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An Integrated Numerical Modelling–Discrete Fracture Network Approach Applied to the Characterisation of Rock Mass Strength of Naturally Fractured Pillars

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Abstract

Naturally fractured mine pillars provide an excellent example of the importance of accurately determining rock mass strength. Failure in slender pillars is predominantly controlled by naturally occurring discontinuities, their influence diminishing with increasing pillar width, with wider pillars failing through a combination of brittle and shearing processes. To accurately simulate this behaviour by numerical modelling, the current analysis incorporates a more realistic representation of the mechanical behaviour of discrete fracture systems. This involves realistic simulation and representation of fracture networks, either as individual entities or as a collective system of fracture sets, or a combination of both. By using an integrated finite element/discrete element–discrete fracture network approach it is possible to study the failure of rock masses in tension and compression, along both existing pre-existing fractures and through intact rock bridges, and incorporating complex kinematic mechanisms. The proposed modelling approach fully captures the anisotropic and inhomogeneous effects of natural jointing and is considered to be more realistic than methods relying solely on continuum or discontinuum representation. The paper concludes with a discussion on the development of synthetic rock mass properties, with the intention of providing a more robust link between rock mass strength and rock mass classification systems.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge financial support provided through NSERC Discovery and FRBC Endowment funds provided to the second author. Support and documentation relating to FracMan, provided by Golder Associates (Dr. Steve Rogers), are greatly appreciated. Support and material relating to ELFEN was provided by Rockfield Software. Mapping at Middleton mine was carried out as part of a project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of the UK. The main component of the ELFEN modelling for Middleton mine was undertaken by the corresponding author as part of his Ph.D. thesis at the Camborne School of Mines (University of Exeter, UK) under the supervision of Prof. R.J. Pine and Dr. J.S. Coggan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Golder Associates Ltd, Greater Vancouver Office, Burnaby, BC, Canada

    Davide Elmo

  2. Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada

    Doug Stead

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  1. Davide Elmo
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  2. Doug Stead
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Correspondence to Davide Elmo.

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Elmo, D., Stead, D. An Integrated Numerical Modelling–Discrete Fracture Network Approach Applied to the Characterisation of Rock Mass Strength of Naturally Fractured Pillars. Rock Mech Rock Eng 43, 3–19 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-009-0027-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-009-0027-3

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