Development of a novel equation for estimating the average volume of rock blocks in a rock mass with non-persistent joints

IF 3.7 2区工程技术 Q3 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Pub Date : 2024-12-19 DOI:10.1007/s10064-024-03992-4

Mahsa Mahdavirad, Ali Saeidi, Alireza Shahbazi, Jean-François Noël

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Accurate estimation of rock block size is crucial in geotechnical engineering, yet it often encounters challenges due to the complexity of modeling methods or the limitations of oversimplified approaches. This study introduces a novel equation that enhances the accuracy of rock block size estimation by incorporating joint persistence; an important factor frequently overlooked in existing models which describes the extent to which discontinuities split the rock mass. To this end, a three-dimensional discrete fracture network (DFN) was developed using 3DEC v.7.0 to model rock masses containing three non-persistent joint sets. The DFN model was carefully calibrated by removing boundary blocks and optimizing model sizes. The analysis of 125 distinct models led to the development of a practical correlation for estimating the size of rock blocks with non-persistent joints from an existing method for rock masses containing fully persistent discontinuities. The new equation, validated through cross-validation, offers a more reliable tool for practitioners, improving accuracy in rock block size estimation and supporting better decision-making in the field. The application of the newly developed equation to the Burgo Dam spillway in Australia was also shown to result in more accurate volume estimates than the existing methods.

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来源期刊

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 工程技术-地球科学综合

CiteScore

7.10

自引率

11.90%

发文量

445

审稿时长

4.1 months

期刊介绍： Engineering geology is defined in the statutes of the IAEG as the science devoted to the investigation, study and solution of engineering and environmental problems which may arise as the result of the interaction between geology and the works or activities of man, as well as of the prediction of and development of measures for the prevention or remediation of geological hazards. Engineering geology embraces: • the applications/implications of the geomorphology, structural geology, and hydrogeological conditions of geological formations; • the characterisation of the mineralogical, physico-geomechanical, chemical and hydraulic properties of all earth materials involved in construction, resource recovery and environmental change; • the assessment of the mechanical and hydrological behaviour of soil and rock masses; • the prediction of changes to the above properties with time; • the determination of the parameters to be considered in the stability analysis of engineering works and earth masses.