Research on rock mass strength using optimized discrete fracture network and bonded block numerical model

IF 3.7 2区工程技术 Q3 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Pub Date : 2025-04-02 DOI:10.1007/s10064-025-04235-w

Yabing Zhang, Jing Zhang, Jian Cui, Lijie Liu, Pengjiao Zhang, Tianhong Yang, Xinrui Liu

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Abstract

Rock mass strength is one of the key factors related to rock mechanics research and rock engineering design. In this paper, rock mass failure is simulated using a discrete Bonded Block Model, BBM, and the rock mass strength is characterized accordingly. A set of optimization algorithms is initially developed to relocate key fractures in the Discrete Fracture Network, DFN, where the distance or intersection angle between two fractures are inappropriate to accommodate regularly sized block elements. The rock mass failure and strength are then simulated using BBM models with varied fracture orientations. Higher strength is generally captured when fractures in the rock mass are less favorable to shear sliding. Since the strength of intact rocks is mechanically stronger than the strength of the initial fractures, the higher rock mass strength results from additional failures of intact rocks. Inherent numerical uncertainties are also characterized when the BBM model is selected for characterizations of the rock mass failure and strength. The strength uncertainty is captured through calibration BBM models, and are attributed to the variations of the block distributions related to fracture accommodations. This strength uncertainty is further increased considering the weakening effects of the fractures. The research addresses several key aspects of using the BBM models for simulations of the rock mass failure, and is expected to characterize the rock mass strength in a more reliable manner.

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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.