM) is employed as the basic stress analysis tool, and the maximum tensile strain criterion and the Mohr–Coulomb criterion are utilised as the damage threshold. The numerical model is implemented into the Realistic Failure Process Analysis (RFPA) code using finite element programming, and an extended version of RFPA, i.e., RFPA-GIM, is developed to analyse the failure process and stability of slopes. In the numerical modelling with RFPA-GIM, the critical failure surface of slopes is obtained by increasing the gravity gradually but keeping material properties constant. The acoustic emission (AE) event rate is employed as the criterion for slope failure. The salient feature of the RFPA-GIM in stability analysis of slopes is that the critical failure surface as well as the safety factor can be obtained without any presumption for the shape and location of the failure surface. Several numerical tests have been conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of RFPA-GIM. Numerical results agree well with experimental results and those predicted using the FEM strength reduction method and conventional limit equilibrium analysis. Furthermore it is shown that selection of the AE rate as the criterion for slope failure is reasonable and effective. Finally, the RFPA-GIM is applied to several more complex cases, including slopes in jointed rock masses and layered rock formations. The results indicate that the RFPA-GIM is capable of capturing the mechanism of slope failure and has the potential for application in a larger range of geo-engineering.     

Composite damage constitutive model of jointed rock mass considering crack propagation length and joint friction effect

In order to study the damage constitutive model of rock mass with non-persistent joints in engineering practice, the assumption that the rock mesoscopic elements strength obeys the Weibull distribution function of random, the Drucker–Prager criterion is used as a representation method to describe the strength of the mesoscopic elements, and mesoscopic damage variable is deduced. Combined with the energy principle and the fracture damage theory, the macroscopic damage variable formula is deduced considering the crack propagation length and the friction effect of joint closure in the rock mass. Finally, based on the strain equivalent hypothesis of Lemaitre and considering the coupling of macro and micro defects, the composite damage variables are derived. A macro–meso composite damage constitutive model of rock mass with non-persistent joints is established based on the Drucker–Prager criterion. The theoretical constitutive curves of the model are in good agreement with the experimental constitutive curves of the non-persistent jointed rock masses. The considering effects of crack propagation length and joint closure friction effect are compared with those without considering the crack propagation length and joint closure friction effect, which finds that the former is superior to the latter, and the rationality and validity of the model is verified.     

Numerical modelling of bit–rock fracture mechanisms in percussive drilling with a continuum approach

This paper presents a numerical method for continuum modelling of the dynamic bit–rock interaction process in percussive drilling. The method includes a constitutive model based on a combination of the recent viscoplastic consistency model, the isotropic damage concept and a parabolic compression cap. The interaction between the drill bit and rock is modelled using contact mechanics by treating the bit as a rigid body. As the bit–rock interaction in percussive drilling is a transient event, the method is implemented in explicit dynamics FEM. The rock strength heterogeneity is characterized at the mesoscopic level statistically using the Weibull distribution. The bit–rock interaction is simulated under axisymmetric conditions using cylindrical and hemispherical buttons. The choice of the quite complex constitutive model accounting, e.g. for plastic compaction, viscoplastic shear and tensile failure along with induced damage and rate dependency is justified by numerical simulations. Moreover, the quasi‐static and dynamic cases are compared in plane strain simulations. Finally, some results clarifying the discrepancy of opinions found in the literature concerning the side (lateral) crack formation are obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

单轴压缩下横观各向同性岩石破裂过程的数值模拟

采用基于细观损伤力学基础上开发的RFPA2D数值模拟软件,用2种不同的岩石材料来组成7个不同岩层倾角的横观各向同性的岩石试件,通过单轴加载数值模拟试验,模拟横观各向同性岩石渐进破裂的整个过程,分析了岩层与最大主应力之间的倾角和强度之间的关系,讨论了不同岩层倾角的横观各向同性岩体的不同破裂模式及其破坏准则。     

单轴压缩下岩石蠕变失稳破坏过程数值模拟

在岩石破裂过程分析（RFPA2D）系统的基础上,考虑岩石损伤过程的时间因素影响,引入岩石细观单元蠕变本构方程,建立了考虑流变效应的岩石破裂过程RFPA2D数值模型。应用该模型模拟了恒定荷载作用下岩石的蠕变破坏过程,得到了岩石蠕变破裂的3个典型阶段：初始蠕变阶段、稳定蠕变阶段和加速蠕变阶段,模拟结果同实验室试验所观察到的现象十分吻合。这表明考虑流变效应的RFPA2D数值模型适用于模拟岩石的蠕变破坏这一复杂的、非线性演化问题。此外,数值模拟还揭示了岩石的宏观蠕变破坏实质上是细观层次上单元损伤累计的结果,这些结论对岩石工程的长期稳定性研究具有重要的理论指导和实践意义。     

一种岩石统计损伤本构模型的研究

基于岩石的非均质性,假设岩石微元粘聚力服从Weibull分布,微元破坏后其粘聚力降为0,结合统计理论和岩石剪切面上剪力平衡方程,建立了岩石发生剪切破坏时的损伤演化方程。该损伤演化方程考虑了破坏微元的抗压和抗剪能力,能够反映岩石峰后强度逐步丧失过程和残余强度。将该模型编入有限元程序,数值计算了不同围压下岩石应力-应变全过程曲线,与试验曲线比较取得了很好的一致性。     

基于应变能密度理论的岩石破裂数值模拟方法研究

采用双线性应变软化本构模型结合能量耗散原理建立了损伤本构方程,并通过应变能密度理论建立了细观单元岩石破坏的能量判别准则。当某一单元所存储的应变能超过某固定值时,单元进入损伤状态,同时单元的损伤程度随着能量耗散的增加而增加,损伤单元的材料属性也随之改变,直到变为具有一定残余强度的单元。随着荷载增加,单元损伤的程度变大,当单元储存的应变能超过所建立的能量判别准则时,定义单元破坏,随着破坏单元的数目不断增多,破坏单元相互连通形成宏观裂纹,实现了利用线性计算完成非线性计算的过程,避免了数值计算在单元断裂时的奇异性,模拟了岩石的峰后破裂行为。对上述算法利用FLAC中的FISH语言开发了岩石破裂化计算程序,并将该程序成功应用于巴西劈裂和中间裂隙拉伸试验的破裂模拟过程中,其模拟结果与相应的理论和试验结果吻合较好,说明该方法对于模拟岩石破裂过程的正确性和可行性。     

Mesoscale numerical study on the evolution of borehole breakout in heterogeneous rocks

Inherent heterogeneity of a rock strongly affects its mechanical behavior. We numerically study the mechanisms governing the initiation, propagation, and ultimate pattern of borehole breakouts in heterogeneous rocks. A two-dimensional finite element model incorporating material heterogeneity is established to systematically examine the effects of several key factors on borehole failure, including borehole diameter, far-field stress, and rock heterogeneity. The inherent heterogeneity of a rock is explicitly characterized by prescribing the rock mechanical properties of mesoscale elements statistically obeying the Weibull distribution. Elastic damage mechanics is used to represent the constitutive law of the mesoscale element. We find that borehole diameter reduction remarkably changes the crack failure from tensile to shear and elevates the critical hydrostatic pressure. Far-field stress anisotropy strongly affects the shape of the borehole breakout. Rock heterogeneity dictates the location of the preferred crack under the hydrostatic stress, which leads to local stress concentration, and determines the types of breakouts around the borehole. Our findings facilitate in-depth understanding of the classic borehole stability problems in heterogeneous rocks.     

Numerical experimental study on failure process of sandstone containing natural damage under freeze-thaw cycle北大核心CSCD

Natural damage such as fissures and pores make the rock microstructure show strong heterogeneity,which influences the failure process and mode. In this paper,the numerical test of freeze-thaw sandstone splitting failure with natural damage was carried out based on CT non-destructive identification technology,combined with digital image processing technology and CASRock numerical simulation software. The analysis of splitting failure mode,deformation localization and crack evolution process of freeze-thaw sandstone with natural damage reveals the failure mechanism of sandstone with natural damage under freeze-thaw and load. The results show that the expansion of primary pores（cracks）and the formation of new pores in sandstone are the main forms of freeze-thaw rock failure evolution. The failure of rock containing natural damage under freeze-thaw and load is related to the degree and distribution of natural damage. The generation of secondary cracks mostly occurs in natural damage-intensive areas. During the loading process,the stress in the localized damage zone is far greater than sandstone’s overall stress,and rock’s failure in the localized damage zone is synchronized with the energy release and stress release in the region. Localized damage reflects the evolution of cracks in rocks and helps to predict the direction of sandstone crack development. The failure mode of rock is related to the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The freeze-thaw cycles make the sandstone with natural damage gradually change from brittle failure to ductile failure,and the change of the overall strength of the rock is a gradual deterioration process. © 2022 Science Press (China).     

Comparative study on three-dimensional statistical damage constitutive modified model of rock based on power function and Weibull distribution

According to the characteristics of the microscopic unit strength of rock with random distribution, the power function distribution, and the Weibull distribution which is widely used in the past as the distribution function of the strength of the rock. Based on the theory of rock damage and statistical strength theory, two damage constitutive models established under three different confining pressures are modified. Then, the damage constitutive modified model of two kinds of distribution is verified and compared with the existing three axis test data. The results show that: (1) In the stage of elastic deformation of rock, the two theoretical damage constitutive model curves are in high agreement with the three axis test curve; (2) The rock at the plastic stage (hardening and softening), damage constitutive model established by Weibull probability distribution and experimental curve fits better than the damage constitutive model established by power function distribution. Especially in high confining pressure, damage constitutive model based on Weibull distribution can well describe the rock deformation from brittle to ductile transition process and power function is not; (3) In the residual strength in rock, damage variable D of damage constitutive model based on power function distribution appeared more than 1, which is deviation from the actual one and damage constitutive model based on Weibull distribution is not deviating. To summarize, using Weibull distribution statistical probability model to describe the microscopic unit strength of rock is more reasonable.     

Dynamic Study on Fracture Problems in Viscoelastic Sedimentary Rocks Using the Numerical Manifold Method

The viscoelastic deformation behavior of a sedimentary rock under different loading rates is numerically modeled and investigated by the numerical manifold method (NMM). By incorporating a modified 3-element viscoelastic constitutive mode in the NMM, crack initiation and propagation criteria, and crack identification and evolution techniques, the effects of the loading rates on the cracking behavior of a sedimentary rock, such as crack open displacement, crack sliding displacement, crack initiation, crack propagation and final failure mode, are successfully modeled. The numerical results reveal that under a high loading rate (>1,000 MPa/s), due to the viscoelastic property of the sedimentary rock, not only the structural behavior deviates from that of elastic model, but also different cracking processes and final failure modes are obtained.     

参数型岩石几何损伤模型的构建及其应用研究

岩石几何损伤模型是建立统计损伤本构模型的重要基础。在岩石变形力学特性基础上对现有岩石几何损伤模型进行了回顾性分析,针对它们难以较好地反映初始损伤特征和峰后变形破坏特征的缺陷与不足,首先,将岩石材料视为由未损伤部分、初始损伤部分和后继损伤部分组成,提出了考虑初始损伤的岩石几何损伤模型;然后,通过探讨Weibull分布参数m和F₀对损伤变量变化产生的影响,构建了参数型岩石几何损伤模型,在此基础上建立了应变软化类岩石统计损伤本构模型并进行了修正,给出了模型参数的确定方法;最后,通过模型验证和参数分析表明,修正后模型能够较好地模拟岩石变形破裂全过程,参数λ和η对损伤变量变化产生的影响与m和F₀等效,解决了现有岩石几何损伤模型存在的共性问题,该模型和方法具有一定的合理性和可行性。     

Evolution of the shape parameter in the Weibull distribution for brittle rocks under uniaxial compression

Applying the statistical damage theory based on the Weibull distribution to describe rock deformation and failure processes is an important development in rock mechanics. The shape parameter of the Weibull distribution, m, determines the basic shape of the distribution curve; additionally, it also represents a physical characteristic which can be applied when constructing rock constitutive models. To study the evolution of m during rock failure when applying the Weibull distribution to rock mechanics, uniaxial cyclic loading tests of shale specimens were conducted and previous rock mechanics experiments under different temperatures and loading rates were reviewed. The results indicate that m varied with the accumulation of damage but was almost constant between the volume expansion point and the peak strength point of each specimen. Combined with previous studies about the accelerated failure behavior of rocks, we conclude that between the volume expansion point and the peak strength point, the mechanical behavior of the rock fracture process did not change significantly. Based on the characteristics of m at different damage stages during the rock failure process, ranges of m values at different damage stages are proposed. The conclusions reached in this study may be used as an important reference for theoretical research on rock mechanics.     

基于残余强度修正的岩石损伤软化统计本构模型研究

岩石随着围压的增大,残余强度的增加幅度比峰值强度大,残余强度逐渐成为影响岩石全应力-应变曲线峰后段的主要因素,因此,建立岩石损伤软化统计本构模型时,对残余强度进行修正是非常必要的。基于岩石应变强度理论以及岩石微元强度服从Weibull随机分布的假设,考虑岩石峰后残余强度对损伤变量进行修正,在微元破坏符合Hoek-Brown屈服准则条件下,建立了能够反映岩石峰后软化特征的三维损伤统计本构模型;依据岩石试验全应力-应变曲线的几何特征,推导出本构模型参数的数学表达式,并基于花岗岩室内试验数据对模型参数进行探讨,研究了Weibull分布参数与本构模型的关系,探讨了损伤修正系数的取值和岩石累积损伤的扩展过程;将建立的本构模型理论曲线与4种岩石（斑状二长花岗岩、细晶大理岩、砂岩和粉砂质泥岩）不同围压下的常规三轴压缩试验曲线进行对比分析,结果表明,该模型能很好地描述岩石破裂过程的全应力-应变关系和表征岩石残余强度特征。这对于岩石损伤软化问题以及岩石加固处理措施的研究均具有重要的意义。     

Numerical modeling of rock failure under dynamic loading with polygonal elements

Polygonal finite elements are gaining an increasing attention in the computational mechanics literature, but their application in rock mechanics is very rare. This paper deals with numerical modeling of rock failure under dynamic loading based on polygonal finite elements. For this end, a damage-viscoplastic constitutive model for rock based on the Mohr-Coulomb criterion with the Rankine criterion as a tensile cutoff is employed and implemented with the polygonal finite element method. Moreover, the mineral mesostructure or rock is described by randomly mapping groups of polygonal elements representing the constituent minerals into a global mesh and assigning these groups with the corresponding mineral material properties. The performance of the polygonal elements is compared with that of the linear and quadratic triangular and bilinear quadrilateral elements in numerical simulations of controlled shear band formation under uniaxial compression and lateral splitting failure in the dogbone tension test. Numerical simulations of uniaxial tension and compression tests as well as dynamic Brazilian disc test under increasing loading rates demonstrate that the present approach predicts the correct failure modes as well as the dynamic increase in strength of rock.     

细观非均匀性对脆性岩石材料宏观破坏形式的影响

岩石材料的宏观力学特征是材料内部细观力学特性的综合反映。对于脆性岩石材料,其内部的非均匀性对材料的宏观破坏形式有着重要的影响。应用演化细胞自动机方法（ECA）对岩石的非均匀性进行了初步的探讨。该方法以位移、力、应力和应变等矢量和张量作为系统的基本变量,定量计算了反映岩石破坏过程中应力集中以及应力重新分布的过程。在宏观上则认为脆性岩石材料是一种非均匀性材料,并假定脆性岩石材料的非均匀性符合Weibull分布,坡度参数m是Weibull分布中的反映分布非均匀程度的重要参数。通过对符合Weibull分布中不同坡度参数的脆性岩石材料进行数值模拟试验,发现由Weibull分布中的坡度参数表示的非均匀性是影响脆性岩石材料破坏方式的重要因素,材料的坡度参数越小,材料越不均匀,其破坏形式则越具有随机性;材料的坡度参数越大,材料越趋于均匀,其破坏形式越具有规则性,即趋于弹性材料的破坏形式,这与试验结果是吻合的。     

Numerical studies on the failure process and associated microseismicity in rock under triaxial compression

In this paper, firstly the mesoscopic elemental mechanical model for elastic damage is developed and implemented into the rock and tool interaction code (R-T^2D). Then the failure processes of a heterogeneous rock specimen subjected to a wide variety of confining pressures (0–80 MPa) are numerically investigated using the R-T^2D code. According to the simulated results, on the one hand, the numerical simulation reproduced some of the well-known phenomena observed by previous researchers in triaxial tests. Under uniaxial compression, rock failure is caused by a combination of axial splitting and shearing. Dilatancy and a post-failure stage with a descending load bearing capacity are the prominent characteristics of the failure. As the confining pressure increases, the extension of the failed sites is suppressed, but the individual failure sites become dense and link with each other to form a shear fracture plane. Correspondingly, the peak strength, the residual strength and the shear fracture plane angle increase, but the brittleness decreases. When the confining pressure is high enough, the specimen behaves in a plastic manner and a narrow shear fracture plane leads to its failure. The prominent characteristics are volume condensation, ductile cataclastic failure, and a constant load bearing capacity with increasing strain. On the other hand, the numerical simulation revealed some new phenomena. The highest microseismicity events occur in the post-failure stage instead of the maximal stress, and most of the microseismicity energies are released in the failure localization process. As the confining pressure increases, the microseismicity events in the non-linear deformation stage increase dramatically and the ratio between the energies dissipated at the non-linear deformation stage and those dissipated in the whole loading process increases correspondingly. Therefore, it is concluded that the developed mesoscopic elemental mechanical model for elastic damage is able to reproduce accurately the failure characteristics in loading rock specimens under triaxial conditions, and the numerical modelling can furthermore obtain some new clarifications of the rock fracture process.     

非均匀岩石介质单轴压缩强度及变形破裂规律的数值模拟

以有限差分法(FDM)为计算框架,利用Weibull分布描述细观单元弹性模量和单轴抗压强度的分布特征,采用弹塑性应变软化本构模型描述细观单元的力学响应,进而建立一种模拟非均匀岩石介质破裂的数值模型。采用该数值模型探讨了单轴压缩时细观均质度m及细观结构对数值试样宏观特性的影响。结果表明,（1）随着细观均质度提高,数值模型的非线性特征逐渐减弱,脆性逐渐增强;宏观峰值强度及弹性模量逐渐增大,峰值强度与lnm呈线性关系,而弹性模量与1/m为线性关系;数值试样表现出由塑性流动破坏至剪切破坏进而为张拉破坏的破坏模式;（2）当细观均质度一定时,细观结构或细观单元空间排列是决定岩石力学行为波动性的主要因素;应力–应变曲线峰前阶段对细观单元的空间排列不敏感,但峰值强度附近及峰后阶段对细观单元的空间排列比较敏感。     

基于摩尔-库仑准则的断续节理岩体复合损伤本构模型

针对工程实际中断续节理裂隙岩体的损伤本构模型,假设岩石微元强度服从Weibull随机分布,以摩尔-库仑破坏准则作为描述微元强度的表示方法,推导出细观损伤变量。利用能量和断裂力学理论,综合考虑节理几何特征及力学特性,推导宏观损伤变量计算公式。基于Lemaitre应变等效假设,考虑宏细观缺陷耦合作用,推导出复合损伤变量,建立了基于摩尔-库仑准则的宏细观缺陷耦合作用的断续裂隙岩体损伤本构模型。研究结果表明：（1）采用摩尔-库仑准则作为描述微元强度的统计分布变量建立的损伤模型能够较好地反映岩石内部缺陷分布和变形特征,该模型真实地反映岩石微元强度受应力状态的影响。（2）该模型建立的理论曲线与断续节理岩体的试验曲线吻合较好。（3）节理裂隙岩体宏观损伤变量及峰值强度随节理倾角的变化规律与综合考虑宏细观耦合作用下的损伤变量及裂隙岩体峰值强度随节理倾角的变化规律基本一致。（4）宏细观耦合作用下的等效弹性模量与节理贯通率呈非线性负相关;在节理倾角一定的情况下,损伤变量与节理长度呈非线性正相关;在贯通率较小时,岩体的宏观损伤变量与内摩擦角的关系呈线性负相关变化,贯通率达到一定程度,线性关系变成非线性关系。     

考虑统计损伤模型的非均质节理岩体拉剪破坏机制研究

拉剪应力状态极易导致岩体破坏乃至失稳,为研究节理岩体拉剪破坏规律,开展了拉剪荷载下共面非贯通节理岩体变形破坏的理论与数值计算研究。通过自定义考虑岩石统计损伤演化的Mohr-Coulomb和最大拉应力准则模型,编写力学参数服从Weibull分布的fish函数,研究了拉剪条件下非均质节理岩体的破坏模式及破坏规律,讨论了岩石均质度、法向拉应力及剪切速率对岩体破坏模式及其力学性质的影响。结果表明,(1) 拉剪应力状态下节理岩体的破坏模式以张拉破坏为主,加载初期破坏位置分布散乱,随着加载和损伤演化逐渐形成带状破裂面,岩体宏观力学性质明显降低;(2) 非均质性对岩体破坏影响显著,主要表现为均质度的增加,岩体由弥散型破坏向集中型破坏转变,破裂面起伏度增大,同时岩体的宏观力学性质增强并最终趋向于均质岩体;(3) 低应力水平下拉应力增大不改变节理岩体以拉张破坏为主的破裂模式,但剪切破坏比例明显减少,同时岩体抗剪强度降低,破裂面的粗糙度增大;(4) 剪切速率对岩体力学性质的影响显著,静态加载范围内岩体抗剪强度随剪切速率的增大而增大,且增幅越来越小。