JRMGE / Vol 13 / Issue 1

Article
Qian Lecture

Advances in statistical mechanics of rock masses and its engineering applications

Faquan Wu, Jie Wu, Han Bao, Bo Li, Zhigang Shan, Deheng Kong

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a Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
b Rock Innovation (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Shaoxing, 312000, China
c School of Highway, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064, China
d Huadong Engineering Co., Ltd., PowerChina, Hangzhou, 311122, China
e Department of Geotechnical Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China


2021, 13(1): 22-45. doi:10.1016/j.jrmge.2020.11.003


Received: 2020-11-11 / Revised: 2020-11-15 / Accepted: 2020-11-16 / Available online: 2021-02-15

2021, 13(1): 22-45.

doi:10.1016/j.jrmge.2020.11.003


Received: 2020-11-11

Revised: 2020-11-15

Accepted: 2020-11-16

Available online: 2021-02-15


Abstract: To efficiently link the continuum mechanics for rocks with the structural statistics of rock masses, a theoretical and methodological system called the statistical mechanics of rock masses (SMRM) was developed in the past three decades. In SMRM, equivalent continuum models of stressestrain relationship, strength and failure probability for jointed rock masses were established, which were based on the geometric probability models characterising the rock mass structure. This follows the statistical physics, the continuum mechanics, the fracture mechanics and the weakest link hypothesis. A general constitutive model and complete stressestrain models under compressive and shear conditions were also developed as the derivatives of the SMRM theory. An SMRM calculation system was then developed to provide fast and precise solutions for parameter estimations of rock masses, such as full-direction rock quality designation (RQD), elastic modulus, Coulomb compressive strength, rock mass quality rating, and Poisson’s ratio and shear strength. The constitutive equations involved in SMRM were integrated into a FLAC3D based numerical module to apply for engineering rock masses. It is also capable of analysing the complete deformation of rock masses and active reinforcement of engineering rock masses. Examples of engineering applications of SMRM were presented, including a rock mass at QBT hydropower station in northwestern China, a dam slope of Zongo II hydropower station in D.R. Congo, an open-pit mine in Dexing, China, an underground powerhouse of Jinping I hydropower station in southwestern China, and a typical circular tunnel in Lanzhou-Chongqing railway, China. These applications verified the reliability of the SMRM and demonstrated its applicability to broad engineering issues associated with jointed rock masses.

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Keywords: Statistical mechanics of rock masses (SMRM), Jointed rock mass,  , Geometric probability model, Failure probability, Anisotropic constitutive model, Engineering parameters

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Faquan Wu, Jie Wu, Han Bao, Bo Li, Zhigang Shan, Deheng Kong, 2021. Advances in statistical mechanics of rock masses and its engineering applications. J. Rock Mech. Geotech. Eng. 13 (1), 22-45.

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Author(s) Information

Prof. Faquan Wu
wufaquan@mail.iggcas.ac.cn

Faquan Wu obtained his BSc and MSc degrees in Engineering Geology from Wuhan College of Geology, China, in 1982 and 1985, respectively, and PhD degree in Engineering Geology from Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China, in 1992. He was affiliated as professor with China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) from 1985 to 1995, professor in Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS from 1996 to 2015, and Shaoxing University from 2016. Prof. Wu developed the statistical mechanics of rock mass (SMRM), solved a series of geomechanical problems of rock slope for large hydropower projects like Three Gorges project and deep tunnel and underground spaces under high geostress condition, initiated and promoted technical innovation to make geotechnics more convenient and intelligent, and developed backpack laboratory and SMRM calculation software system. He won the Hans Cloos Medal (the highest award of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment) in 2020 and the China National Award of Science and Technology due to his outstanding contribution to the disciplines of engineering geology and rock mechanics.