Modelling Mechanical Response of Geological Fault Structures and their Interaction Analysis with Surrounding Rock

The mechanical response of geological fault structure and its interaction with surrounding rock are crucial for the stability of caverns in hard rocks. Geological fault structure exhibits unique mechanical response subjected to rock excavation. Potential failure patterns and their corresponding criterions of geological faults, including open failure, slip failure and block instability, are summarized. Corresponding numerical models and proper supporting measures are recommended for open and slip failures, respectively. Rock damage model is adopted to better illustrate the interaction of rockmass and geological faults. Safety factor for anti-sliding is introduced to quantify the safety extent of caverns subjected to open and slip failures caused by geological faults. Case study shows that the presented methods are effective to describe the mechanical response of geological faults and also to provide quantitative references for reinforcement design of rock caverns.

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