Subject: Rock Mechanics (MinE-350)

Assignment: Complex Engineering Problem (CEP)

Submitted by: Rana Zoraiz Yalmaz (2018-MIN-01)

Fahad Murtaza (2018-MIN-32)

Submitted to: Dr. Zaka Emad

Introduction:
Cavern is basically a large cave or chamber. The geologist studies briefly its scientific aspects,
stresses which act on it, its failure criteria. Its properties etc. It’s a very complicated process for
geologist to design it. A lot of factors affects on the cavern: in-situ stresses, rock mass
classification, strength failure criteria, Horizontal and vertical stresses, its dimensions etc. In the
given project, a cavern is designed with two formation. Formation A makes roof of the cavern.
Formation B makes walls and floor of the cavern. We have to study all these aspects for the
given formations.

a:
First we find the vertical stress
Vertical Stress = 𝜎 = 𝜌𝑔𝑧
= (2323) (9.81) (1800)
= 41019534 Pa
= 41.02 MPa Ans
Now for horizontal Stress:
𝛔h = k𝛔v
𝛔h = 1.7 * 41019534
= 69733207.8 Pa
= 69.733 MPa Ans

b:
The most sophisticated technique for measuring the insitu stress is overstress technique and the
equipment used for this purpose is hydraulic fracturing.
In hydraulic fracturing, we make a borehole and insert a equipment. And the area in which we
measure the insitu stress isolate it with the help of packers. We will pump the isolated area with
fluid i.e; water, the stress will increase and a crack will be developed. When the crack is
generated, the pressure will be released. Because the water will escape. The main reason for
crack developing is because you have overcomed the minor horizontal stress as well as the
tensile stress. The crack will be vanished if minor horizontal stress becomes equal to the applied
pressure.
Hydraulic fracturing has a very complex behavior and it is also a multiple day process which
makes it more sophisticated. First day you will increase the pressure until the crack is produced.
Then pressure is released and water is started escaping until the crack is closed. Then you will
again increase the pressure, but it doesn’t goes above as that in the first try. Because crack is
opened immediately and water is released. At the end of the day, you shut down the system and
water and the water is taken out. A similar process is started on the next day. That’s why you can
assume that it is very time consuming and expensive process.

c:
RMR for Formation A:
Parameters Value Rating
Rock Quality Designation (RQD) 80%-90% 17
Discontinuity Spacing 1.2-1.5 m 15
Condition of discontinuity surfaces
Length 125m 0
Separation None 6
Roughness Moderately Rough 5
Infilling None 6
Weathering Slightly 5
Weathered
Ground water Conditions Damp 10
Orientation of Discontinuities relative to the Fair -5
Engineered Structure.
Uniaxial Compressive Strength, Point Load Index 152MPa, 12.7MPa 12

Total Rating = 71 = RMR

GSI = RMR-5 = 71-5 = 66
The rating is showing the Formation A belongs to Good Class of Rock Mass.

RMR for Formation B:

Parameters Value Rating
RQD 80%-90% 17
Ground Water Conditions Damp 10
Orientation of discontinuities Dip 67 Degree, Very Favorable 0
Condition of discontinuities
 Length 125m 0
Roughness Moderately rough 5
Weathering Slightly Weathered 5
Infilling None 6
Separation

UCS 152MMPa 12

Total Rating = 55 = RMR

GSI = 50
The RMR value is showing that Formation B belongs to Fair Rock category.

d:
Formation A: Good Rock (Rating : 71)
Stand-up Time: 1 year for 10m span
Excavation: Full-Face, 1-1.5m advance, complete support 20m from face
Support Requirements:
• Rock Bolts: Locally, bolts in crown, 3m long, spaced 2.5m with occasional wire mesh.
• Shotcrete: 50mm in crown where required
• Steel Sets: None

Formation B: Fair Rock (Rating: 55)

Stand-up Time: 1 week for 5m span
Excavation: Top heading & bench, 1.5-3m advance in top heading, commence support after
each blast. Complete support 10m from face.
Support Requirements:
• Rock Bolts: Systematic bolts 4m long, spaced 1.5-2m in crown and walls with wire mesh
in crown.
• Shotcrete: 50-100 mm in crown & 30mm in slides.
• Steel Sets: None
e:

Calculations:
Cohesion =c 26MPa, Friction Angle 49o
Ƿgz = 2900 * 9.81 * 1800
БV = 51156000 Pa
UCS = 152 MPa

As k-factor ranges from 1.6-1.9

We will assume k = 1.75
БH = kбV
= 1.75 * 51156000
БH = 89523000
Hoop Stress = бh = 3бH - бV
3(89523000) – 51156000
Hoop Stress = 38366000
Safety Factor = UCS/Hoop Stress
= 152 * 106 Pa/38367000
Safety Factor = 3.96≈ 4
As it is greater than 1, So it lies in Safety Zone.

f:
To evaluate stresses around the cavern, we will use Kirsch Equations:
Radial Normal Stress:
Бrr = P/2 [(1+K)(1-a2/r2)- (1-K)(1-4a2/r2+3a4/r4)cos2θ]
For Angle 0o;
= 41019534/2 [(1+1.7)(1-0.04)-(1-1.7)(1-0.16+0.0064)1]
= 20509767 [2.6892+0.59248]
= 67306492.17 Pa
= 6.7 MPa
For Angle 90o;
Бrr = 20509767 [2.6892-0.59248]
= 43003238.66 Pa
= 4.3 MPa
Tangential Normal Stress:
бθθ = P/2 [(1+K)(1+a2/r2)+(1-K)(1+3a4/r4)cos2θ]
For Angle 0o:
 = 41019534/2 [(1+1.7)(1+0.04)+(1-1.7)(1+0.0064)1]
= 20509767 [2.808-0.070448]
= 43142705.08 Pa
= 4.3 MPa
For Angle 90o;
= 20509767 [2.808+0.070448]
= 59036297.8 Pa
= 5.9 MPa

Shear Stress:
Бrθ = P/2 [(1-K)(1+2a2/r2-3a4/r4)sin2θ]
For Angle 0o;
= 41019534/2[(1-1.7)(1+0.08-0.0064)0]
= 0 Pa
For Angle 90o;
= 20509767[(1-1.7)(1+0.08-0.0064)0]
= 0 Pa

g:
h:
The idea of ideal stress scenario invoke when the horizontal and vertical stresses of cavern are
equal. But in actual, it is not possible. To bring the ideal stress scenario, either we will change
the value of K, or we’ll change the shape. The advantage of changing the K value is that there is
a high probability of getting the ideal value for stresses.
Now we will use this scenario for Kirsch Equation:
Putting,
a = 1, r = 1
Radial Normal Stress:
For Angle 0o
Бrr = 4109534/2 [(1+1.7)(1-1)-(1-1.7)(1-4+3)1]
= 20509767(0)
= 0 Pa
For angle 90o:
Бrr = 0 Pa

Tangential Normal Stress:

For Angle 00:
бθθ = 41019534/2 [(1+1.7)(1+1)+(1-1.7)(1+0.0064)1]
= 20509767 [5.4 - 0.70448]
= 9.6 MPa
For Angle 900:
бθθ = 20509767 [5.4-0.70448]
= 12.5 MPa
Shear Stress:
For Angle 00:
Бrθ = 20509767 [(1-1.7)(1+2-3)0]
= 0 Pa
For Angle 900:
Бrθ = 20509767 [1-1.7)(1+2-3)0]
= 0 Pa
Hence we can assume the ideal stress scenario.

i:
j`:
In this CEP, we have discussed the different Stress Scenario. We have discussed insitu stress &
its calculations. And the technique that helps in measuring in-situ stresses. This gives a broader
idea and understanding to the students. We hit the Rock mass classification that helps in
initiating the mining or geological project. For example, in designing tunnels or mines. Where
data are rare or unavailable. Rock mass classification is very useful at that moment. We also
discussed stand up time, excavation methods and support measurements for the given two
formations. We also checked the stress failure criteria by making envelops.
We have used Kirsch Equations for determining stresses around the cavern on two different
angles. We have used phase 2D software for simulating the to find stresses. We also discussed
ideal stress scenario. And how we can bring the ideal stress values. And changing the shape &
K-factor affects on ideal stress scenario.
We also used AutoCAD to show the cross-section of caverns, its dimension etc.

References:
1. Stille, H:, Palmstrom, A. Ground behavior and rock mass composition in underground
excavations. Tunn. Undergr. Space Technol. 2008, 23, 46-64.
2. Feng, X.-T:, Hudson, J.A. Rock Engineering Design; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA,
1946.