Selecting Ore Pass-Finger Raise Configurations in Underground Mines

Material transfer in underground mines often relies on ore and waste pass systems. In mines where ore pass systems transcend multiple production levels, finger raises are used to funnel material into the system. Empirical evidence, from several mines, suggests that the use of finger raises often results in damage in the immediate vicinity of finger raise-ore pass junctions. Of particular concern is damage on the ore pass walls as a result of impact loads generated by material flowing through the fingers on to the ore pass walls. The severity of damage is directly related to the rock mass quality of the excavation walls, material properties of transiting ore and the ore pass-finger raise configuration. This paper examines the influence of different configurations aiming to develop strategies to minimize ore pass wall damage. To these purposes the Particle Flow Code was employed to undertake a series of numerical experiments. This involved dumping a batch of rock fragments, represented by a uniform distribution of disc-shaped particles, into a finger raise and allowed to flow into an ore pass. It has been clearly demonstrated that higher impact loads were generated when the angle of intersection between ore pass and finger raise was 140° to 145°. This configuration results in the most damage. The results of these numerical experiments were collaborated by observations at an underground mine in Canada.     

基于软硬石模板库的土石混合体细观损伤与力学特性分析

为了探究含软、硬两种岩性碎块石土石混合体的变形破坏过程与力学性质,发展了一种基于软硬石模板库的土石混合体建模方法。通过在PFC2D中建立符合原位结构特征的软硬石模板库,利用此模板库生成了不同含石量土石混合体颗粒流模型,对土石混合体进行了单轴压缩颗粒流模拟。结果表明：土石混合体破坏始于土-石接触面,土石介质分离大多因剪切破坏导致,加载前期微裂纹迅速增长,中、后期微裂纹增长速率减缓,但宏观变形渐趋显著;随着含石量的增加,土石混合体单轴抗压强度逐渐降低,块石的转动与侧向移动会加剧土石混合体的整体破坏;相同含石量下,随着软石比例的增加,单轴抗压强度呈下降趋势,试验后试样破裂率与单个软石颗粒的破裂程度均保持在较高水平,软石颗粒破裂是引起土石混合体单轴抗压强度降低的重要原因。     

Characterisation of confinement effect on jointed rock pillars using a Synthetic Rock Mass approach

Confinement effect on jointed rock pillars is numerically characterised in this research using a Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) approach. The SRM is an integrated model incorporating a discrete fracture network within a Particle Flow Code 3D particle assembly. In this paper, the confinement effect on a 3D jointed pillar SRM model is investigated in a series of simulations, including biaxial compression tests and true and conventional triaxial compression tests. The numerical results suggest that the applied confining stresses generally result in higher pillar strengths and ductile post‐peak responses. More brittle post‐peak behaviour is simulated in the biaxial and true triaxial tests when the pillar is confined by a high stress in one lateral direction and by a zero/low stress in the other lateral direction. This phenomenon is attributed to significant lateral pillar dilation in the less confined direction. Detailed pillar failure modes are monitored in the uniaxial and triaxial tests. Axial splitting fractures and long shear zones cutting through the pillar are simulated when the pillar is able to dilate in the direction of least confinement. Localised shearing along joints and failed rock blocks is the dominant failure mode when the pillar dilation is resisted by the applied confining stresses. The pillar remains relatively intact with limited cracking in the pillar core in the highly confined triaxial tests. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于离散颗粒模型的岩体结构面动-静态刚度系数对比的数值模拟研究

岩体工程计算分析中结构面刚度系数是至关重要的力学参数,计算分析的精度和可靠程度与这个参数密不可分,结构面刚度系数取值仍然是一个难点.岩体中应力波传播至结构面处将会发生反射和透射现象,利用应力波透射系数可反演结构面动态刚度系数.本文从细观力学角度运用颗粒离散元方法,开发分段线性接触模型及应力波吸收边界模型,开展宏观岩体中...     

Numerical investigation of the effect of joint geometrical parameters on the mechanical properties of a non-persistent jointed rock mass under uniaxial compression

The strength and deformability of rock masses transected by non-persistent joints are controlled by complex interactions of joints and intact rock bridges. The emergence of synthetic rock mass (SRM) numerical modelling offers a promising approach to the analysis of rock masses, but has not been rigorously compared with actual physical experiments. In this work, SRM modelling by the discrete element software PFC3D is used to investigate the effect of geometric parameters of joints on the rock mass failure mechanism, unconfined compressive strength and deformation modulus. Firstly, a validation study is undertaken to investigate the ability of SRM modelling to reproduce rock mass failure modes and strength as determined by uniaxial and biaxial compression testing in the laboratory. The numerical analyses agree well with physical experimentation at low confining pressure. A sensitivity study is then undertaken of the effect of joint configuration parameters on the failure mode, unconfined compressive strength and deformation modulus of the rock mass. Five failure modes are predicted to occur: intact rock, planar, block rotation, step-path and semi-block generation. It is found that the failure mode is determined principally by joint orientation and step angle and the joint orientation with respect to principal stress direction is the parameter with the greatest influence on rock mass properties.     

土石混合料剪切特性及块石破碎特征

通过室内大型直剪试验和基于PFC2D的颗粒离散元数值模型,探讨考虑块石破碎的土石混合料的剪切特性及块石破碎特征。以土石混合料室内大型直剪试验和筛分试验为基础,提出了一种能真实描述块石形态特征并准确反映块石破碎效应的土石混合料颗粒离散元数值建模方法,模拟并分析了6种含石量土石混合料在4种不同法向应力作用下的剪切特性及块石破碎特征。结果表明：土石混合料抗剪强度随含石量的增大而增大,且基本符合摩尔-库仑（M-C）强度准则,随着含石量增大,内摩擦角呈现“慢-快-慢”增长趋势,黏聚力则呈现先增后减再增大的变化趋势。剪切后土石混合料块石破碎形式可归纳为表面研磨、局部破碎、完全破裂、完全破碎4种方式。提出了一种新的颗粒破碎指标,该指标能够准确描述粒径大于5 mm的块石的破碎程度,其随含石量和法向应力的增大而增大。通过对土石混合料颗粒离散元数值模型剪切面的分析发现,剪切面出现“剪斜”现象,其起伏程度随含石量增大愈加明显,且随着含石量增大剪切面附近剪裂隙数量增多,土石混合料在剪切过程中的破坏为拉-剪混合破坏。     

Capturing the complete stress–strain behaviour of jointed rock using a numerical approach

This paper presents the results of a series of numerical experiments using the synthetic rock mass (SRM) approach to quantify the behaviour of jointed rock masses. Field data from a massive sulphide rock mass, at the Brunswick mine, were used to develop a discrete fracture network (DFN). The constructed DFN model was subsequently subjected to random sampling whereby 40 cubic samples, of height to width ratio of two, and of varying widths (0.05 to 10 m) were isolated. The discrete fracture samples were linked to 3D bonded particle models to generate representative SRM models for each sample size. This approach simulated the jointed rock mass as an assembly of fractures embedded into the rock matrix. The SRM samples were submitted to uniaxial loading, and the complete stress–strain behaviour of each specimen was recorded. This approach provided a way to determine the complex constitutive behaviour of large‐scale rock mass samples. This is often difficult or not possible to achieve in the laboratory. The numerical experiments suggested that higher post‐peak modulus values were obtained for smaller samples and lower values for larger sample sizes. Furthermore, the observed deviation of the recorded post‐peak modulus values decreased with sample size. The ratio of residual strength of rock mass samples per uniaxial compressive strength intact increases moderately with sample size. Consequently, for the investigated massive sulphide rock mass, the pre‐peak and post‐peak representative elemental volume size was found to be the same (7 × 7 × 14 m). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

岩体裂隙系统渗流场与应力场耦合模型

岩体系统具有复杂的结构。一般认为，岩体系统是非均质各向异性不连续的多相介质体系。当岩体以裂隙为主，且其分布较密集时，可将岩体系统看作等效连续多相介质体系。本文运用等效连续介质理论，提出了两种岩体裂隙系统渗流场与应力场耦合模型：一是以渗透水压力与隙变形关系、应力与渗透系统数关系为基础，建立渗透系数张量计算公式，进而建立等效效连续介质渗流为数学模型。以裂隙岩体应变张量分析为基础，建立裂隙岩体效应力张量     

Coupled THM processes in EDZ of crystalline rocks using an elasto-plastic cellular automaton

This paper aims at a numerical study of coupled thermal, hydrological and mechanical processes in the excavation disturbed zones (EDZ) around nuclear waste emplacement drifts in fractured crystalline rocks. The study was conducted for two model domains close to an emplacement tunnel; (1) a near-field domain and (2) a smaller wall-block domain. Goodman element and weak element were used to represent the fractures in the rock mass and the rock matrix was represented as elasto-visco-plastic material. Mohr–Coulomb criterion and a non-associated plastic flow rule were adopted to consider the viscoplastic deformation in the EDZ. A relation between volumetric strain and permeability was established. Using a self-developed EPCA^2D code, the elastic, elasto-plastic and creep analyses to study the evolution of stress and deformations, as well as failure and permeability evolution in the EDZ were conducted. Results indicate a strong impact of fractures, plastic deformation and time effects on the behavior of EDZ especially the evolution of permeability around the drift.     

剪胀对复杂裂隙岩体渗透性影响的离散元分析

裂隙岩体流固耦合问题是目前国内外研究热点之一,采用离散元软件UDEC对裂隙岩体发生节理剪胀的渗透性变化规律进行了模拟分析。基于现场调查的裂隙信息统计生成裂隙网络岩体模型。 通过固定垂直应力、不断增加应力比RS(RS=水平应力/垂直应力)使岩体出现剪胀,采用库伦滑移节理模式对岩体在剪胀过程中的渗透性变化情况进行模拟。结果发现:当应力比较小(RS3.1)时,节理水力隙宽、流速、渗透系数等参数都随着应力比的增加表现出明显的降低; 而当岩体出现剪胀现象之后(应力比大于3.1),发生剪切滑移和剪胀现象的节理控制着裂隙岩体的总体渗流行为,与不考虑节理剪胀的计算结果相比,岩体渗透能力出现了显著增长。这一结果表明,剪胀对裂隙岩体渗透性的影响是显著而不可忽视的。     

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。     

Numerical Simulation of 3D Hydraulic Fracturing Based on an Improved Flow-Stress-Damage Model and a Parallel FEM Technique

The failure mechanism of hydraulic fractures in heterogeneous geological materials is an important topic in mining and petroleum engineering. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model that considers the coupled effects of seepage, damage, and the stress field is introduced. This model is based on a previously developed two-dimensional (2D) version of the model (RFPA2D-Rock Failure Process Analysis). The RFPA3D-Parallel model is developed using a parallel finite element method with a message-passing interface library. The constitutive law of this model considers strength and stiffness degradation, stress-dependent permeability for the pre-peak stage, and deformation-dependent permeability for the post-peak stage. Using this model, 3D modelling of progressive failure and associated fluid flow in rock are conducted and used to investigate the hydro-mechanical response of rock samples at laboratory scale. The responses investigated are the axial stress–axial strain together with permeability evolution and fracture patterns at various stages of loading. Then, the hydraulic fracturing process inside a rock specimen is numerically simulated. Three coupled processes are considered: (1) mechanical deformation of the solid medium induced by the fluid pressure acting on the fracture surfaces and the rock skeleton, (2) fluid flow within the fracture, and (3) propagation of the fracture. The numerically simulated results show that the fractures from a vertical wellbore propagate in the maximum principal stress direction without branching, turning, and twisting in the case of a large difference in the magnitude of the far-field stresses. Otherwise, the fracture initiates in a non-preferred direction and plane then turns and twists during propagation to become aligned with the preferred direction and plane. This pattern of fracturing is common when the rock formation contains multiple layers with different material properties. In addition, local heterogeneity of the rock matrix and macro-scale stress fluctuations due to the variability of material properties can cause the branching, turning, and twisting of fractures.     

作用在岩体裂隙网络中的渗透力分析

从岩体裂隙网络渗流的特点出发, 以单裂隙渗透力分析为基础, 分析了二维及三维情况下岩体裂隙网络渗流对岩体裂隙壁施加的两种作用力: 垂直于裂隙壁使裂隙产生扩容的法向渗透静水压力以及平行于裂隙壁和裂隙水流方向一致的切向动水压力, 推导出二维及三维情况下裂隙单元因这两种作用力而产生的等效结点力, 并应用算例定量分析了岩体裂隙网络渗透静水压力和动水压力共同作用对岩体应力的影响, 结果显示: (a)渗透力作用下裂隙上部岩体压应力减小, 而裂隙下部岩体压应力增大, 最大压应力增大 10 .5 3%; (b)渗透力作用下裂隙岩体拉应力增大, 最大拉应力增大 9.0 9%; (c)裂隙渗透力使岩体剪应力增大, 最大值达 2 3.75 %。     

非均质共面断续节理岩体拉伸剪切破裂机制研究

工程开挖面附近卸荷扰动区的岩体,受结构面和拉应力共同影响作用,其变形和破坏具有拉剪复合特征。为研究节理岩体的拉剪力学特性,基于颗粒离散元法针对共面断续节理岩体开展了系列数值模拟研究。通过假设粒间接触的力学参数服从Weibull分布表征岩体的非均质性,探讨了非均质性、均质度、法向拉应力和节理连通率对节理岩体拉剪强度和破坏模式的影响。研究表明:拉剪应力条件下非均质性节理岩体主要沿阶梯型破裂面破坏,剪应力-水平位移曲线可以分为线性变形阶段、非线性变形阶段、峰值及峰后阶段;随均质度提高,节理岩体的剪切强度逐渐增加且提升幅度逐渐减弱,趋于均质岩体,岩体中微裂纹由弥散型分布向破裂面集中;节理岩体峰值剪切强度和法向拉应力的大小呈非线性负相关关系;岩体剪切强度随节理连通率增加而显著降低。     

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。     

Mechanical and hydraulic properties of rocks related to induced seismicity

Witherspoon, P.A. and Gale, J.E., 1977. Mechanical and hydraulic properties of rocks related to induced seismicity. Eng. Geol., 11(1): 23–55.The mechanical and hydraulic properties of fractured rocks are considered with regard to the role they play in induced seismicity. In many cases, the mechanical properties of fractures determine the stability of a rock mass. The problems of sampling and testing these rock discontinuities and interpreting their non-linear behavior are reviewed. Stick slip has been proposed as the failure mechanism in earthquake events. Because of the complex interactions that are inherent in the mechanical behavior of fractured rocks, there seems to be no simple way to combine the deformation characteristics of several sets of fractures when there are significant perturbations of existing conditions. Thus, the more important fractures must be treated as individual components in the rock mass.In considering the hydraulic properties, it has been customary to treat a fracture as a parallel-plate conduit and a number of mathematical models of fracture systems have adopted this approach. Non-steady flow in fractured systems has usually been based on a two-porosity model, which assumes the primary (intergranular) porosity contributes only to storage and the secondary (fracture) porosity contributes only to the overall conductivity. Using such a model, it has been found that the time required to achieve quasi-steady state flow in a fractured reservoir is one or two orders of magnitude greater than it is in a homogeneous system. In essentially all of this work, the assumption has generally been made that the fractures are rigid.However, it is clear from a review of the mechanical and hydraulic properties that not only are fractures easily deformed but they constitute the main flow paths in many rock masses. This means that one must consider the interaction of mechanical and hydraulic effects. A considerable amount of laboratory and field data is now available that clearly demonstrates this stress-flow behavior. Two approaches have been used in attempting to numerically model such behavior: (1) continuum models, and (2) discrete models. The continuum approach only needs information as to average values of fracture spacing and material properties. But because of the inherent complexity of fractured rock masses and the corresponding decrease in symmetry, it is difficult to develop an equivalent continuum that will simulate the behavior of the entire system. The discrete approach, on the other hand, requires details of the fracture geometry and material properties of both fractures and rock matrix. The difficulty in obtaining such information has been considered a serious limitation of discrete models, but improved borehole techniques can enable one to obtain the necessary data, at least in shallow systems. The possibility of extending these methods to deeper fracture systems needs more investigation. Such data must be considered when deciding whether to use a continuum or discrete model to represent the interaction of rock and fluid forces in a fractured rock system, especially with regard to the problem of induced seismicity. When one is attempting to alter the pressure distribution in a fault zone by injection or withdrawal of fluids, the extent to which this can be achieved will be controlled in large measure by the behavior of the fractures that communicate with the borehole. Since this is essentially a point phenomenon, i.e., the changes will propagate from a relatively small region around the borehole, the use of a discrete model would appear to be preferable.     

作用在裂隙中的渗透力分析

裂隙岩体中流体对岩体的作用力, 是研究岩体稳定性的重要问题。本文认为流体作用于裂隙壁面上的力包括两部分, 即垂直于裂隙壁面的流体静水压力 (导致裂隙垂向变形)和平行于裂隙壁面的拖曳力 (导致裂隙切向变形), 此拖曳力为面力。文中以单裂隙水流的立方定律为基础, 运用流体力学的动量方程, 推导出了单一平直光滑无充填裂隙、有充填的裂隙及水流和充填物一起运动情况下, 裂隙壁面承受的切向拖曳力公式。该公式对于分析流体对裂隙岩体变形性能及强度的影响具有重要价值。     

颗粒配比对岩石力学特征影响的数值模拟研究

岩石是矿物颗粒的集合体同时也是一种重要的非均质材料,了解它的力学特征对岩土工程及矿产开采都具有重要的指导作用。作为典型的颗粒材料,颗粒单元体的粒径分布配比必然影响着岩石的宏观力学表现。通过设置不同体积配比下的颗粒材料单元体,利用PCF2D软件模拟了相同颗粒材料单元体不同配比下岩石模型的力学特征。模拟结果表明颗粒单元体配比对岩石的力学特征有明显的影响。在模拟过程中大颗粒的配比显著影响着岩石的抗压强度,大颗粒含量相对越高,抗压强度越大。而细颗粒的配比影响着岩石的抗拉强度,细颗粒含量相对越高,抗拉强度越大,但是过多的细颗粒会降低岩石的抗拉强度。考虑岩石压缩过程中裂缝形态的影响。结果表明均匀分布、5:2:3、7:2:1的颗粒配比形成了贯穿裂缝,而1:2:7和3:2:5的颗粒配比未能形成贯穿裂缝,且细颗粒配比越高,裂缝数目出现高值的概率也越大。      

稀疏非正交填充裂隙岩体水流—传热—应力模型与离散元模拟

为研究填充裂隙水流速度对岩体温度和应力的影响，选取甘肃北山地区的花岗岩，制作了稀疏非正交裂隙岩体模 型，采用河砂填充裂隙后进行模型试验；并对模型试验进行离散元数值模拟，分析了模型试验所测岩体温度和热应力与数 值模拟结果的差异和原因。结果显示：填砂裂隙强化了裂隙介质的热导能力，无填充时岩体温度和热应力比填砂时低；模 型试验和离散元模拟均表明，岩体温度和岩体应力随裂隙水流速度增大而减小，但是系统达到稳态所需要的时间变短；模 型试验中斜裂隙水流对温度场起主要作用；由于现有3DEC软件不能考虑水的热物性参数随温度的变化，进而产生自然对 流换热，斜裂隙水流和靠近热源侧的竖裂隙水流对温度场起主要作用。     

单裂隙砂岩单轴压缩的中等应变率效应颗粒流模拟

加载速率对裂隙岩体的力学性质及变形破坏均有重要影响。利用二维颗粒流程序PFC2D开展了不同倾角非贯通单裂隙砂岩试件的单轴压缩试验,研究了中等应变率对裂隙砂岩应力-应变曲线特征、裂隙尖端应力状态、特征应力状态、岩体损伤及裂隙扩展等力学响应的影响规律。裂隙岩体应力-应变曲线呈现明显的波动性,定义应力突变指标 对应力突变型波动剧烈程度进行了定量统计分析：随应变率的增加,曲线应力突变波动越剧烈,且峰后明显大于峰前;随裂隙倾角的增大,波动幅度峰前增大,而峰后减小。裂隙尖端破裂应力随应变率增大均有所提高,随裂隙倾角的增大,切向剪应力 总体上呈增加变化,而法向应力 明显减小。尖端破裂时岩样加载应力 、岩样临界扩容应力 及峰值应力 均随应变率增大而增大。裂隙尖端的破裂可立即引起岩体扩容,一般应变率越低,岩体裂隙尖端破裂点 和扩容点 越接近峰值强度 。随着应变率的提高,损伤裂纹及宏观裂隙类型越多,岩体试件损伤破裂程度越强,特别是试件端部效应愈显著。裂隙首先以I型翼裂纹在其尖端起裂,而I型翼裂纹的扩展长度与加载速率与裂隙倾角具有较强的相关性。