Strength anisotropy of jointed rock slope considering mining damage: a numerical analysis method

Abstract

A combination of Hoek–Brown strength criterion and geological strength index (GSI) rock mass classification is a common method to determine rock mass strength. However, the conventional method involving the determination of disturbance coefficient (D) cannot reflect the anisotropic characteristics of strength of jointed rock mass when considering mining damage. A numerical analysis method is proposed to determine the value of D using jointed rock damage tensor and mining damage evolution simulation. The anisotropy of rock mass strength at different mining depths for a high jointed rock slope in Dagushan open-pit mine was analyzed by mining damage simulation. Additionally, the Rosenblueth moment point estimation principle was combined with Monte-Carlo method to obtain the random strength of a jointed rock mass considering the effects of mining probability damage. The results show that the influence of the unloading due to excavation to stress state of rock mass is relatively obvious within 100 m away from the slope surface, however, the area of drastic change of damage is limited to a range of ∼50 m. Moreover, the reliability of local slope, analyzed using limit equilibrium method (Janbu), shows that consideration of spatiotemporal anisotropy of rock mass with mining damage is closer to reality.