Evaluation of Rock Mass Strength Using Potential Discrete Fracture Network (PDFN) in Voronoi Technique-DEM

Summary:

Almost all of the proposed models of Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN) embedded within rock masses are discontinuities with zero tension strength. While, potential discontinuities and weak surfaces such as rock bridges, veinlet, and schistose surfaces are a candidate for breakage under stress and have also a significant effect on rock mass strength. Simultaneously with geometrical parameters, this geomechanical heterogeneous nature of fractures is crucial for understanding rock mass behavior and characteristics. This paper focuses on the probabilistic effect of potential discontinuity properties on the rock mass strength using Potential Discrete fracture networks (PDFN)-bonded block models (BBM) framework. The cohesive crack model is used to define block contact behavior. A comparison of the results indicates the importance of the proposed model for the assessment of realistic rock mass strength instead of traditional DFN.

Analysis of discrete fracture network (DFN) employing the complex nature of fracture patterns plays an important role in understanding the micro and macromechanical behavior of rock mass. Rock mass behavior analyses have traditionally been undertaken for discontinuity with zero tension strength along DFN to calculate mechanical properties. In point of this view, such methods regardless of geometrical parameters generally assume the same possibility of failure for all fractures in the rock mass. The distribution of the DFN strength parameter in Potential DFN can result in important changes in the strength of rock mass and remains a challenge in rock engineering design. The term of PDFN is used for those fracture network with tension and shear strength. Detailed analysis of the employed PDFN which elaborately highlights the role of the distribution of input strength property of each fracture that controls the real strength of rock mass has been presented in this research.

Methodology and Approaches:

In the BBM-DEM, the Voronoi tessellation scheme is employed and the material is simulated as assemblies of several particles bonded together at their contact areas. In order to define contact law of BBM, a cohesive crack model (CCM) is implemented in the UDEC. The calibration process is carried out to obtain contact properties. DFN is written in c++, in which the probability distribution of cohesion, friction angle, and tension strength is considered. The sensitivities of the rock mass strength calculated using SRM e.g., UDEC-DFN to the variability of the input parameter are investigated. A discussion of results is then made base on a reference simulation performed without a distribution method. 4 different P21 are investigated.

The cohesive crack model is implemented in UDEC to define contact law among generated BBM through the Voronoi tessellation technique. In order to assess the effect of the distribution of mechanical parameters in PDFN on the strength of rock mass, DFN is written and this feature is added. The results indicate the importance of the proposed model for the assessment of realistic rock mass strength in engineering applications.