Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
An improvement to previously developed constitutive FISH User-Defined-Model subroutine by Venticinque (2013) is demonstrated here to simulate the initiation and progressive propagation of fractures through rock structures. This model is based on the amalgamating failure and fracture mechanics theory applied to the finite difference FLAC code. The prior validation of fracture propagation in isotropic rock has been modified to simulate fracture propagation in anisotropic rock. It is shown that the model is capable to accurately simulate fracture distributions in both isotropic and anisotropic rock mass. Furthermore, application of the model to study rock slope stability highlights several characteristics relevant to the progressive failure process of hard rock dry wall slopes. Moreover the model introduces new potential insight towards the effectiveness of rock and cable bolt supports. This work contributes towards improving safety in mines through an increased understanding of key fracture and progressive failure characteristics within geological structures.
Publication Details
Gaetano Venticinque and Jan Nemcik, New fracture models for the progressive failure of rock slopes, 14th Coal Operators' Conference, University of Wollongong, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy & Mine Managers Association of Australia, 2014, 82-88.