Zonal Disintegration Mechanisms in Deep Rock Masses
Summary
Zonal disintegration refers to the distinctive pattern of alternating fractured and intact concentric zones that develop around deep excavations in high-stress rock masses. Under the influence of elevated in situ stresses, unloading induced by excavation generates radial tensile strains that exceed the tensile strength of rock, leading to the formation of successive rupture rings separated by relatively undisturbed material. The process is governed by stress redistribution, rock heterogeneity, joint networks and excavation method. Numerical simulations and physical model tests reveal that oscillations in stress and displacement fields drive the periodic failure pattern, while factors such as joint orientation, rock strength and depth control the spacing and extent of disintegration zones. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for safe design and support of tunnels, shafts and chambers at great depth in mining, civil and energy-related underground works.
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Technical terms
Zonal disintegration: Alternating concentric fractured and intact rings in deep rock surrounding an excavation under high geostress.
In situ stress: The natural stress state in rock before any modification by excavation or human activity.
Radial tensile strain: Deformation radiating outward from an excavation that induces tensile stress and potential fracture.
Plane strain conditions: A modelling assumption in which deformation in one direction is negligible, appropriate for long tunnel sections.
Strength reduction method: A numerical instability analysis technique that progressively lowers rock strength parameters to evaluate collapse mechanisms.
References
- Zonal disintegration test of deep tunnel under plane strain conditions. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology (2020).
- Research on Zonal Disintegration Characteristics and Failure Mechanisms of Deep Tunnel in Jointed Rock Mass with Strength Reduction Method. Mathematics (2022).
- Numerical simulation of zonal disintegration of surrounding rock in the deep‐buried chamber. Deep Underground Science and Engineering (2022).
- Geomechanical Model Test and Energy Mechanism Analysis of Zonal Disintegration in Deep Surrounding Rock. Geosciences (2018).
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