Model Test Study on the Anisotropic Characteristics of Columnar Jointed Rock Mass

Because of its special structure, the anisotropic properties of columnar jointed rock mass (CJRM) are complicated, which brings difficulty to engineering construction. To comprehensively study the anisotropic characteristics of CJRM, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on artificial CJRM speci...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zhende Zhu, Xiangcheng Que, Zihao Niu, Wenbin Lu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
Series:Symmetry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/12/9/1528
Description
Summary:Because of its special structure, the anisotropic properties of columnar jointed rock mass (CJRM) are complicated, which brings difficulty to engineering construction. To comprehensively study the anisotropic characteristics of CJRM, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on artificial CJRM specimens. Quadrangular, pentagonal and hexagonal prism CJRM models were introduced, and the dip direction of the columnar joints was considered. Based on the test results and the structural features of the three CJRM models, the deformation and strength characteristics of CJRM specimens were analyzed and compared. The failure modes and mechanisms of artificial specimens with different dip directions were summarized in accordance with the failure processes and final appearances. Subsequently, the anisotropic degrees of the three CJRM models in the horizontal plane were classified, and their anisotropic characteristics were described. Finally, a simple empirical expression was adopted to estimate the strength and deformation of the CJRM, and the derived equations were used in the Baihetan Hydropower Station project. The calculated values are in good agreement with the existing research results, which reflects the engineering application value of the derived empirical equations.
ISSN:2073-8994