scholarly journals An Empirical Approach for Tunnel Support Design through Q and RMi Systems in Fractured Rock Mass

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaekook Lee ◽  
Hafeezur Rehman ◽  
Abdul Naji ◽  
Jung-Joo Kim ◽  
Han-Kyu Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Fractured Rock ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Block Size ◽  
Reduction Factor ◽  
System Support ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Tunnel Support ◽  
Two Systems ◽  
Q System

Empirical systems for the classification of rock mass are used primarily for preliminary support design in tunneling. When applying the existing acceptable international systems for tunnel preliminary supports in high-stress environments, the tunneling quality index (Q) and the rock mass index (RMi) systems that are preferred over geomechanical classification due to the stress characterization parameters that are incorporated into the two systems. However, these two systems are not appropriate when applied in a location where the rock is jointed and experiencing high stresses. This paper empirically extends the application of the two systems to tunnel support design in excavations in such locations. Here, the rock mass characterizations and installed support data of six tunnel projects are used. The back-calculation approach is used to determine the Q value using the Q-system support chart, and these values are then used to develop the equations and charts to characterize the stress reduction factor (SRF), which is also numerically evaluated. These equations and charts reveal that the SRF is a function of relative block size, strength–stress ratio, and intact rock compressive strength. Furthermore, the RMi-suggested supports were heavier than the actual installed ones. If the approximate inverse relation between stress level (SL) and SRF is used, the difference between the actual and the recommended supports increases when using the RMi-recommended rock support chart for blocky ground. An alternate system is made for support recommendation using a Q-system support chart. In this system, the ground condition factor is modified from the available parameters, and a correlation is developed with a modified Q system.

scholarly journals Analysis of Support Design in Weak Rock Drift Using a Systematic Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Xingdong Zhao ◽  
Shujing Zhang ◽  
Huaibin Li ◽  
Guoju Chen ◽  
Pengqiang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Plastic Zone ◽  
Rock Mechanics ◽  
Support System ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Wire Mesh ◽  
Weak Rock ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Cable Bolt ◽  
Q System

The aim of this study is to develop a systematic approach for support design of weak rock drift based on empirical, analytical, and numerical method, which is employed to estimate weak rock support demand and design support system. Detailed engineering geological investigations and rock mechanics test have been carried out in weak rock drift. The Q-system and GSI-system were used to determine the primary support design and rock mass properties, respectively. The numerical model of RS2 finite element program has been calibrated by analyzing the relation of falling height observed in the field to the frictional angles obtained from empirical method, rock mechanics test, and calculated rock mass parameters, respectively. In an attempt to check the validity of sophisticated support, support suggested by Q-system, and the combination support system proposed by analytical approach, the RS2 program was employed to analyze the depth of plastic zone and total displacement surrounding the weak rock drift. Numerical results show that the depths of plastic zone and total deformation surrounding the weak rock drift supported by the combination support system significantly descended 87% and 90% of those of sophisticated support. In particular, the rock bolt and cable bolt provide enough frictional and interlocked forces to resist weak rock falling which change the weak rock mechanicals properties and the surface holding function reinforced by the shotcrete, wire mesh, and steel strap. The factor of safety (FOS) of 8.28 of the combination support system is much more than the FOS of 1.5 for permanent drift. The combination support system with rock bolts, cable bolt, shotcrete, wire mesh, and steel straps has been applied to stabilize the weak rock drift and found to be successful to prevent further deformations surrounding the drift.

scholarly journals Tunnel support design by comparison of empirical and finite element analysis of the Nahakki tunnel in mohmand agency, pakistan

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-84
Author(s):  
Asif Riaz ◽  
Syed Muhammad Jamil ◽  
Muhammad Asif ◽  
Kamran Akhtar
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Rock Mass ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Geological Strength Index ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Tunnel Support ◽  
Geological Conditions

Abstract The paper analyses the geological conditions of study area, rock mass strength parameters with suitable support structure propositions for the under construction Nahakki tunnel in Mohmand Agency. Geology of study area varies from mica schist to graphitic marble/phyllite to schist. The tunnel ground is classified and divided by the empisical classification systems like Rock mass rating (RMR), Q system (Q), and Geological strength index (GSI). Tunnel support measures are selected based on RMR and Q classification systems. Computer based finite element analysis (FEM) has given yet another dimension to design approach. FEM software Phase2 version 7.017 is used to calculate and compare deformations and stress concentrations around the tunnel, analyze interaction of support systems with excavated rock masses and verify and check the validity of empirically determined excavation and support systems.

scholarly journals Empirical Evaluation of Rock Mass Rating and Tunneling Quality Index System for Tunnel Support Design

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafeezur Rehman ◽  
Abdul Naji ◽  
Jung-joo Kim ◽  
Han-Kyu Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Index System ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Rock Mass Rating ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Tunnel Support

scholarly journals Strain Rockbursts Simulated by Low-Strength Brittle Equivalent Materials

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lang Li ◽  
Mingyang Wang ◽  
Pengxian Fan ◽  
Haiming Jiang ◽  
Yihao Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Boundary Effect ◽  
High Stress ◽  
In Situ Stress ◽  
Underground Engineering ◽  
Initial State ◽  
Sharp Drop ◽  
Tunnel Support ◽  
Dramatic Rise ◽  
Deep Underground

This paper presents experimental study on rockbursts that occur in deep underground excavations. To begin with, the boundary conditions for excavation in deep underground engineering were analysed and elastic adaptive boundary is an effective way to minimize the boundary effect of geomechanical model test. Then, in order to simulate an elastic adaptive loading boundary, Belleville springs were used to establish this loading boundary. With the aforementioned experimental set-ups and fabrication of similarity models for test, the phenomena of strain mode rockbursts were satisfactorily reproduced in laboratory. The internal stress, strain, and convergences of the openings of the model were instrumented by subtly preembedded sensors and transducers. Test results showed that, with an initial state of high stress from both upper layers’ gravitational effects and in situ stress due to tectonic movements, the excavation brings a dramatic rise in the hoop stress and sharp drop in radial stress, which leads to the splitting failure of rock mass. Finally a rockburst occurred associated with the release of strain energy stored in highly stressed rock mass. In addition, the failure of the surrounding rock demonstrated an obvious hysteresis effect which supplies valuable guide and reference for tunnel support. Not only do these results provide a basis for further comprehensive experiments, but also the data can offer assisting aids for further theoretical study of rockbursts.

scholarly journals Rock support in hydropower projects of Nepal: case studies

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Subas Chandra Sunuwar
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Rock Mass Classification ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Rock Support ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Tunnel Support ◽  
Mass Classification

The principal objective of rock support is to assist the rock mass to support itself. One common example is where the rock support system (e.g. rock bolts and shotcrete) actually becomes integrated with the rock mass. Rock support strengthens the rock mass surrounding an excavation by creating a reinforced zone, which maintains the integrity of the excavated surface, possesses sufficient flexibility to allow for the redistribution of stresses around the excavation, and has enough stiffness to minimise the dilation (opening) of discontinuities. Rock mass classification systems are used worldwide as a basis for tunnel support design. The Q and Rock Mass Rating systems have been extensively applied in rock support design on most of the hydropower projects in Nepal. Generic design guidelines based on rock mass classification systems cannot provide suitable rock support for every site. Therefore some modifications are necessary to suite the site-specific ground conditions including local rock mass and geological hazards. There are relatively few tunnels excavated in the tectonically active Nepal Himalaya. Large diameter tunnels in Nepal are commonly lined with concrete whereas recently smaller-diameter tunnels are either shotcrete-lined or left unsupported. "Leaky" lining has been used in most of the projects to avoid the heavy reinforcement needed to withstand the occasional very high external water pressures.

scholarly journals Construction of a tunnel under thin rock overburden in Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Project, Central Nepal

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaustubh Mani Nepal
Keyword(s):  
Rock Mass ◽  
Support System ◽  
Deformation Monitoring ◽  
Actual Condition ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Tunnel Support ◽  
Hydroelectric Project ◽  
Central Nepal ◽  
Rock Overburden ◽  
Smooth Blasting

This paper deals with an application of New Australian Tunnelling Method (NATM) in low cover tunnelling in Lesser Himalaya of Nepal. The length of the tunnel is 365.8 m with a 8.2 m finished diameter. The average thickness of the rock overburden is 16- 18 m with a maximum of 30 m, whereas average side cover is 40 m. Top heading and multiple benching methods were applied for tunnelling work. The rational support design techniques were conceived together with Bieniawski's Support Guideline for each standard support classes. Standard initial support system was designed according to NATM, to provide complete stabilization of excavation. It consisted of a combination of systematic rock bolts and shotcrete.  The smooth blasting technique was adopted for the tunnel excavation. The specific charge was 1.39-1.47 kg/m3 A special emphasis was given in the collection of discontinuity data so that the rock mass could be evaluated effectively. Geomechanics classification for rock mass was used for the rock mass evaluation. The rock mass was also back evaluated by using Q and GSI classification on the basis of installed support. After the careful assessment of the data, the rock mass in the tunnel was classified into fair to poor according to RMR and Q and blocky / disturbed to very blocky / fair according to GSI. The rock mass parameters collected during the construction stage agree with the data collected at surface during feasibility and tendering stages. The rock mass classification based on the surface outcrop survey and drillings was a considerable success and found to be very close to the actual condition. The effectiveness of revised support system with steel rib was found to be negligible or minimum for tunnel support. Rock support deformation monitoring in the tunnel was regularly carried out to determine the efficiency and adequacy of the installed support.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document