Numerical continuum approaches to analysis of nonlinear rock deformation

Abstract

In the continuum approach to problems of geologic mechanics, the ground surrounding a deformation zone is replaced mathematically by an idealized material that deforms in accordance with principles of continuum mechanics. Studies published to date have been rather few in number and have often followed a methodclogy characterized by restrictive material property and boundary condition assumptions. In order to avoid these difficulties, emphasis in this paper is given to modern numerical methods. Discrete-element formulations of matrix structural analysis are shown to be particularly useful, inasmuch as they are adaptable to solutions of systems characterized by nonlinear anisotropic materials, heterogeneously distributed, containing internal discontinuities, and of arbitrary topographic or internal boundary configuration.

Structural analysis of the West Hackbery No. 6 SPR storage cavern

“…An attempt was also made to model the effect of a jointed caprock region. This was done by reducing the modulus of the caprock by an order of magnitude as recommended byVoight and Dahl[8] •. The results of this calculation showed negligible change in the surface displacement when compared with the results 6f the full value of the modulus.This elastic axisymmetric analysis of WH 6 is an att•empt to characterize the•effett that~ significant siabbing ~vent• ~ould have on the post slabbed.stability of the cavern.• The• cavern shape, initial loading, and elastic material properties are the same as those given for Figure 7b (i.e.…”