Strength and deformation characteristics of irregular columnar jointed rock mass: A combined experimental and theoretical study

Abstract

The irregularity of jointed network poses a challenge to the determination of field mechanical parameters of columnar jointed rock mass (CJRM), and a reasonable prediction of deformation and strength characteristics of CJRM is important for engineering construction. The Voronoi diagram and three-dimensional printing technology were used to make an irregular columnar jointed mold, and the irregular CJRM (ICJRM) specimens with different dip directions and dip angles were prepared. Uniaxial compression tests were performed, and the anisotropic strength and deformation characteristics of ICJRM were described. The failure modes and mechanisms were revealed in accordance with the final appearances of the ICJRM specimens. Based on the model test results, the empirical correlations for determining the field deformation and strength parameters of CJRM were derived using the dip angle and modified joint factor. The proposed empirical equations were used in the Baihetan Project, and the calculated mechanical parameters were compared with the field test results and those obtained from the tunneling quality index method. Results showed that the deformation parameters determined by the two proposed methods are all consistent with the field test results, and these two methods can also estimate the strength parameters effectively.