• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.279-285
• /
• 2019

The process of slope stability analysis is one of the most important stages in design of some civil and mining projects. Bimslopes are made from bimrocks (block-in-matrix rocks) where rocky blocks are distributed in a bonded matrix of finer texture. These kind of slopes are often seen in weathered and near-surface depths. Previous studies have shown that VBP (Volumetric Block Proportion) is one of the most significant factors affecting bimrocks strength and consequently the stability of bimslopes. In this paper, the influence of block inclinations on bimslope stability have been investigated. For this purpose, 180 theoretical models have been made with various VBPs, all of them have a specified block size distribution. These bimslopes contain blocks with differing dips relative the slope inclination. Also for each kind of block inclination, 10 different blocks arrangements have been modeled. The Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to analysis the stability of these bimslopes models. The results showed the inclination of blocks has a strong impact on the Safety Factor and stability of bimslopes. When the difference in angle of dip of blocks relative to the slope angle is maximum, the Safety Factor of bimslopes tends to be a maximum compared with the matrix-only state. Furthermore, with increasing VBP of bimslopes stability increases. The graphs obtained from this study could be used for preliminary guidance in the projects design with bimslopes.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
• /
• 2005.09b
• /
• pp.863-865
• /
• 2005

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.11 no.6
• /
• pp.867-877
• /
• 2016

Collapse shape of tunnel roof in layered Hoek-Brown rock media is investigated within the framework of upper bound theorem. The traditional collapse mechanism for homogeneous stratum is no longer suitable for the present analysis of roof stability, and it would be necessary to propose a curve failure mode to describe the velocity discontinuity surface in layered media. What is discussed in the paper is that the failure mechanism of tunnel roofs, consisting of two different functions, is proposed for layered rock media. Then it is employed to investigate the impending roof failure. Based on the nonlinear Hoek-Brown failure criterion, the collapse volume of roof blocks are derived with the upper bound theorem and variational principle. Numerical calculations and parametric analysis are carried out to illustrate the effects of different parameters on the shape of failure mechanism, which is of overriding significance to the stability analysis of tunnel roof in layered rock media.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
• /
• 2009.03a
• /
• pp.58-63
• /
• 2009

Biaxial compression test was conducted on a transversely isotropic synthetic jointed rock model for the understanding of the fracture behaviors of a sedimentary or metamorphic rocks with well developed bedding or foliation in uni-direction. The joint angles employed for the model are 30, 45, and 60 degrees to the horizontal, and the synthetic rock mass was made of early strength cement. From the biaxial compression test, initiation propagation of tensile cracks at norm to the joint angle was found. The propagated tensile cracks eventually developed rock blocks, which was dislodged from the rock mass. Furthermore, the propagation process of the tensile cracks varies with joint angle: lower joint angle model shows more stable and progressive tensile crack propagation. The experiment results were validated from the simulation by using discrete element method PFC 2D. From the simulation, as has been observed from the test, a rock mass with lower joint angle produces wider damage region and rock block by tensile cracks. In addition, a rock model with lower joint angle shows a progressive tensile cracks generation around the opening from the investigation of the interacted tensile cracks.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.74 no.3
• /
• pp.407-423
• /
• 2020

The pre-peak cyclic shear mechanism of two-order asperity degradation of rock joints in the direct shear tests with static constant normal loads (CNL) are investigated using experimental and numerical methods. The laboratory testing rock specimens contains the idealized and regular two-order triangular-shaped asperities, which represent the specific geometrical conditions of natural and irregular waviness and unevenness of rock joint surfaces, in the pre-peak cyclic shear tests. Three different shear failure patterns of two-order triangular-shaped rock joints can be found in the experiments at constant horizontal shear velocity and various static constant normal loads in the direct and pre-peak cyclic shear tests. The discrete element method is adopted to simulate the pre-peak shear failure behaviors of rock joints with two-order triangular-shaped asperities. The rock joint interfaces are simulated using a modified smooth joint model, where microscopic scale slip surfaces are applied at contacts between discrete particles in the upper and lower rock blocks. Comparing the discrete numerical results with the experimental results, the microscopic bond particle model parameters are calibrated. Effects of cyclic shear loading amplitude, static constant normal loads and initial waviness asperity angles on the pre-peak cyclic shear failure behaviors of triangular-shaped rock joints are also numerically investigated.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.9 no.6
• /
• pp.815-827
• /
• 2015

The mechanical behavior of soil and soil-rock mixture is investigated via the discrete element method. A non-overlapping combination method of spheres is used to model convex polyhedron rock blocks of soil-rock mixture in the DEM simulations. The meso-mechanical parameters of soil and soil-rock interface in DEM simulations are obtained from the in-situ tests. Based on the Voronoi cell, a method representing volumtric strain of the sample at the particle scale is proposed. The numerical results indicate that the particle rotation, occlusion, dilatation and self-organizing force chains are a remarkable phenomena of the localization band for the soil and soil-rock mixture samples. The localization band in a soil-rock mixture is wider than that in the soil sample. The current research shows that the 3D discrete element method can effectively simulate the mechanical behavior of soil and soil-rock mixture.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 1995

The behavior of a jointed rock mass depends mainly on the geometrical and mechanical properties of joints. The failure mode of a rock mass and kinematics of rock blocks are governed by the orientation, spacing, and persistence of joints. The mechanical properties such as dilation angle, shear strength, maximum closure, strength of asperities and friction coeffiient play important roles on the stability and deformation of the rock mass. The normal and shear behaviour of a joint are coupled due to dilation, and the joint deformation depends also on the boundary conditions such as stiffness conditons. In this paper, the joint constitutive law including the dilatant behaviour of a joint is numerically modelled using the edge-to-edge contact logic in distinct element method. Also, presented is the method to quantify the input parameters used in the joint law. The results from uniaxial compression and direct shear tests using the numeical model of the single joint were compared to the analytic results from them. The boundary effect on the behaviour of a joint is verified by comparing the results of direct shear test under constant stress boundary condition with those under constant stiffness boundary condition. The numerical model developed is applied to a complex jointed rock mass to examine its performance and to evaluate the effect of joint dilation on tunnel stability.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.621-630
• /
• 2021

This study evaluated cracks and climate monitoring in Ipseok-dae columnar joints and Jigong Neodeol rock blocks in Mudeungsan National Park. The rocks' state of cracking and their surface temperatures were measured alongside air temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity. The maximum crack behavior in Ipseok-dae was 0.367 mm at one point, and showed a slight tendency at other points. One in Jigong Neodeol was within 0.15 mm and showed a stable state with little change. The surface temperature of the Ipseok-dae columnar joints was higher on the side exposed to sunlight than on the shaded side. All blocks of Jigong Neodeol rock showed similar temperatures. The air temperature showed a similar distribution for both rock types. The air temperature showed a similar distribution for both Ipseok-dae and Jigong Neodeol. The relative humidity was mostly between 20% and 60% in Ipseok-dae and was between 20 and 70% in Jigong Neodeol. Both areas had low wind speeds, with maxima of 5 m/s in Ipseok-dae and 3 m/s in Jigong Neodeol. As a result, it is evaluated that crack behavior in Ipseok-dae columnar joints and Jigong Neodeol rock blocks have maintained a very stable state so far. The surface temperature, temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity of the two areas showed small difference depending on the season, indicating that they were affected to some extent by the season. From a long-term perspective, this can continuously affect the deformation of the Ipseok-dae columnar joints or Jigong Neodeol rock blocks. Therefore, in order to accurately evaluate their stability, it is considered that the current microscopic delamination and exfoliation or the propagation and expansion of cracks should be continuously measured.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
• /
• v.6 no.4
• /
• pp.357-365
• /
• 2004

Tunnel portals are often located in areas where the risk of rock fall and/or detachement of rock fragments from rocky slopes is high. In this case it is necessary to design the portals so as to protect the road (i.e. using an artificial tunnel) or to instal structures that are able to intercept falling blocks on the slope. This paper deals with the design problems of these structures and includes a special analysis of net fences which have undergone a remarkable technological improvement over recent years.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
• /
• v.20 no.7
• /
• pp.5-14
• /
• 2004

The observational design and construction method in tunnels is becoming important recently. In many tunnels, enormous cost and time are consumed to cope with the failing or sliding of rock blocks, which could not be predicted because of the complexity of rock discontinuities. It is difficult to estimate the properties of rock masses before the construction. In this paper, a new observational design and construction method in tunnels are proposed, and then applied to the example of the very large cross section tunnel based on actual discontinuity information observed in situ. The items examined in developing a program for the new observational design and construction method are the following ones: generality, precision, high speed, and friendly usability. At the very large cross section tunnel, 7 key blocks were judged to be unstable because they could not be supported by standard supports. Supplementary supports were installed to these 7 key blocks before the excavation. It is possible to detect key blocks all along the tunnel exactly by using the numerical analysis program developed for the new observational design and construction method in the very large cross section tunnel. This computer simulation method with user-friendly interfaces can calculate not only the stability of key blocks but also the design of supplementary supports.