Insights into Deep-Seated Rockslides in Metamorphic Rock Masses: Lessons Learned from Field Surveys, In Situ Investigations and Numerical Modelling

Author(s):  
Christian Zangerl ◽  
Thomas Strauhal ◽  
Christine Fey ◽  
Michael Holzmann ◽  
Sebastian Perzlmaier
2006 ◽  
Vol 324-325 ◽  
pp. 77-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deng Pan Qiao ◽  
Zong Sheng Zhang ◽  
Shu Hong Wang ◽  
Ya Bin Zhang

This paper presents a study on the quantification of the degree of damage from the microseismic event data, for assessment of excavation damaged zone of anisotropic rock in Jinchuan mine and presents numerical simulation and prediction on the deformation and failure of the rock masses surrounding laneway under rock mass properties and excavating conditions. Following an introduction to the engineering geology and mechanical properties of the rock mass in the Jinchuan mine areas, this paper reveals the features of the measured in situ stresses and puts emphasis on an analysis of the mechanism of underground opening and damage induced by the underground mining. Stress and AE redistribution induced by excavation of underground engineering results in the unloading zone in parts of surrounding rock masses. A micromechanics-based model has been proposed for brittle rock material undergoing irreversible changes of their microscopic structures due to microcrack growth. A systematical numerical modeling analysis method was completed. Based on numerical modelling, a series of predicting curves for rock mass response and deformation are obtained, which provides the basis of guiding the design and construction of anisotropic rock cave in Jinchuan mine. The use of the in situ stress field results in enhanced modeling of the stress concentrations and potential failures at the mines has also been reviewed. Knowledge of the prevailing rock stress field at the mines is a critical component for such modeling which has led to improved rock mechanics understanding and operations at Jinchuan mines.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-190
Author(s):  
Igor Boyko ◽  
Liudmyla Skochko ◽  
Veronica Zhuk

Abstract The interaction features of multi-level retaining walls with soil base were researched by changing their geometric parameters and locality at the plan. During excavation of deep foundation pits it is important to choose the type of constructions which influences on the horizontal displacements. The distance between the levels of retaining walls should be based on the results of numerical modelling. The objective of this paper is to present a comparison between the data of numerical simulations and the results of the in-situ lateral tests of couple piles. The problems have been solved by using the following soil models: Coulomb-Mohr model; model, which is based on the dilatation theory; elastic-plastic model with variable stiffness parameters.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidia Loiotine ◽  
Marco La Salandra ◽  
Gioacchino Francesco Andriani ◽  
Eliana Apicella ◽  
Michel Jaboyedoff ◽  
...  

<p><em>InfraRed Thermography</em> (IRT) spread quickly during the second half of the 20<sup>th</sup> century in the military, industrial and medical fields. This technique is at present widely used in the building sector to detect structural defects and energy losses. Being a non-destructive diagnostic technique, IRT was also introduced in the Earth Sciences, especially in the volcanology and environmental fields, yet its application for geostructural surveys is of recent development. Indeed, the acquisition of thermal images on rock masses could be an efficient tool for identifying fractures and voids, thus detecting signs of potential failures.<br>Further tests of thermal cameras on rock masses could help to evaluate the applicability, advantages and limits of the IRT technology for characterizing rock masses in different geological settings.<br>We present some results of IRT surveys carried out in the coastal area of Polignano a Mare (southern Italy), and their correlation with other remote sensing techniques (i.e. <em>Terrestrial Laser Scanning</em> and <em>Structure from Motion</em>). The case study (<em>Lama Monachile</em>) is represented by a 20 m-high cliff made up of Plio-Pleistocene calcarenites overlying Cretaceous limestones. Conjugate fracture systems, karst features, folds and faults, were detected in the rock mass during field surveys. In addition, dense vegetation and anthropogenic elements, which at places modified the natural setting of the rock mass, represent relevant disturbances for the characterization of the rock mass. In this context, IRT surveys were added to the other techniques, aimed at detecting the major discontinuities and fractured zones, based on potential thermal anomalies. <br>IRT surveys were carried out in December 2020 on the east side of the rock mass at <em>Lama Monachile</em> site. Thermal images were acquired every 20 minutes for 24 hours by means of a FLIR T-660 thermal imager mounted on a fixed tripod. Ambient air temperature and relative humidity were measured during the acquisition with a pocketsize thermo-hydrometer. A reflective paper was placed at the base of the cliff to measure the reflected apparent temperature. In addition, three thermocouple sensors were fixed to the different lithologic units of the rock face. These parameters, together with the distance between the FLIR T-660 and the rock face, were used in order to calibrate the thermal imager and correct the apparent temperatures recorded by the device, during the post-processing phase. Successively, vertical profiles showing the temperature of the rock face over time were extracted from the thermograms. Thermal anomalies were correlated with stratigraphic and Geological Strength Index profiles, obtained by means of field surveys and Structure from Motion techniques. The presence of fracture and voids in the rock mass was also investigated.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Abu-Eida ◽  
Salem Al-Sabea ◽  
Milan Patra ◽  
Bader Akbar ◽  
Kutbuddin Bhatia ◽  
...  

Abstract The Minagish field in West Kuwait is a high potential field which poses several challenges in terms of hydrocarbon flow assurance through highly depleted tight carbonate intervals with uneven reservoir quality and curtailed mobility. These conditions have shifted the field development from vertical to horizontal wellbore completions. Achieving complete wellbore coverage is a challenge for any frac treatment performed in a long openhole lateral with disparities in reservoir characteristics. The fluid will flow into the path of least resistance leaving large portions of the formation untreated. As a result, economic fracturing treatment options dwindle significantly, thus reservoir stimulation results are not always optimum. A multistage fracturing technique using Integrated Dynamic Diversion (IDD) has been performed first time in West Kuwait field well. The process uses active fluid energy to divert flow into a specific fracture point in the lateral, which can initiate and precisely place a fracture. The process uses two self-directed fluid streams: one inside the pipe and one in the annulus. The process mixes the two fluids downhole with high energy to form a consistent controllable mixture. The technique includes pinpoint fluid jetting at the point of interest, followed by in-situ HCL based crosslinked systems employed for improving individual stage targets. The IDD diversion shifts the fracture to unstimulated areas to create complex fractures which increases reservoir contact volume and improved overall conductivity in the lateral. The kinetic and chemical diversion of the IDD methodology is highly critical to control fluid loss in depleted intervals and results in enhanced stimulation. Pumping a frac treatment in openhole without control would tend to initiate a longitudinal fracture along the wellbore and may restrict productivity. By using specialized completion tools with nozzles at the end of the treating string, a new pinpoint process has been employed to initiate a transverse fracture plane in IDD applications. Proper candidate selection and fluid combination with in-situ crosslink acid effectively plug the fracture generated previously and generate pressure high enough to initiate another fracture for further ramification. By combining these processes into one continuous operation, the use of wireline/coiled tubing for jetting, plug setting and milling is eliminated, making the new multistage completion technology economical for these depleted wells. The application of the IDD methodology is a fit-for-purpose solution to address the unique challenges of openhole operations, formation technical difficulties, high-stakes economics, and untapped high potential from intermittent reservoirs. The paper will present post-operation results of this completion from all fractured zones along the lateral and will describe the lessons learned in implementation of this methodology which can be considered as best practice for application in similar challenges in other fields.


2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Veselý

This paper describes a theoretical background, implementation and validation of the newly developed Jardine plastic hardening-softening model (JPHS model), which can be used for numerical modelling of the soils behaviour. Although the JPHS model is based on the elasto-plastic theory, like the Mohr-Coulomb model that is widely used in geotechnics, it contains some improvements, which removes the main disadvantages of the MC model. The presented model is coupled with an isotopically hardening and softening law, non-linear elastic stress-strain law, non-associated elasto-plastic material description and a cap yield surface. The validation of the model is done by comparing the numerical results with real measured data from the laboratory tests and by testing of the model on the real project of the tunnel excavation. The 3D numerical analysis is performed and the comparison between the JPHS, Mohr-Coulomb, Modified Cam-Clay, Hardening small strain model and monitoring in-situ data is done.


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