Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability Parameters
This paper initially provides a practical example on how to estimate a bias-free volumetric fracture count (<i>VFC</i>—fractures/m<sup>3</sup>) in a tunnel and incorporate it into a new and unified volumetric-based Geological Strength Index (V-GSI) chart. The quantified V-GSI...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2022-09-01
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| Series: | Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/18/9025 |
| _version_ | 1797491568655990784 |
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| author | Paul Schlotfeldt Jacob Nikl Jonathon Sutton |
| author_facet | Paul Schlotfeldt Jacob Nikl Jonathon Sutton |
| author_sort | Paul Schlotfeldt |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper initially provides a practical example on how to estimate a bias-free volumetric fracture count (<i>VFC</i>—fractures/m<sup>3</sup>) in a tunnel and incorporate it into a new and unified volumetric-based Geological Strength Index (V-GSI) chart. The quantified V-GSI chart and the methods shown in the practical example were used extensively as tools to assess rock mass conditions and assist in support determinations on the WestConnex M8 Motorway tunnel project in Sydney, Australia. The reliability of the strength and deformability estimates obtained using the V-GSI ratings while tunneling within the Hawkesbury Sandstone is demonstrated here by providing an example of deformation results obtained through 3-D finite element analysis in a single location in the tunnel. The modelling results are compared to measure convergence in the tunnel in this location, which demonstrated good correlation between predicted and observed deformation. This provides validation that the V-GSI chart and associated Hoek–Brown strength and deformability equations can be used with some confidence to determine potential deformation in underground works. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T00:51:10Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a247872e61884473bca177566bea33b5 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T00:51:10Z |
| publishDate | 2022-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-a247872e61884473bca177566bea33b52023-11-23T14:51:50ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172022-09-011218902510.3390/app12189025Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability ParametersPaul Schlotfeldt0Jacob Nikl1Jonathon Sutton2Golder Associates Ltd. (WSP Golder), 590 McKay Avenue, Suite 300, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5A8, CanadaGolder Associates Ltd. (WSP Golder), 2920 Virtual Way, Suite 200, Vancouver, BC V5M 0C4, CanadaWSP Australia Pty Ltd., 900 Ann St., Brisbane, QLD 3100, AustraliaThis paper initially provides a practical example on how to estimate a bias-free volumetric fracture count (<i>VFC</i>—fractures/m<sup>3</sup>) in a tunnel and incorporate it into a new and unified volumetric-based Geological Strength Index (V-GSI) chart. The quantified V-GSI chart and the methods shown in the practical example were used extensively as tools to assess rock mass conditions and assist in support determinations on the WestConnex M8 Motorway tunnel project in Sydney, Australia. The reliability of the strength and deformability estimates obtained using the V-GSI ratings while tunneling within the Hawkesbury Sandstone is demonstrated here by providing an example of deformation results obtained through 3-D finite element analysis in a single location in the tunnel. The modelling results are compared to measure convergence in the tunnel in this location, which demonstrated good correlation between predicted and observed deformation. This provides validation that the V-GSI chart and associated Hoek–Brown strength and deformability equations can be used with some confidence to determine potential deformation in underground works.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/18/9025volumetric fracture count (<i>VFC</i>)V-GSI chartWestConnex M8 Motorwaytunnelrock mass strength and deformabilityfinite element analysis |
| spellingShingle | Paul Schlotfeldt Jacob Nikl Jonathon Sutton Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability Parameters Applied Sciences volumetric fracture count (<i>VFC</i>) V-GSI chart WestConnex M8 Motorway tunnel rock mass strength and deformability finite element analysis |
| title | Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability Parameters |
| title_full | Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability Parameters |
| title_fullStr | Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability Parameters |
| title_full_unstemmed | Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability Parameters |
| title_short | Calculating Bias-Free Volumetric Fracture Counts (VFCs) in Underground Works and Their Use in Estimating Rock Mass Strength and Deformability Parameters |
| title_sort | calculating bias free volumetric fracture counts vfcs in underground works and their use in estimating rock mass strength and deformability parameters |
| topic | volumetric fracture count (<i>VFC</i>) V-GSI chart WestConnex M8 Motorway tunnel rock mass strength and deformability finite element analysis |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/18/9025 |
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