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Rock Mechanics Constitutive Models Guide

The document consists of questions related to constitutive models in rock mechanics, emphasizing their relevance, input parameters for numerical simulations, and applications in underground and surface mining. It also addresses the importance of in-situ stress measurements, stress transformations, and the calculation of stress invariants. Additionally, it discusses the Hedley and Grant pillar strength equation, its applicability in Zimbabwe, potential improvements, and alternative approaches for determining pillar strengths in hard rock mines.

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tinashe tagarira
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18 views2 pages

Rock Mechanics Constitutive Models Guide

The document consists of questions related to constitutive models in rock mechanics, emphasizing their relevance, input parameters for numerical simulations, and applications in underground and surface mining. It also addresses the importance of in-situ stress measurements, stress transformations, and the calculation of stress invariants. Additionally, it discusses the Hedley and Grant pillar strength equation, its applicability in Zimbabwe, potential improvements, and alternative approaches for determining pillar strengths in hard rock mines.

Uploaded by

tinashe tagarira
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

QUESTION 1

Consider the following constitutive models that are commonly used to model different rock mass
problems and answer questions (a) to (d):
 Elastic
 Mohr-Coulomb plasticity
 Strain-hardening /softening Mohr-Coulomb
 Ubiquitous-joint
 Modified Hoek-Brown plasticity
a) What is the relevance of constitutive models in rock mechanics?
b) Select only two models and list examples of rock and rock mass input parameters that are
required to complete a numerical simulation using such models.
c) Think of a typical rock mechanics problem in underground mining and for that problem,
select a suitable model that you can use to complete numerical simulations. Briefly explain
the reasons for your choice.
d) Think of a typical rock mechanics problem in surface mining and for that problem, select a
suitable model that you can use to complete numerical simulations. Briefly explain the
reasons for your choice.

Reference:
 FLAC3D Version 5.0 Manual (Section – Choice of constitutive model)
 [Link]

QUESTION 2
a) What is the importance of in-situ stress measurements in rock engineering design?
b) Briefly describe how you can transform strain measurements by a 0°–45°–90° rosette to the
respective principal stresses.
c) Briefly explain the principle of stress invariants in stress transformations.
d) If the state of stress at a point, in a 3D body, can be described by the normal and shear
stresses of magnitude σxx = 30 MPa, σyy = 20 MPa, σzz = 10 MPa, τxy = 6 MPa, τyz = -4 MPa
and τzx = 2 MPa, calculate the three stress invariants for this state of stress.

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QUESTION 3
a) The Hedley and Grant pillar strength equation is commonly used to design room-and-pillar
mines along the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe.
i. In a brief commentary, justify or criticize the use of this equation under the typical mine
conditions and pillar sizes used in Zimbabwe.
ii. How can this equation be improved or customized for better applicability to the mines on
the Great Dyke?
b) Suggest an alternative approach you can use to determine pillar strengths in these hard rock
mines. What input parameters and design considerations would you require for your
suggested approach?
c) On a single set of axes, sketch the load-deformation curve of a barrier, crush, yield, and non-
yield pillar indicating the typical width-to-height ratios and factors of safety for each pillar
type.

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