Three-dimensional Geomechanical Model Research Articles

Experimental investigation on the failure characteristic and synergistic load-bearing mechanism of multi-layer linings for deep soft rock tunnels

Multi-layer linings have been widely used in deep rheological soft rock tunnels for the excellent performance in preventing large-deformation hazards. Previous studies have focused on the bearing capability of multi-layer lining, however, its failure characteristics and synergistic load-bearing mechanisms under high geo-stress are still unclear. To fill the gap, three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical model tests were conducted and synergistic mechanisms were analysed in this study. The model test was divided into normal loading, excavating, and overloading stages. The surrounding rock deformation was monitored by using an improved high-precise extensometer measurement system. Results show that the largest radial deformation appears on the sidewall, followed by the floor and vault during the excavating stage. The relative convergence deformation of sidewalls springing reaches 1.32 mm. The failure characteristics of the multi-layer linings during the overloading stage undergo an evolution of stability, crack initiation, local failure, and collapse, with a safety factor of 1.0–1.6, 1.6–2.0, and 2.0–2.2, respectively. The synergistic load-bearing mechanism analysis results suggest that the early stiffness and late yielding deformation capacity of large deformation support measures play important roles in stability maintenance both in the construction and operation of deep soft rock tunnels. Therefore, the combination of yielding support or a compressible layer with reinforced support is recommended to mitigate the effect of the high geo-stress.

Simulation Optimization on Multi-Well Fracturing Sequence of Chang 7 Formation

In order to study the engineering problems of shale oil horizontal well platform fracturing mode, a three-dimensional geological model and a three-dimensional geomechanical model were constructed according to the characteristics of Chang 7 section in Ordos Basin. The fracture propagation under different well spacing, cluster spacing, and fracturing sequence was simulated. The PEBI grid was used to refine the local grid of the fractures and predict the performance of the multi-well pad. The finite element model was used to analyze the change of induced stress field. The numerical simulation analysis shows that: 1) Comparing the simulation results of sequence fracturing and zipper fracturing under the condition of 300 m well spacing, the induced stress generated by zipper fracturing is more conducive to the formation of complex fractures, improving the effect of transformation and higher production after fracturing. 2) Under the condition of 200 meters or 300 meters well spacing, zipper fracturing is carried out, and the cluster spacing is reduced from 5 meters to 3 meters. The stress shadow between wells and sections leads to adverse effects, and the production will decrease after fracturing. Therefore, 5 meters is recommended as the cluster spacing.

3D Geomechanical Finite Element Analysis for a Deepwater Faulted Reservoir in the Eastern Mediterranean

AbstractHydrocarbon reservoir structures are subjected to tectonic forces along the geological time that cause rock deformation and break into faulted zones. Faulted reservoirs, enclose certain complexity in terms of the distributed effective stresses, rock plastic alteration, slipping and fault block displacement. In this study, we develop a three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical reservoir model with faulted and compartmentalized geometry, located in the offshore deepwater environment of the Levantine basin in the Eastern Mediterranean, based on non-linear finite element analysis (FEA). A regional structural and stress map was also constructed, integrating various data sources, to present the regional stress setting to enhance this work. The assessment of the geomechanical impacts on the reservoir provides important information in reservoir studies, that can analyze potential stability issues during the depletion to optimize the field production planning. Stress–strain evolution in the reservoir is primarily affected by the in situ stresses, the geometry of faults, and the degree of compartmentalization. The results demonstrate clearly the mechanism of stress transfer transmission and the impact between the fault block compartments in the reservoir. Fault contacts exhibit a higher tendency for rock displacements and deformations. Plastic yielding develops at a narrow extent along the faults. The risk of fault slipping depends on the depletion strategy, but it is low in all cases. No significant reduction in permeability was found at the end of reservoir depletion. Overall, geomechanics integration enriches and improves the dynamic reservoir models and applications.

Evaluation of integrated geological engineering reservoir reconstruction in Block X of Bozi

The geological structure of the reservoir in Bozi-Dabei area is complex, and the longitudinal difference of rock mechanical properties of the reservoir is large. Most of the current evaluation techniques after reservoir reconstruction are based on the fitting of construction pressure based on the logging curve of a single well, so as to analyze the fracture morphology and the geometric dimensions of length, width and height after pressure. It is difficult to explain the fracture morphology and geometric parameters correctly because the interpretation methods used do not comprehensively consider the influence of natural fractures, 3D geological properties and 3D geomechanical properties. In order to explain the artificial fracture morphology more accurately, the target layer ant body is generated by using 3D original seismic data, and the natural fracture model of three different reservoir types in Bozi X block is generated, which provides geological basis for the integrated demonstration. By combining dynamic and static data and multidisciplinary methods, a one-dimensional rock mechanics profile model is established, and a three-dimensional geomechanical model of three different reservoir types in Block X of Bozi is established by combining geological model and deep diagenesis theory. The matching relationship between horizontal stress, fault strike and natural tensile fracture distribution is comprehensively analyzed and evaluated, providing a geomechanical basis for the evaluation of integrated reservoir reconstruction. Integrated geological model and geomechanical model are closely combined with engineering parameters to establish an integrated true three-dimensional artificial fracture model. On this basis, the optimization research and design of the parameters of displacement, liquid volume and sand ratio are completed. The optimal flow rate of Class I reservoir 6-7 (m³·min-1), Class II reservoir 5-6 (m³·min-1), Class III reservoir 4-5 (m³·min-1), Class I reservoir 600-700 m³, Class II reservoir 600-700 m³, Class III reservoir 500-600 m³, Sand ratio of 15%-20% for Class I reservoir, 15%-20% for class II reservoir and 20%-25% for class III reservoir are the optimal construction parameters, which provide guidance for field construction.

Optimization of construction parameters for salt cavern underground energy storage using horizontal multi-stage leaching method under different geological conditions

In the thinly bedded rock salt in China, the horizontal multi-stage leaching method can solve the problem of constructing an enormous salt cavern in a limited-thickness salt layer. This study aims to investigate how the final morphology of the salt cavern is affected by critical parameters of the horizontal multi-stage leaching method in different geological conditions, such as the injection rate of freshwater, tubing withdrawal distance, and the presence of an air cushion. These parameters will directly affect the shape of the salt cavern and thus influence the stability of the underground energy storage during operation. We developed an experimental device to simulate salt cavern construction using the horizontal multi-stage leaching method. By varying the parameters in the physical simulation experiments, horizontal salt cavern models with different morphologies and sizes were obtained. The experiments showed that the injection rate of freshwater significantly affects the salt cavern height, length, and maximum width. The tubing withdrawal distance mainly affects the shape of the roof of the salt cavern. Introducing an air cushion to protect the salt cavern roof during the construction of a salt cavern results in a “flat-top” morphology. According to these salt cavern models, three-dimensional geomechanical models for different geological conditions are established by using reverse engineering technology. After analyzing the stability of the salt cavern using these models and combining them with economic factors to recommend values for the critical parameters of horizontal multi-stage leaching method in different geological conditions are provided. This study provides reference value and a theoretical basis for the construction of horizontal salt cavern storage in China.

Fractured reservoirs: An extensive geomechanical integrity approach

There is no more challenging task for today oil and gas production companies than simulating the production behavior of naturally fractured reservoirs fields. These reservoirs are highly prosperous at their early stage of production, only to decline afterward. Previous behavior has risen awareness of the geomechanics role in controlling deliverability of those reservoirs. Hasdrubal is a naturally fractured reservoir field located in offshore Tunisia. Recently, the field has manifested serious integrity and water coning issues. An integrity study was necessary to accurately determine the ever-changing stress settings and properly assimilate their impact on the production trend. Thus, former geomechanical investigations of the field were revisited to acquire a strong understanding of the reservoir and so develop an appropriate Mechanical Earth Models that assimilate the current stresses state and mechanical properties. The rock-mechanical characteristics was subsequently up-scaled to an Intact Three-Dimensional Geomechanical Model that incorporates the geomechanical properties along with the faults network. The homogenization concept was then adopted to generate the homogenized rock properties that were then populated over the latest model in order to establish the Three-Dimensional Homogenized Geomechanical Model (3D-HGM). The 3D-HGM was deployed to investigate the invasive impact of the fractures on field deliverability and ultimately generate a reactivation potential map of the faults at current and future conditions, which showed again the reactivation of most of faults intercepted by the well notably the ones responsible of water production. A justification that the former investigation studies were not in position to offer it as they were grounded only on the 1D modelling approaches (i.e. intact model). Previous observation was confirmed through the built of a two dimensional finite model for the problematic well A1ST thus allowing us to compute displacement of the fault's walls and accordingly interpret the new values of permeability associated to the different faults of the field. The up-to-date permeabilities were introduced to the dynamic reservoir model hence to estimate production trend of the A1ST1 well. A fair matching with field production data was achieved, proving again the reliability of the integral approach developed in this study in modelling the Hasdrubal field with high accuracy.

Development of one-dimensional and three-dimensional geomechanical modeling of reservoir rock in oil fields

Development of one-dimensional and three-dimensional geomechanical modeling of reservoir rock in oil fields

Fracturing parameter optimization technology for highly deviated wells in complex lithologic reservoirs

Highly-deviated wells are the key technology to reduce the risk of drilling accidents and improve the utilization of reservoirs. However, for reservoirs with complex lithology, highly-deviated wells are faced with the problems of geomechanical transformation and fracturing parameter optimization. The research on fracturing parameter optimization technology of high-deviated wells in complex lithologic reservoirs is helpful to the research and application of geomechanics in deep unconventional reservoirs. This paper is based on geological mechanics laboratory experiments and logging interpretation, combined with regional geological background, to clarify the geological and mechanical characteristics of the Fengcheng Formation shale oil region in the Mabei Slope. On this basis, based on the current geostress field and natural fracture distribution pattern of the Mabei Slope, an integrated model of shale oil geological engineering in local well areas was established. Based on the finite element method, optimization design was carried out for the cluster spacing, construction fluid volume, displacement, and sand volume of highly deviated well fracturing, and three-dimensional simulation of fracturing fractures was completed. The research results indicate that: (1) The current dominant direction of the maximum principal stress in the Fengcheng Formation on the Mabei Slope is from northeast to southwest, with the maximum horizontal principal stress generally ranging from 90 to 120 MPa and the minimum horizontal principal stress generally ranging from 70 to 110 MPa. (2) The difference in stress between the two horizontal directions is relatively large, generally greater than 8 MPa. Two sets of natural fractures have developed in the research area, one with a northwest southeast trend and the other with a northeast southwest trend. The natural fracture density of the Fengcheng Formation shale reservoir in the Mabei Slope is 0.32–1.12/m, with an average of 0.58/m, indicating a moderate to high degree of fracture development. (3) The geological model and three-dimensional geo-mechanical model are established according to the actual drilling geological data, and different schemes are designed to carry out single parameter optimization. The optimization results show that the optimal cluster spacing of the subdividing cutting volume pressure of the highly deviated wells in the Fengcheng Formation of the Mabei Slope is 12 m, the optimal construction fluid volume is 1400–1600 m3/section, the optimal construction displacement is 8 m3/min, and the optimal sanding strength is 2.5 m3/m. At the same time, by comparing the fracturing implementation effect with the fracturing scheme design, it is proven that the artificial parameter optimization method for highly deviated wells based on the finite element method based on the regional stress background and the natural fracture development law proposed in this paper is feasible and can provide a scientific basis for the fracturing development of highly deviated wells in complex lithologic reservoirs. This research has been well applied in Mahu area of Xinjiang oilfield.

EXPRESS 3D GEOMECHANICAL MODELING FOR INPUT TO HYDRAULIC FRACTURING ON CARBONATE OILFIELDS OF BASHKORTOSTAN REPUBLIC

The work describes a method of real-time 3D modeling of mechanical properties over the entire field area for the purposes of hydraulic fracturing. The uniqueness of this modeling approach is associated with the prompt acquisition of mechanical properties along the well paths of the field, which is especially important in conditions of insufficient geomechanics data.
 Traditional three-dimensional geomechanical modeling is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. The data often describe the mechanical properties and stress-strain state of the rocks within the current drilling or development sector of the field and do not take into account the interwell space, especially in poorly drilled areas of the field. The method of real-time 3D geomechanical modeling makes it possible to quantify values of minimum horizontal stress used in hydraulic fracturing simulators, as well as static and dynamic Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio over the entire field area using the optimal amount of resources and in a shorter time.
 Based on the built three-dimensional cubes of elastic properties and stresses, correct data were obtained in the inter-well space, their vertical and lateral changes were analyzed, and frac design data were obtained at any well drilled through the simulated targets of the field.
 This paper covers the Arlanskoye, Znamenskoye and Yugomashevskoye fields (Bashneft PJSC). The target targets are carbonate deposits: Kashira and Podolsk strata of the Arlanskoye field, Tournaisian strata of the Znamensky field and Bashkir-Vereisky strata of the Yugomashevsky field.
 For the carbonate rocks of the target targets, laboratory core studies were carried out to determine elastic properties, and stable regional core-core relationships were obtained in the intervals of lower and middle Carboniferous carbonate deposits.
 1D geomechanical models were built in RN-SIGMA software 84 wells at the intervals of the study targets. In current 3D geological models are introduced and distributed values of Young's modulus, Poisson's coefficient and minimum horizontal stress gradient is calculated. Analysis of changes in geomechanical properties by area, for each study object was carried out and data were obtained to create frac designs for 15,000 wells.

Negative Poisson’s ratio cable compensation support for 32 m super-large-span highway tunnel: A case study

Although super-large-span tunnels ensure convenient transportation, they face many support challenges. The lack of normative construction guidance and the limited number of reference engineering cases pose a significant challenge to the stability control of super-large-span tunnels. Based on the geological conditions of a super-large-span tunnel (span = 32.17 m) at the bifurcation section of the Shenzhen interchange, this study determined support parameters via theoretical calculation, numerical simulation, and engineering analogy. The support effects of negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) anchor cables and ordinary anchor cables on super-long-span tunnels were simulated and studied. Further, based on FLAC3D simulations, the surrounding rock stress field of NPR anchor cables was analyzed under different prestressing conditions, and the mechanism of a long-short combination, high-prestress compensation NPR anchor cable support was revealed. On the basis of numerical simulations, to our knowledge, the three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical model test of the NPR anchor cable and ordinary anchor cable support for super-large-span tunnel excavation is conducted for the first time, revealing the stress evolution law of super-large-span tunnels, deformation and failure characteristics of the surrounding rock, and the changing trend of the anchor cable’s axial force, and verifies that NPR anchor cables with high preloads are suitable for super-large-span tunnel support and have advantages over ordinary anchor cables. This study can provide a reliable theoretical reference for the support design and stability control of the surrounding rock of similar shallow-buried super-large-span tunnels.

Geomechanical assessment of a large-scale CO2 storage and insights from uncertainty analysis

Geological storage of CO2 provides a feasible solution to curb CO2 emissions to the atmosphere and relieve climate change. However, as CO2 is injected into the reservoir, the increased pore pressure may result in fault reactivations or damaging geomechanical changes to the caprock, which could be detrimental to the containment of injected CO2. On the other hand, uncertainty is inevitable due to the limited information of the complex subsurface system. In this study, we develop a workflow to assess the geomechanical impact of CO2 geological storage and include management of sources of uncertainties associated with the subsurface system. We utilize the hypothetical large-scale carbon sequestration situated in the Southern San Joaquin Valley in California, USA as a case study. We firstly set up a three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical model using a non-linear quasi-static finite element method. The applied workflow has features including: (1) Coulomb friction behavior to model fault slippage, (2) CAD representation of land surface and faults, (3) non-uniform pressure increase based on dynamic reservoir simulations, and (4) variable rock properties for formation layers. We perform uncertainty analyses using a response surface methodology and a Box-Behnken design to assess the significance of subsurface uncertainties to geomechanical responses. We find that the intact caprock will not have a shear failure even considering the subsurface uncertainties. However, the faults can reactivate and give potential flow pathways in the caprock. The presented workflow integrates advanced geomechanical models and uncertainty analysis, which can be readily applied to other CO2 storage projects to mitigate geomechanical sources of risk.

Method of Geomechanical Parameter Determination and Volumetric Fracturing Factor Simulation under Highly Stochastic Geologic Conditions

In order to accurately predict geomechanical parameters of oil-bearing reservoirs and influencing factors of volumetric fracturing, a new method of geomechanical parameter prediction combining seismic inversion, well logging interpretation and production data is proposed in this paper. Herein, we present a structure model, petrophysical model and geomechanical model. Moreover, a three-dimensional geomechanical model of a typical reservoir was established and corrected using history matching. On this basis, a typical well model was established, 11 influencing factors of volume fracturing including formation parameters and fracturing parameters were analyzed and their impact were ranked, and the oil recovery rate and the accumulated oil production before and after optimal fracturing were compared. The results show that with respect to formation parameters, reservoir thickness is the main influencing factor; interlayer thickness and stress difference are the secondary influencing factors; and formation permeability, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio are the weak influencing factors. For a pilot well of a typical reservoir, the optimized fracture increased production by 7 tons/day relative to traditional fracturing. After one year of production, the method increased production by 4 tons/day relative to traditional fracturing, showing great potential in similar oil reservoirs.

Research and Practice of Risk Early Warning Technology for Lost Circulation with Drilling under the Conditions of Geological Engineering Information Fusion: The Example of the Yuanba Area

In the Yuanba area, many lost circulation accidents occur due to the complex geological structure, broken strata, and developed fractures, which seriously affect construction safety and drilling costs. Therefore, the Yuanba district is the focus of this paper. Firstly, a three-dimensional geomechanical model is established through multi-source information fusion to identify the main geological risk factors of lost circulation, according to the data on drilling and well logging in the operation area. Then a risk warning model and evaluation methods for loss circulation, based on geological engineering data fusion, are established, through which the characteristic parameters of various loss of circulation risks can be calculated in real time, parameters along the well trajectory can be extracted and compared, and thus, the risk of lost circulation is warned and analyzed in real time. The early warning of lost circulation risk can be achieved during drilling operations, which can improve the drilling efficiency and shorten the drilling cycle as a result.

Geo-mechanical model test on the water inrush induced by zonal disintegration of deep tunnel under hydro-mechanical coupling

With the increase of burial depth, complex geological environments such as high in-situ stress and high seepage pressure will inevitably affect the generation of zonal disintegration and may induce water inrush disasters during the excavation of the deep tunnel. A true three-dimensional geo-mechanical model test is conducted to study the mechanism of water inrush induced by zonal disintegration under hydro-mechanical coupling. The distribution and variation of different physical information during excavation, including displacement, stress and seepage pressure, are comprehensively analyzed. Test results reveal that zonal disintegration may induce water inrush when the tunnel is excavated under the coupling action of high stress and high seepage pressure. The excavation disturbance causes the stress in the rock mass to be oscillating. As a result, rupture and non-rupture zones appear alternately around the tunnel. With the increase of seepage pressure, the rock mass in non-rupture zone, which acts as the water barrier, is damaged and connects with rupture zone to form a water inrush channel. Eventually, high-pressure water pours into the tunnel to form a water inrush disaster. The reproduction of this special phenomenon will provide an important test basis for further theoretical and numerical studies.

Substantiating the rock mass control parameters based on the geomechanical model of the Severny Katpar deposit, Kazakhstan

Purpose. The research purpose is to develop a geomechanical model for ensuring the safety of mining operations by determining the optimal slope angles and probabilistic assessment of the stability of the open-pit walls. Methods. Three-dimensional geomechanical models for surface mining of deposits have been developed based on calculations of the stability factor (safety factor SF) of the open-pit walls in the Rocscience program to determine the rock mass stress-strain state at the end of mining using the finite element method. The geological wireframe model (GWM) has been built on the basis of the available geological sections, horizon plans and the results of the engineering-geological surveys using the Surpac geoinformation system. Findings. Strength reduction factor (SRF) has been determined taking into account the physical-mechanical properties of rocks that constitute the near-wall mass. An assessment of the stability of walls according to the selected geological sections is given, taking into account the projected contour of the Severny Katpar open-pit walls. The calculation of the projected contour stability of the open-pit walls by several different methods has revealed that the open-pit walls are generally stable. The open-pit parameters at the end of mining have been determined. Originality. For the first time, it has been determined that in the Southern and South-Western area of the Severny Katpar open-pit wall in the horizons +700…+400, there is a decrease in SF from 1.18 to 1.41 due to the predominant occurrence of siltstones and tectonic disturbances of the walls. Practical implications. The mathematical calculation results of the stability of the projected contour walls in the Severny Katpar open pit have been generalized. In addition, a geological and structural wire-frame model of the deposit has been developed, which makes it possible to ensure the safety of mining operations in the open pit.

Rock mass management to ensure safe deposit development based on comprehensive research within the framework of the geomechanical model development

Purpose. To create and study a three-dimensional geomechanical model in order to determine the parameters of the open-pit walls and benches, ensuring safe and economically feasible mining, as well as predicting unstable zones within the open pit. Methods. A comprehensive methodological approach is used, including a systematic analysis of scientific, normative and methodological literature; analyzing the results of previously performed studies on the object; engineering-geological surveys in the near-edge rock mass of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit; laboratory testing of rock strength properties; determining the rock mass rating according to the MRMR classification; kinematic analysis of bench faces; calculating the stability of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit final boundary using the limit equilibrium method; numerical modeling of the rock mass stress-strain state at the Kurzhunkul’ deposit using the finite element method. Findings. The paper represents the results of data collection and analysis for the development of a geomechanical model of an operating iron-ore open pit in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Comprehensive geomechanical studies to substantiate the optimal parameters of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit walls and benches on the limiting contour, as well as calculations to determine the degree of the open-pit walls and benches stability have been performed. Based on the results of studying the geological-structural configuration of the deposit, as well the mathematical modeling data of stability and acting stresses, subsequently entered into a unified digital database, weakened zones have been identified. Originality. For the first time, the geomechanical model has been created for the conditions of the Kurzhunkul’ deposit, which makes it possible to combine in one database all the parameters that affect the safety of mining operations. The model takes into account structural disturbances of the rock mass that have an adverse impact on stability. Practical implications. The developed model gives a visual representation of the rock mass state at various sites of the deposit, simplifies the selection of design sections for stability calculations, facilitates the choice of optimal technical solutions and analysis, especially for complex geological structures with multiple geotechnical or geological units with different texturing and inclination.

Evolution Patterns of Frost-Heaving Pressure with Partial Ponding in Cold Region Tunnels

The calculation of the frost-heaving pressure is one of the key issues in the frost-resistant design of tunnels in cold regions. To reveal the frost heave mechanism of partial ponding behind the tunnel linings, a three-dimensional geo-mechanical model test was developed that only considered the frost heave load. A self-designed water bladder equipment was set up to simulate the partial ponding. The frost heave response characteristics of the surrounding rock with partial ponding were simulated to analyze the change law of temperature field and frost-heaving pressure under freezing by using air-conditioning to reduce the ambient temperature of the model test. The changes in the internal temperature of the surrounding rock and the evolution of the frost-heaving pressure over time under different thicknesses of partial ponding and different levels of surrounding rock were compared. The theoretical calculation value of frost-heaving pressure and the test values of the model test were compared and analyzed using the numerical simulation method. The results showed that the temperature of the surrounding rock presented three-stage changes, which showed a lagging characteristic relative to the environmental temperature. The empirical equation for the relationship between the frost-heaving pressure and time was obtained by nonlinear fitting of the experimental results. Taking advantage of the regular tetrahedron calculation model, the paper established a semiempirical frost-heaving pressure model considering time and space effects, which was identical with the frost-heaving phenomenon from the experiments. Theoretical analysis, experiments, and numerical simulation show that the frost-heaving pressure increased along with the depth of partial ponding and the elastic resistance coefficient of surrounding rock, which could provide references for revealing the frost-heaving pressure of partial ponding behind tunnels of cold regions and has a significant meaning in the engineering application.

Study on Three-Dimensional Dynamic Stability of Open-Pit High Slope under Blasting Vibration

AbstractThe propagation process of blasting vibration has always been a difficult problem affecting the stability of high slopes in open-pit mines. Taking the Jianshan Phosphorus Mine as the research background, combined with engineering geological investigation, field blasting test, blasting vibration monitoring, numerical simulation technology, and theoretical analysis, the three-dimensional dynamic stability of the adjacent high slope after blasting vibration was systematically studied. In our study, a small-diameter buffer shock-absorbing blasting technology near the slope was proposed, which greatly improved the production efficiency. Through regression analysis of a large amount of vibration test data, the law of blasting vibration propagation in Jianshan stope and Haifeng stope was obtained. In addition, by establishing four three-dimensional geomechanical numerical models, the slope’s own frequency, damping characteristics, and dynamic response acceleration distribution after detonation were studied, respectively. On the other hand, under the action of Ei Centro wave with 8-degree seismic intensity, the maximum total acceleration and maximum total displacement of the slope were calculated and analyzed. Both the explosion unloading of the 8-degree earthquake and the Ei Centro wave simulation results showed that the high slope near the Jianshan Phosphorus Mine was generally in a stable state. Thus, this study can provide technical support and theoretical guidance for mine blasting.

Study of the mechanism of water inrush in karst tunnel based on transparent rock mass physical model test

Water inrush is the main geological disaster occurred during karst tunnel excavation, which will cause huge economic losses and casualties. Therefore, it is important to investigate the water inrush mechanism of karst tunnel surrounding rock mass for preventing water inrush disasters in karst tunnel construction. Herein, Xinjie Tunnel of Kaili Ring Expressway in Guizhou Province is chosen as an object, where a large water-filled karst cave may locate on the upper right side of the tunnel cross section according to the geological survey report. Then taking the typical tunnel cross section as the prototype, a three-dimensional geomechanical model of Xinjie tunnel is made by using transparent rock mass material based on similarity theory, on which laboratory water inrush physical model tests are performed. Based on laboratory physical model test results, the mechanism of water inrush in karst tunnel is investigated, from which it indicates that the groundwater mainly flows through the fissures of the tunnel surrounding rock during water inrush process, and the water inflow rate mainly depends on the initial water pressure of the water-filled karst cave. When water pressure increases from 0.1MPa to 0.2MPa, the water inflow increases by 84.4%, but the increase rate of water inflow will slow down when water pressure further increases. Compared with the previous level of water pressure, the water inflow only increases by 7.2%. Hence, in the excavation of karst tunnel, it is necessary to seal the fractures by grouting timely and release the water pressure of the karst cave for preventing water inrush accident. The research results will provide important guiding significance for the excavation of karst tunnel.

Failure Mechanism and Numerical Simulation of Splitting Failure for Deep High Sidewall Cavern Under High Stress

With the increase of the depth of the underground engineering, the phenomenon of splitting failure of the deep rock will appear, which is very different from the shallow cavern. In order to reveal the formation mechanism of splitting failure, mechanical model test and numerical simulations of splitting failure were carried out respectively. Using the Pubugou Hydropower Station as the engineering background, a three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical model test was conducted relying on a high stress three-dimensional load test system. The splitting failure phenomenon of high sidewall cavern was observed, and the oscillation variations of displacement and stress were measured. Based on strain gradient theory and continuum damage mechanics, an elastic–plastic damage softening model for splitting damage was established. The relationship between rock damage and energy dissipation was analyzed. Based on the strain energy density theory, the splitting failure criterion based on the strain gradient is established. A numerical analysis method for splitting damage was proposed, and a regional disintegration calculation program was developed based on a commercial finite element code. The numerical simulation results are in basic agreement with the 3D geomechanical model test.