Grouting Process Simulation Based on 3D Fracture Network Considering Fluid–Structure Interaction

Yushan Zhu,Xiaoling Wang,Mingming Lv,Wenlong Chen,Linli Xue,Zuzhi Shi,Shaohui Deng

doi:10.3390/app9040667

Abstract

Grouting has always been the main engineering measure of ground improvement and foundation remediation of hydraulic structures. Due to complex geological conditions and the interactions between the grout and the fractured rock mass, which poses a serious challenge to the grouting diffusion mechanism analysis, fracture grouting has been a research hotspot for a long time. In order to throw light on the grout diffusion process in the fractured rock mass and the influence of grout on the fracture network, and to achieve more realistic grouting numerical simulation, in this paper a grouting process simulation approach considering fluid–structure interaction is developed based on the 3D fractured network model. Firstly, the relationship between fracture apertures and trace lengths is used to obtain a more realistic value of fracture aperture; then a more reliable model is established; subsequently, based on the 3D fracture network model, different numerical models are established to calculate fluid dynamics (grout) and structure deformation (fractured rock mass), and the results are exchanged at the fluid–structure interface to realize the grouting process simulation using two-way fluid-structure interaction method. Finally, the approach is applied to analyze the grouting performance of a hydropower station X, and the results show that the grouting simulation considering fluid–structure interaction are more realistic and can simultaneously reveal the diffusion of grout and the deformation of fracture, which indicates that it is necessary to consider the effect of fluid–structure interaction in grouting simulation. The results can provide more valuable information for grouting construction.

Highlights

Many high dams are built in areas with complicated geological conditions, and the numerous fractures and voids will increase the permeability and decrease the strength of the rock mass, which affect the stability and safety of the dam’s foundations
The of purpose of this study is network; to investigate groutingsimulation process inapproach fracturedconsidering rock mass and the structure interaction based on the fractured network model is developed, and the hydropower influence of grout on the fracture network; a grouting simulation approach considering fluid
The purpose of this study is to investigate the grouting process in fractured rock mass and the influence of grout on the fracture network; a grouting simulation approach considering fluid–structure interaction based on the 3D fractured network model is developed, and the hydropower station X is taken as a case study to do some in-depth analysis using the proposed approach

Summary

Introduction

Many high dams are built in areas with complicated geological conditions, and the numerous fractures and voids will increase the permeability and decrease the strength of the rock mass, which affect the stability and safety of the dam’s foundations. As a common and effective measure to improve the geological conditions of dam foundations, grouting is used to fill up the joints and fractures in the rock mass so as to prevent seepage and improve the bearing capacity and deformation resistance [1,2,3,4]. Fracture grouting is still a difficult issue due to complicated fracture distribution, complex fluid–structure interaction effects, and incomplete information on grout diffusion behavior and corresponding fracture deformation.

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion