Mapping of rock mass structure is an important task required in many applications of mining and contracture engineering. This task has to be routinely performed using established techniques developed to provide consistent results under the wide range conditions. In this research, a new methodology was developed to achieve this task by only utilizing the basic measurement instruments which were compass-clinometer and tape meter. The method's logic was based on the alternatives of spatial position of discontinuities that are classified under four types according to the north. In the developed approach, the geometry of discontinuities was evaluated as the linear relationships. Besides, isometric presentation was preferred in developed 3D simulation software, which was named as "linear isometric projection of rock mass". Input data of the developed software were the discontinuity geometric features such as dip, dip direction, and spacing on the rocky outcrop in the form of an information system. The output was a simulation model consisting of the rock mass structure. The new software derived from the developed approaches was tested on an experimental road wall outcrop. Obtained results are very close to the situation observed in the field, and the developed software is userfriendly. In this paper, a description of the numerical model and current capabilities of the software are introduced.
The spatial positions of the discontinuities and the shapes of rock blocks that are bounded into rock masses are important features that should be taken into consideration, especially in an effort to better understand the mechanisms in which a rock fails under a load. Therefore, explicit descriptions of in situ rock mass structures are necessary in many areas of mining and construction engineering. In this paper, new geometrical classifications of two discontinuities as a construction method are developed according to the spatial orientations of the discontinuities and their locations relative to each other. Discontinuities were geometrically analyzed using a rectangular prism as an engineering structure. Thus, the geometries of the possible failure of rock blocks in engineering structures were generated and included road cuts, open slopes, and dam walls that are founded in rock media. Several basic mathematical equations and approaches derived from these equations were used. Thus, wedge forms bounded by two discontinuities and free surfaces were geometrically identified and classified. In addition, the isometric perspective method was used to better illustrate the methodology. The results obtained from two experiment fields show the effectiveness of the proposed modeling method.
The prediction of rock mass behaviour is an important task in many engineering projects, as the behaviour of rock masses can be controlled by the presence of discontinuities. Being able to map the structure of a rock mass is crucial to understanding its potential behaviour. This understanding can positively impact on the safety and efficiency of an engineering project. In this research, rock masses were modelled and analysed using linear mathematical transformations and isometric perspective methods to achieve meaningful three-dimensional results. The rock mass fracture representation is based on explicit modelling of rock faces. The developed model can improve safety and productivity through its application in the determination and analysis of rock mass structure for geological and geotechnical assessment. Based on the methods explained here, a software system was developed for analysing the geometric characteristics of discontinuities in a rock mass. In this model, discontinuities in a rock mass can be visualised both individually and in combination, and cross-sections can be generated at any desired location. In addition, intersection lines between discontinuities can be generated as dip direction vectors. The natural structure attained by using this developed model agrees well with field measurements.
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