Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Rock Cracking Indices for Improved Tunnel Support Design: A Case Study for Columnar Jointed Rock Masses

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Measurements indicate that the development of cracking is a key feature relating to the strength and collapse of a columnar jointed rock mass. In this context, a new support design method utilising rock cracking indices for columnar jointed rock mass under high stress is proposed to restrain the development of cracking in the surrounding rock mass. The method involves limiting the cracking evolution of the surrounding rock mass by designing the appropriate parameters and time of installation of the support system. Two indices are suggested: the allowable depth of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ); and the allowable damage extent of the rock mass in the EDZ. The method involves limiting the evolution of cracking in the surrounding rock mass by designing the parameters and time of installation of the support system. The support system should have a suitable stiffness and installation time so as to restrain the evolution of the depth and damage extent of the EDZ within the surrounding rock. Therefore, the depth and damage extent of the EDZ, as well as the axial stress in the anchor bolts, are calculated at different distances between the support location and the tunnel working face to find the appropriate stiffness and installation time of the support system. The method has been successfully adopted to determine the thickness of shotcrete, the arrangement and installation time of rockbolts, and other parameters, for five large diversion tunnels at the Baihetan hydropower station, China, which were excavated in columnar jointed rock masses.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Fig. 25

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Al Hallak R (2000) Experimental study of the stability of a tunnel face reinforced by bolts. Geotech Aspect Underground Constr Soft Ground, Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 65–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Alejano LR, Alonso E, Rodríguez-Dono A et al (2010) Application of the convergence-confinement method to tunnels in rock masses exhibiting Hoek-Brown strain-softening behaviour. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 47(1):150–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton N, Løset F, Lien R et al (1981) Application of Q-system in design decisions concerning dimensions and appropriate support for underground installations. Subsurf Space 2:553–561

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernaud D, Maghous S, De Buhan P et al (2009) A numerical approach for design of bolt-supported tunnels regarded as homogenized structures. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 24(5):533–546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhawani S, Viladkar MN, Samadhiya NK et al (1995) A semi-empirical method for the design of support systems in underground openings. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 10(3):375–383

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cai M, Kaiser PK (2005) Assessment of excavation damaged zone using a micromechanics model. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 20(4):301–310

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cai M, Kaiser PK, Tasaka Y et al (2004) Generalized crack initiation and crack damage stress thresholds of brittle rock masses near underground excavations. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41(5):833–847

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carranza-Torres C, Fairhurst C (2000) Application of convergence-confinement method of tunnel design to rock masses that satisfy the Hoek-Brown failure criterion. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 15(2):187–213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen BR, Feng XT, Zeng X et al (2011) Real-time microseismic monitoring and its characteristic analysis during TBM tunneling in deep-buried tunnel. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 30(2):275–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Claudio O, Gunnar O (2004) Quality in tunnelling: ITA-AITES working group 16 final report. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 19(3):239–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Buhan P, Bourgeois E, Hassen G (2008) Numerical simulation of bolt supported tunnels by means of a multiphase model conceived as an improved homogenization procedure. Int J Numer Anal Methods 32(13):1597–1615

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feder G, Arwanitakis M (1976) Zur Gebirgsmechanik ausbruchsnaher Bereichetiefliegender Hohlraumbauten. BHM 121(4):103–117

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng XT, Zhang CQ, Li SJ et al (2013) Dynamic design method for deep tunnels at hard rocks. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Golshani A, Okui Y, Oda M et al (2006) A micromechanical model for brittle failure of rock and its relation to crack growth observed in triaxial compression tests of granite. Mech Mater 38(4):287–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong QM, Zhao J, Jiang YS (2007) In situ TBM penetration tests and rock mass boreability analysis in hard rock tunnels. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 22(3):303–316

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hahn T, Holmgren J (1979) Adhesion of shotcrete to various types of rock surfaces and its influence on the strengthening function of shotcrete when applied on hard jointed rock. In: Proceedings, 4th international congress on rock mechanics, International Society for rock mechanics, vol 1, Montreux, Switzerland, pp 431–440

  • Hajiabdolmajid V, Kaiser PK, Martin CD (2002) Modelling brittle failure of rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 39(6):731–741

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao XJ, Feng XT, Yang CX et al (2015) Analysis of time-dependent EDZ development of columnar jointed rock mass in the Baihetan diversion tunnel. Rock Mech Rock Eng 48(9):1–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirohisa K, Hideto M (2003) Centrifuge model test of tunnel face reinforcement by bolting. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 18:205–212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Martin CD (2014) Fracture initiation and propagation in intact rock—a review. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 6(4):287–300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horii H, Nemat-Nasser S (1986) Brittle failure in compression: splitting, faulting and brittle-ductile transition. Philos Trans R Soc Lond A: Math, Phys Eng Sci 319(1549):337–374

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jalalifar H, Mojedifar S, Sahebi AA (2014) Prediction of rock mass rating using fuzzy logic and multi-variable RMR regression model. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 24(2):237–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Q, Feng XT, Chen J, Huang K, Jiang YL (2013) Estimating in situ rock stress from spalling veins: a case study. Eng Geol 152(1):38–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Q, Feng XT, Yossef HH et al (2014) Mechanical anisotropy of columnar jointed basalts: an example from the Baihetan hydropower station, China. Eng Geol 175:35–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalman K (2003a) History of the sprayed shotcrete lining method—part I: milestones up to the 1960s. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 18(1):57–69

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalman K (2003b) History of the sprayed shotcrete lining method—part II: milestones up to the 1960s. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 18(1):71–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kulatilake PHSW, Park J, Um J (2004) Estimation of rock mass strength and deformability in 3-D for a 30 m cube at a depth of 485 m at Äspö hard rock laboratory. Geotech Geol Eng 22(3):313–330

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li SJ, Feng XT, Li ZH et al (2012a) In situ monitoring of rockburst nucleation and evolution in the deeply buried tunnels of Jinping II hydropower station. Eng Geol 137(1):85–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li SJ, Feng XT, Li ZH et al (2012b) Evolution of fractures in the excavation damaged zone of a deeply buried tunnel during TBM construction. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 55(10):125–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li SJ, Feng XT, Hudson JA (2013a) ISRM suggested method for measuring rock mass displacement using a sliding micrometer. Rock Mech Rock Eng 46(3):645–653

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li SJ, Feng XT, Wang CY et al (2013b) ISRM suggested method for rock fractures observations using a borehole digital optical televiewer. Rock Mech Rock Eng 46(3):635–644

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin CD (1993) The strength of massive Lac du Bonnet granite around underground opening. Ph.D. thesis, University of Manitoba, 1993

  • Martin CD, Read RS, Martino JB (1997) Observations of brittle failure around a circular test tunnel. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 34(7):1065–1073

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin CD, Christiansson R, Söderhäll J (2001) Rock stability considerations for sitting and constructing a KBS-3 repository. Based on experiences from Äspö HRL, AECL’s URL, tunneling and mining, SKB TR0138, Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB

  • Martino JB, Chandler NA (2004) Excavation-induced damage studies at the underground research laboratory. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 41(8):1413–1416

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pacher F (1964) Deformations messungen im Versuchsstollen als Mittel zurErforschung des Gebirgsverhaltens und zur Bemessung des Ausbaues, Felsmechanik, pp 149–161

  • Pan PZ, Yan F, Feng XT (2012) Modeling the cracking process of rocks from continuity to discontinuity using a cellular automaton. Comput Geosci 42:87–99

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu FQ, Hu X, Gong M et al (2010) Unloading deformation during layered excavation for the underground powerhouse of Jinping I Hydropower Station, southwest China. Bull Eng Geol Environ 69(3):343–351

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11232014 and 41372315 are gratefully acknowledged. In particular, the authors also wish to thank Prof. Q.X. Fan, Prof. Z.B. Wu and Prof. Y.L. Fan for their kind help in the field investigation and the technical support from China Three Gorges Project Corporation. The authors would also like to acknowledge two anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions and comments.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China

    Xia-Ting Feng, Xian-Jie Hao, Quan Jiang & Shao-jun Li

  2. Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London, UK

    John A. Hudson

Authors
  1. Xia-Ting Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xian-Jie Hao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Quan Jiang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Shao-jun Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. John A. Hudson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xia-Ting Feng.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Feng, XT., Hao, XJ., Jiang, Q. et al. Rock Cracking Indices for Improved Tunnel Support Design: A Case Study for Columnar Jointed Rock Masses. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49, 2115–2130 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0903-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0903-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation