HETEROGENEITIES IN ROCK MASSES AND TUNNEL STABILITY

HETEROGENEITES DANS LES MASSIFS ROCHEUX ET STABILITE DES TUNNELS

There do not exist in nature materials which are completely homogeneous, isotropic and continuous, hence the need of studying how low-modulus materials round a cavity could modify stress distribution. The elastic theory shows that cavities increase compressive stresses in their vicinity. A former study dealt with means of reducing stresses at the periphery of excavations. This article deals particularly with the use of the finite element method for investigating the distribution of stresses due to the presence of layers with a low modulus. Whatever their length or direction in relation to the initial biaxial field of stresses, these layers reduce stress concentration. This can be expressed as follows: many so-called defects of the rock mass can in reality have an automatic reducing effect on stresses. (TRRL)

• Authors:
  • Dejean, M
  • Duffaut, P
• Publication Date: 1979-2

Language

• French

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 19-26
• Serial:
  • Revue Francais Geotechnique
  • Issue Number: 6

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cavitation (Mechanics); Compressive strength; Deformation curve; Discrete systems; Finite element method; Heterogeneity; Mass; Modulus of elasticity; Physical distribution; Reduction (Chemistry); Rocks; Samples; Stability (Mechanics); Stresses; Tunnels; Underground structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cavities; Discontinuous; Rock mass; Subterranean
• Old TRIS Terms: Reduction; Stress distribution (Soils)
• ITRD Terms: 5738: Cavity; 9015: Discontinuous; 9016: Distribution (gen); 6490: Finite element method; 5915: Heterogeneity; 5919: Modulus of elasticity; 4154: Rock; 5930: Stability; 5575: Stress (in material); 4372: Subterranean; 3374: Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Freight Transportation; Geotechnology; Highways; I43: Rock Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00311364
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chausees (LCPC)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 22 1980 12:00AM