Failure Process and Stability Analysis of Rock Blocks in a Large Underground Excavation Based on a Numerical Method

Abstract

A numerical analysis method for block failure is proposed that is based on continuum mechanics. First, a mesh model that includes marked blocks was established based on the grid-based block identification method. Then, expressions of the contact force under various contact states were derived based on the explicit contact force algorithm, and a contact simulation method between blocks and the surrounding rock was proposed. The safety factors of the blocks were calculated based on the strength reduction method. This numerical analysis method can simulate both the continuous deformation of the surrounding rock and the discontinuous failure processes of the blocks. A simple example of a sliding block was used to evaluate the accuracy and rationality of the numerical method. Finally, combined with a deep underground excavation project under complex geological conditions, the stability of the blocks and rock were analyzed. The results indicate that the key blocks are damaged after excavation, the potentially dangerous blocks loosen and undergo large deformations, and the cracks between the blocks and the rock gradually increase as the excavation proceeds. The safety factors of the blocks change during the excavation. The numerical results demonstrate the influence of the surrounding rock on the failure process and on the stability of the blocks, and an effective analysis method is provided for the stability analysis of blocks under complex geological conditions.