Engineering Geological Survey Research Articles

Multitemporal Monitoring of Rocky Walls Using Robotic Total Station Surveying and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry

Rockfall phenomena are considered highly dangerous due to their rapid evolution and difficult prediction without applying preventive monitoring and mitigation actions. This research investigates a hazardous site in the Municipality of Vecchiano (Province of Pisa, Italy), characterized by vertical rock walls prone to instability due to heavy fracturing and karst phenomena. The presence of anthropical structures and a public road at the bottom of the slopes increases the vulnerability of the site and the site’s risk. To create a comprehensive geological model of the area, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) photogrammetric surveys were conducted to create a 3D model useful in photointerpretation. In accessible and safe areas for personnel, engineering–geological surveys were carried out to characterize the rock mass and to define the portion of rock walls to be monitored. Results from nine multitemporal Robotic Total Station (RTS) measurement campaigns show that no monitoring prisms recorded significant displacement trends, both on the horizontal and vertical plane and in differential slope distance. Additionally, satellite Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) analysis indicates that the slopes were stable over the two years of study. The integration of these analysis techniques has proven to be an efficient solution for assessing slope stability in this specific rockfall-prone area.

Characteristics of physical parameters and predictive modeling of mechanical properties in loess-like silty clay for engineering geology

In the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River in China, loess-like silty clay is prevalent. This soil type exhibits considerable variability in its compression coefficient α, which can lead to differential soil settlement and consequent damage to buildings and infrastructure, thereby posing safety risks. Despite its significance, research and data on this topic are still limited. This study involves comprehensive measurement and laboratory analysis of over one thousand soil samples collected on-site. It establishes a statistical distribution model for essential parameters, including water content w, wet density ρ, void ratio e, saturation Sr, liquidity index IL, liquid limit WL, plastic limit WP, and plasticity index IP, and explores the probability distribution characteristics of the physical and mechanical parameters of loess-like silty clay. Machine learning prediction models, utilizing Random Forest (RF) and Deep Neural Network (DNN) algorithms, were developed based on an extensive database to forecast the compression coefficient α and compression modulus ES of this soil. The predictive models demonstrated higher accuracy compared to conventional methods and hold significant practical implications for the timely prediction of the mechanical and engineering characteristics of loess-like silty clay. This research provides a robust scientific foundation for engineering design, enhances understanding of the mechanical properties and engineering attributes of this special soil expanse, and reduces the high costs and time consumption associated with engineering geological surveys, as well as the subjectivity of technical and environmental constraints and data interpretation. It serves as a valuable tool for disaster prevention and prediction.

Research and application of comprehensive detection methods for geological structural planes in drill and blast tunnels

At present, the detection of geological structural plane that give rise to rockburst is a complex problem. A large number of rockburst cases show that the geological structural plane influence the boundary of rockburst, especially the slip-type rockburst of structural plane. However, there is no set of comprehensive geological prediction methods at home and abroad for the detection of geological structural plane that give rise to rockburst, or low accuracy and high workload. Therefore, a method that can effectively detect geological structural plane is needed. Based on the analysis of regional engineering geological characteristics and geostress, this paper puts forward that based on the characteristics of rockburst cases in high geostress area and the rockburst prone to occur in the position with large geostress difference, the method of “combination of long and short geophysical prospecting method first, drilling and engineering geological analysis combination” is adopted to detect geological structural plane finely. The results show that: (1) Under the background of regional engineering geological survey and geostress inversion, the comprehensive geological prediction is carried out to detect the geological structural plane. The TSP has the detection accuracy of 10 m to meters, the ground penetrating radar has the detection accuracy of meters to decimeters, and the borehole imaging has the observation accuracy of centimeters. The combination of the three can multi-scale clearly reflect the distribution of geological structural plane compared with the previous single geological prediction. (2) Due to the complex distribution of surrounding rock mass interface and geological structural plane, the collapse phenomenon will also appear in the rockburst area on site, and the collapse causes a number of structural plane, which means that these structural plane becomes an important factor in slip-type rockburst of structural plane. In short, accurate detection of geological structural plane has certain reference significance for predicting the boundary of slip-type rockburst of structural plane and collapse.

Geotechnical issues of investigation of the technical condition of the structure on weak soils according to the boundary element method

The article considers the controversial issue of the need to take into account the increasing coefficient to the soil deformation modulus obtained on the basis of compression studies for the design of loess frozen soils. It is well known that weak soils can have low bearing capacity and high compressibility, which makes them difficult to construct and operate structures. It is known that in laboratory conditions, the modulus of soil deformation is usually determined by compaction with a static load without the possibility of lateral expansion in a rigid ring. The disadvantage of the compression device is the low accuracy of measurements, which is emphasised by many researchers due to the fact that the friction forces of the soil sample on the ring walls reduce, depending on the moisture content and soil type, the vertical pressure applied to the sample during the test. This leads to a false decrease in the actual value of the soil deformation modulus. To determine the reliability of the two approaches to determining the soil deformation modulus, the settlements of the foundations of grain storage silos on dangerous degraded loess soils were calculated by the numerical method of boundary element (MBE) using an elastic-plastic model, with and without taking into account the soil deformation modulus. It has been found that solving the problems of assessing the technical condition of a building is associated with geodetic and engineering-geological surveys and the analysis of these results, since the stress-strain state of the building-foundation system and the peculiarities of deformation of the soil base depend on them. After all, the problem of protecting a building from rolling is quite relevant. The design or reconstruction of structures on foundations with weak soils (with a deformation modulus E < 5 MPa) is also associated with the problem of ensuring that the calculated deformation values do not exceed their maximum permissible values for the experimental structure. The results of numerical studies are compared with the method of finite element (MFE) calculation and experiment.

Analysis on the mechanism and dynamics of frequent debris flows in typical alpine gorges areas—a case study of Yizhong river in Deqin County, Yunnan, China

Debris flow is a common geological disaster in mountainous areas, which occurs frequently in the rainy season and has strong mobility and destructiveness, often bringing serious loss of life and property. Previous studies have focused more on single outbreaks of debris flow disasters, and less on multiple outbreaks of debris flow disasters in the same gully during the rainy season, which makes it more difficult to carry out prevention and control work for similar disasters. Because the occurrence of the disaster has its corresponding geomechanical model as the basis, which provides the necessary scientific basis for the prevention and control of the disaster. Through data collection, field investigation, drone aerial photography, modelling and rainfall data analysis, the geological environment of Yizhong River Basin and the frequent occurrence mechanism of debris flow disasters were investigated, and a conjugate shear-type disaster-inducing geomechanical model was proposed. With the help of RAMMS numerical simulation software, the dynamic mechanism of the disaster threatening the life and property safety of the residents in Deqin County was analysed to provide the necessary scientific basis for the prevention and control of the Yizhong River debris flow disaster. Base on the characteristics of the geological environment in alpine and gorge areas, the necessity and advantage of applying the nap-of-the-object photogrammetry technology to engineering geological survey in alpine and gorge areas are put forward.

Hydrogeological Investigation of a Goaf and Subsidence Area Based on a Ground-to-Air Transient Electromagnetic Sounding Method

Water hazards in coal mines have always been the main geological hazard that restricts the safety of coal mine production. The traditional electromagnetic method is difficult to accurately detect the hydrogeological conditions of underground goafs due to accuracy and interference problems. The ground-to-air transient electromagnetic method is an electromagnetic detection technology with strong adaptability to various terrains, a large detection depth, a wide coverage, a high resolution, and fast speed. This paper mainly applies the ground-to-air transient electromagnetic method to conduct a hydrogeological engineering geological survey in a mine subsidence area. By using this method effectively, changes in hydrogeological and engineering geological conditions in the mine subsidence area are identified and water filling conditions below section 310 and section 250 of the roadway are determined. This study provides accurate and reliable basic data support for rescue operations and post-disaster reconstruction efforts, while also offering valuable insights for similar exploration projects.

The Relationship of Physical Properties of Rock to The Slope Stability of The Progo River Cliff in Sentolo-Sedayu, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

To support the increasingly advanced development of the Kulon Progo area, road access via the Progo River bridge needs to be maintained in instability. To support this, an engineering geological survey was carried out to find out the relationship between the physical properties of rocks and the stability of slopes on the cliffs of the Progo River. The research method begins with a field survey to obtain lithology and slope geometry data. Scanlines at selected locations were carried out to determine discontinuity areas and interpret rock weathering using a Schmidt hammer. Physical laboratory tests are useful for determining the bulk density and porosity of rocks, while from rock mechanical tests (shear strength) cohesion and friction angle values are obtained. The results of the safety factor analysis using the Slide program show that the slopes generally have a medium-high level of severity (Fk 1.2), supported by quite a lot of joint areas, varying porosity (4.12 – 25.10%) and the level of weathering is at level III-IV. Rock porosity is less related to slope strength, while weathering generally reduces slope stability.

Research on intrusion and large arch bulge in lining structure for highway’s mudstone tunnel

During the construction of a highway in northwest China, large deformation of mudstone caused severe deformation of and damage to side walls, initial support, and secondary lining to various extents. To reveal the causes of mudstone’s large deformation in the tunnels of this highway, a comprehensive study was conducted by using engineering geological survey, on-site monitoring and measurement, indoor rock mechanics test, numerical simulation, and macroscopic analysis. For the problem of large deformation of this highway’s tunnel section from YK209 + 500 m to YK210 + 030 m, the 3D finite difference method FLAC3D was used to simulate the large deformation of the wall rock and compare the deformation of the tunnel and the mechanical characteristics of the lining structure under different conditions by means of inverse analysis of the rheological characteristics of the mudstone and simulation of the softening of the mudstone in water. The research results provide a reference and basis for the construction design of similar mudstone tunnel projects. For the management of tunnel deformation, it is recommended to enhance the tunnel’s drainage measures, thereby mitigating the intensification of mudstone softening when exposed to water.

Engineering Geological and Geophysical Investigations to Characterise the Unstable Rock Slope of the Sopu Promontory (Gozo, Malta)

Different engineering geological and geophysical investigations were performed at the Sopu promontory in the island of Gozo (Malta), involved in an impressive lateral spreading process due to the superimposition of a stiff limestone (ULC) on a ductile clay (BC). The applied techniques include: traditional geological and engineering geological surveys, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) survey, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) investigations, single-station seismic ambient noise measurements, and array seismic ambient noise measurements. The integration of the obtained results allowed us to reconstruct a subsoil model of the promontory that includes features related to the local geology of the slope and to the landslide process, as well as to define a conceptual model that describes the main evolution phases of the expansion process. The presence of back-tilted rock blocks with no features of polarization of Rayleigh waves evidenced the different failure mechanism of the rigid UCL plateau at the Sopu promontory with respect to the Selmun promontory, located in the close island of Malta, where the lateral spreading due to the same geological setting tends to produce unstable rock blocks with a toppling mechanism. This result encourages further future observations and analyses of this topic.

Оценка инженерно-геологических изысканий города Тюмени по качеству лабораторных образцов грунта

Carrying out engineering geological surveys is a complex and responsible process. The reliability and safety of design solutions depend on the quality of their execution. This study assessed the quality of laboratory soil samples based on reports from engineering geological surveys conducted in Tyumen city and Tyumensky district. The assessment was based on 13 reports from 9 survey organizations. The Terzaghi and Lunne methods were used for evaluation. To achieve this, data from compression tests on soil samples, obtained from 505 reports, was processed accordingly. The data were presented as diagrams: for the sample as a whole; by organizations; by type and consistency of soil; by depth of sampling. The study concluded that the quality of the surveys was inadequate and identified factors contributing to this. The study provided recommendations for improving the quality of soil samples collected during engineering geological surveys.

Analyzing stability of protective structures as the elements of geotechnical tailing pond safety

Purpose is the assessment of soil retaining wall stability to ensure geotechnical safety during the radioactive waste tailing pond closure and further recultivation (or rehabilitation) in Kamianske town (Ukraine). Methods. Geomechanical stability of the protective structure has been assessed relying upon the analysis of geological-hydrogeological, engineering-geological, and geotechnical conditions of the certain tailing pond area using a deformation elastic-plastic model of a medium implemented on the basis of finite-element method. For the purpose, the dam slopes have been detalized taking into consideration their geometry as well as changes in vertical section of rock material characteristics in accordance with the earlier geophysical studies; exploration drilling; and engineering-geological surveys. Findings. Stability coefficients of protective tailing pond dam have been identified within the typical areas of a hydraulic structure; it provides high reliability and representativeness of the whole structure health in time as well as under various conditions of the industrial waste water saturation. It has been defined that the stability coefficients varies from ks = 1.372 to 4.758. Comparison of the indicators between 2022 and 2016 demonstrates a tendency of the slope stability coefficient decrease due to water saturation and groundwater level rise. Nevertheless, design characteristics of the structure make it possible to ensure satisfactory a stability coefficient along the whole dam length being 1.13 times higher than the standard one (i.e. ks = 1.250). Originality. The dependence of the tailing pond protective dam stability upon a water supply degree at the forecasted groundwater level rise at the expense of atmospheric and melt water ingress to the tailing pond has been defined. The danger of complete radioactive waste water saturation is a significant reduction in the stability coefficient of the protective structure, which can be supported by predictive modelling data. If strength parameters of a dam material decline for the most critical area then the strength coefficient decreases starting from 1.532 in terms of the current groundwater level down to 1.372 as for the forecasted dam water supply. The figure is more than 10% of its initial stability. Practical implications. The obtained results substantiate the necessity; moreover, they are of practical value while improving hydrological, hydrogeological, and geotechnical monitoring of the analyzed tailing pond to ensure its radiation safety under different conditions of further behaviour during closure, recultivation, or rehabilitation.

The Stability of Dams with Different Stoping Elevations in the Tongling Valley-Type Tailings Impoundment: A Case Study in Yunnan China

Significant interest has been focused on recovery rates, recovery options, and recovery utilization when tailings impoundments are re-mined. However, the stability of the tailings dams during the recovery process is also a severe issue. Based on engineering geological surveys and laboratory tests, the evolution of the Tongling tailings impoundment’s instability characteristics under different recovery heights and diverse working conditions was analyzed by numerical simulation. Firstly, with the help of 2D software, the position of the tailings dam infiltration line and the alteration of the dam safety factor during the stoping process were calculated. Secondly, 3Dmine (2017) software was used to create the 3D surface structure of the tailings impoundment, and then a 3D numerical analysis model was established by means of Midas GTS NX software. The numerical simulation of seepage and stress analyses were conducted based on the model. Consequently, the evolution of the stability characteristics of tailings dam under different operating conditions was calculated. The research demonstrates that the dry beach length of the tailings pond gradually reduces with a decrease in the extraction height, resulting in a lower infiltration line. Under flood conditions, the saturation line has partial overflow due to the poor seepage discharge capacity of the dam. The total displacement of the dam body is inversely proportional to the retrieval height. The more extreme the analyzed working conditions, the more the safety factor will be reduced. Additionally, the plastic variation area of the dam body will be more comprehensive, which will increase the risk of a dam collapse.

INŽENJERSKOGEOLOŠKI KONCEPT URBANIZACIJE ŠIREG PODRUČJA SREBRENIKA

To create a spatial plan for Srebrenik City, geological and engineering-geological surveys were carried out. A detailed engineering geological map of the terrain was prepared based on the results of all previous research. A graphic visualization of the field was developed based on the survey, presented through a map of the slope, an engineering geological map, a map of the terrain's stability, and a map of construction convenience. Zoning space was used to determine and allocate favorable and safe terrain for building construction. The paper describes an innovative concept for terrain research, taking into account various factors that determine urbanization conditions. This work has shown the importance of studying the earth's environment, natural slopes, and slope processes (shedding, sliding, landslides, etc.) when planning, designing, and building capital and other construction facilities.

Carrying Out Engineering and Geological Surveys for the Construction of an Access Road to the Taiynsha Station

The object of engineering-geological surveys, indicates the goals and methods of research are considered. The hydrogeological conditions of the site were studied. Exploration and field work, laboratory tests of the physical and mechanical properties of the soil were carried out. It was noted that engineering surveys were carried out taking into account the requirements of regulatory documents in force on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Conclusions are drawn. Engineering and geological surveys were carried out to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the engineering and geological conditions of the projected construction site, taking into account the specifics of the designed facilities

Geological-genetic structure of Irpin city, the role of lithological factors during engineering-geological zoning and construction assessment

The scheme of engineering-construction assessment created based on engineering-geological zoning of the city’s territory is desirable among additional graphic materials in the design of master plans projects as determined by building regulations. Engineering-geological zoning provides for different ranks’ selection of engineering-geological units (EG units), which have a particular range of common engineering-geological conditions that ultimately determine the construction sites’ affiliation to a specific suitability category. Geological-genetic structure of Irpin city of Kyiv region (Ukraine) is explored in this article. A variant of the creation of a large-scale engineering-geological map and corresponding geological-lithological sections by supporting boreholes in the borders of the city based on the engineering-geological survey conducted is presented. The obtained result allowed the selection of engineering geological zoning units – engineering geological districts by general conditions of geological development and subdistricts by engineering-geological complexes of Quaternary rocks’ thickness. The analysis of soils’ geomechanical properties (engineering-geological elements) lays the foundations for the selection of engineering-geological sites based on the comparison of this information with geomorphological, hydrogeological and geodynamic data. Accounting of geological-lithological factors in the preparation of the construction assessment scheme in the project of Irpin city’s master plan has become the ultimate result.

Predicting of vertical displacements of structures of engineering buildings and facilities

Purpose. The research is aimed at solving the tasks of monitoring and assessing the state of an engineering object and determining predictive characteristics in the form of construction of various models of settlement and deformation of a structure based on the results of geodetic measurements, taking into account the space-time interaction of engineering objects with the geological environment in a seismic zone with the earthquake energy class values of K = 6–7.5, in the area of possible underground fluctuations with an intensity of 3–4 points. Methodology. An analytical methodology has been developed that takes into account the geological conditions of the foundation, changes in the groundwater level, soil compaction under significant static load, as well as the accumulation of damage in the supporting structures caused by the impact of numerous and insignificant underground seismic shocks, for predicting the vertical displacements of the engineering facility supporting structures. To assess the durability and stability of design components, the least squares method is used, which makes it possible to display the patterns of deformation process development. Obtaining new results during the period of further operation in order to draw up a technical conclusion on the state of the facility and its stability is possible by monitoring and predicting deformation deviations of individual components of an engineering object in the vertical plane. Findings. With the help of mathematical modeling of strength calculations of supporting structures based on geodetic measurement data, it is possible to determine the quantitative characteristics and patterns of deformation process development during the engineering facility operation. The performed calculations on mathematical modeling make it possible to reveal the distribution of the parameters of amplitude-frequency characteristics of the linearly deformable monolithic plate upper layer along the perimeter and to predict possible deformation changes over a certain period of time during the engineering facility operation. According to the executive survey data, vertical deviations of structures along the facility perimeter AB, BC, CD, DA have been determined in the range from 1 to 27 mm, which is the basis for predicting deformation deviations in the vertical plane. In addition, as a result of engineering-geological surveys conducted on the building construction site, the geological-lithological structure of the site has been determined. Originality. A methodology for predicting the deformation processes of individual sections of vertical structures and monolithic walls of an engineering facility, which are associated with the complex lithological structure of the foundation section and the location of the object in a seismically hazardous zone, is proposed. Practical value. The obtained results of studying the deformation processes of structures and individual facilities make it possible to take into account the form of complex interaction of individual sections and, in general, to predict deformation deviations in the vertical plane.

Integrated Methodology for Potential Landslide Identification in Highly Vegetation-Covered Areas

It is normally difficult to identify the ground deformation of potential landslides in highly vegetation-covered areas in terms of field investigation or remote sensing interpretation. In order to explore a methodology to effectively identify potential landslides in highly vegetation-covered areas, this paper established an integrated identification method, including sliding prone area identification based on regional geological environment analysis, target area identification of potential landslides in terms of comprehensive remote sensing methods, and landslide recognition through engineering geological survey. The Miaoyuan catchment in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, southeastern China, was taken as an example to validate the identification methods. Particularly, the Shangfang landslide was successfully studied in terms of comprehensive methods, such as geophysical survey, drilling, mineral and chemical composition analysis, and microstructure scanning of the sliding zone. In order to assess the landslide risk, the potential runout of the Shangfang landslide was evaluated in a quantitative simulation. This paper suggests a methodology to identify potential landslides from a large area to a specific slope covered by dense vegetation.

Zhodnotenie dlhodobého monitorovania svahových deformácií a efektívnosti sanačných opatrení na zosuvnom území Nižná Myšľa

In 2010, extensive slope deformations were activated in Nižná Myšľa Village, which affected a large part of the village. Due to the extent of the affected area, the severity of the manifestations and especially the catastrophic consequences they caused in the built-up area of the village, the slope failures in Nižná Myšľa were evaluated as the second most destructive landslide event in the documented history of Slovakia. Almost immediately after the devasting event, a detailed engineering geological survey followed, which provided information on the extension, nature of slope deformations and became the basis for the design of the monitoring system. Monitoring activities have been ongoing since 2011 and continue to the present. By gradual upgrade of the monitoring objects network for monitoring subsurface deformations and for groundwater regime observations, a large data set was obtained over a longer period of time. Thanks to this, the Nižná Myšľa landslide area is one of the Slovak sites where the largest network of monitoring objects is built. At the same time by monitoring, the main activity took place – remediation of the geological environment in three successive stages. The aim of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview of the implemented remediation measures, an overview of dataset obtained from monitoring of slope deformations and selected environmental components, but mainly on the basis of these data, comprehensive evaluation of monitoring data obtained by monitoring and evaluation of the development of measured parameters with technical remediation measures. From the regularly repeated analysis of the parameters as well as from the evaluations results, the most significant results for the whole period of the site monitoring are the results of inclinometric measurements of total deformations and their increments for individual phases of measurement. The area is characterized by ongoing large-scale landslide activity, especially in the southern part of the village, which was also the most affected in 2010 and represents part of the central part of Nižná Myšľa, along with the northern part on the landslide from Staničná ulica Street, including the Elementary school area up to Hlavná ulica Street. In particular, remediation works during the first, second and third stages of the landslide remediation were directed to these areas. Despite a relatively large scope of remedy works and the evaluation of their effectiveness, the vast territory affected by slope failures was only partially rehabilitated depending on the approved funds. Therefore, even the remedial measures implemented so far are only partial, mainly in connection with the persistent movement activity in individual parts of the territory and should be completed according to the proposals from the geological works carried out and taking into account the results of monitoring. The basic objective should be a gradual implementation of remediation work so as to ensure the stability of the territory to the greatest possible extent, as ensuring the complete stability of the territory is technically and financially unrealistic due to its extent, complexity and slope deformation character. In the long term, redevelopment work needs to increase the territory’s ability to withstand similar adverse climatic events as occurred in June 2010.

Landslide mechanism and stability of an open-pit slope: The Manglai open-pit coal mine

A clear understanding of landslide mechanisms and stability analyses is of great significance for landslide monitoring, prediction, and control. A large-scale end wall landslide occurred and its area reached 47,752 m2 on August 7–20, 2020, in the Manglai open-pit coal mine, China. In this paper, the engineering geological survey, mechanical test, large-deformation finite element numerical method, limit equilibrium method and analytical formula are used to analyze how the groundwater level rise caused this end wall failure and landslide. The engineering geological conditions, hydrogeological conditions, landslide activity signs and physical and mechanical parameter calibration of the sliding mass are investigated in detail and tested. Three-dimensional and two-dimensional numerical models of slopes are established, and an analytical formula calculation method to calculate the factor of safety (FoS) is proposed when sliding cracks are located on the top and toe of a slope. The results indicate that the fault fracture zone, soft strata, continuous heavy rainfall, and groundwater were the main contributors to this landslide. The three-dimensional numerical calculation results are consistent with the deformation and failure process of the slope observed in the field, which shows a retrogressive progressive failure mode. The calculation results of SLOPE/W and the analytical formula are consistent; i.e., when the groundwater level rises to +950, the stability of the end wall reaches the critical stability state. With the passage of time, the creep of the sliding surface accelerates until the entire end wall landslide.

Analyzing Support Stability of Deep Shaft Based on Plastic Softening and Dilatancy of Hard Rock Mass

To explore the stability analyses and control methods for surrounding rocks in deep hard rock shafts, this paper is based on field engineering geological surveys and laboratory rock mechanics tests and relies on the main shaft being constructed in the Shaling Gold Mine of China as the engineering background. The quality of the rock mass is evaluated by the Q system, rock mass rating (RMR) and geological strength index (GSI). The mechanical parameters of the surrounding rock mass of the shaft are calculated by using the generalized Hoek–Brown failure criterion, and the main support system is determined based on the rock mass classification system. Based on the finite element method, a two-dimensional plane strain model is constructed to analyze and evaluate the deformation and plastic region range of surrounding rocks for different support systems. On this basis, considering the dilatancy and plastic softening characteristics of hard rock masses, an analytical solution of the stress, strain and plastic region radius of hard rock around shafts in homogeneous media is proposed. Finally, the plastic region of the surrounding rock is measured by the P-wave velocity test method. The results show that after considering the dilatancy and plastic softening characteristics of the rock mass, the numerical simulation, theoretical analytical solution and measured results are basically consistent, and the proposed support system can effectively ensure the stability of the shaft.