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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 May 2022

Ao Li, Dingli Zhang, Zhenyu Sun, Jun Huang and Fei Dong

The microseismic monitoring technique has great advantages on identifying the location, extent and the mechanism of damage process occurring in rock mass. This study aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

The microseismic monitoring technique has great advantages on identifying the location, extent and the mechanism of damage process occurring in rock mass. This study aims to analyze distribution characteristics and the evolution law of excavation damage zone of surrounding rock based on microseismic monitoring data.

Design/methodology/approach

In situ test using microseismic monitoring technique is carried out in the large-span transition tunnel of Badaling Great Wall Station of Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway. An intelligent microseismic monitoring system is built with symmetry monitoring point layout both on the mountain surface and inside the tunnel to achieve three-dimensional and all-round monitoring results.

Findings

Microseismic events can be divided into high density area, medium density area and low density area according to the density distribution of microseismic events. The positions where the cumulative distribution frequencies of microseismic events are 60 and 80% are identified as the boundaries between high and medium density areas and between medium and low density areas, respectively. The high density area of microseismic events is regarded as the high excavation damage zone of surrounding rock, which is affected by the grade of surrounding rock and the span of tunnel. The prediction formulas for the depth of high excavation damage zone of surrounding rock at different tunnel positions are given considering these two parameters. The scale of the average moment magnitude parameters of microseismic events is adopted to describe the damage degree of surrounding rock. The strong positive correlation and multistage characteristics between the depth of excavation damage zone and deformation of surrounding rock are revealed. Based on the depth of high excavation damage zone of surrounding rock, the prestressed anchor cable (rod) is designed, and the safety of anchor cable (rod) design parameters is verified by the deformation results of surrounding rock.

Originality/value

The research provides a new method to predict the surrounding rock damage zone of large-span tunnel and also provides a reference basis for design parameters of prestressed anchor cable (rod).

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2022

Yuyu Hao, Shugang Li and Tianjun Zhang

In this study, a physical similarity simulation plays a significant role in the study of crack evolution and the gas migration mechanism. A sensor is deployed inside a comparable…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, a physical similarity simulation plays a significant role in the study of crack evolution and the gas migration mechanism. A sensor is deployed inside a comparable artificial rock formation to assure the accuracy of the experiment results. During the building of the simulated rock formation, a huge volume of acidic gas is released, causing numerous sensor measurement mistakes. Additionally, the gas concentration estimation approach is subject to uncertainty because of the complex rock formation environment. As a result, the purpose of this study is to introduce an adaptive Kalman filter approach to reduce observation noise, increase the accuracy of the gas concentration estimation model and, finally, determine the gas migration law.

Design/methodology/approach

First, based on the process of gas floatation-diffusion and seepage, the gas migration model is established according to Fick’s second law, and a simplified modeling method using diffusion flux instead of gas concentration is presented. Second, an adaptive Kalman filter algorithm is introduced to establish a gas concentration estimation model, taking into account the model uncertainty and the unknown measurement noise. Finally, according to a large-scale physical similarity simulation platform, a thorough experiment about gas migration is carried out to extract gas concentration variation data with certain ventilation techniques and to create a gas chart of the time-changing trend.

Findings

This approach is used to determine the changing process of gas distribution for a certain ventilation mode. The results match the rock fissure distribution condition derived from the microseismic monitoring data, proving the effectiveness of the approach.

Originality/value

For the first time in large-scale three-dimensional physical similarity simulations, the adaptive Kalman filter data processing method based on the inverse Wishart probability density function is used to solve the problem of an inaccurate process and measurement noise, laying the groundwork for studying the gas migration law and determining the gas migration mechanism.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2022

Yuyu Hao, Shugang Li and Tianjun Zhang

This paper aims to propose a deployment optimization and efficient synchronous acquisition method for compressive stress sensors used by stress distribution law research based on…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a deployment optimization and efficient synchronous acquisition method for compressive stress sensors used by stress distribution law research based on the genetic algorithm and numerical simulations. The authors established a new method of collecting the mining compressive stress-strain distribution data to address the problem of the number of sensors and to optimize the sensor locations in physical similarity simulations to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data collection.

Design/methodology/approach

First, numerical simulations were used to obtain the compressive stress distribution curve under specific mining conditions. Second, by comparing the mean square error between a fitted curve and simulation data for different numbers of sensors, a genetic algorithm was used to optimize the three-dimensional (3D) spatial deployment of sensors. Third, the authors designed an efficient synchronous acquisition module to allow distributed sensors to achieve synchronous and efficient acquisition of hundreds of data points through a built-in on-board database and a synchronous sampling communication structure.

Findings

The sensor deployment scheme was established through the genetic algorithm, A synchronous and selective data acquisition method was established for reduced the amount of sensor data required under synchronous acquisition and improved the system acquisition efficiency. The authors obtained a 3D compressive stress distribution when the advancement was 200 m on a large-scale 3D physical similarity simulation platform.

Originality/value

The proposed method provides a new optimization method for sensor deployment in physical similarity simulations, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of system data acquisition, providing accurate acquisition data for experimental data analysis.

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2021

Yongliang Wang, Nana Liu, Xin Zhang, Xuguang Liu and Juan Wang

Simultaneous hydrofracturing of multiple perforation clusters in vertical wells has been applied in the stimulation of hydrocarbon resources reservoirs. This technology is…

Abstract

Purpose

Simultaneous hydrofracturing of multiple perforation clusters in vertical wells has been applied in the stimulation of hydrocarbon resources reservoirs. This technology is significantly impeded due to the challenges in its application to the multilayered reservoirs that comprise multiple interlayers. One of the challenges is the accurate understanding and characterization of propagation and deflection of the multiple hydraulic fractures between reservoirs and embedded interlayers.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical models of the tight multilayered reservoirs containing multiple interlayers were established to study hydrofracturing of multiple perforation clusters and its influencing factors on unstable propagation and deflection of hydraulic fractures. Brittle and plastic multilayered reservoirs fully considering the influences of different in situ stress ratio and physical attributes for reservoir and interlayer strata on propagations of hydraulic fractures were investigated. The combined finite element–discrete element method and mesh refinement strategy were adopted to guarantee the accuracy of stress solutions and reliability of fracture path in computation.

Findings

Results show that the shear stress fields between adjacent multiple hydraulic fractures are superposed to cause fractures deflection. Stress shadows induce the shielding effects of hydraulic fractures and inhibit fractures growth to emerge unstable propagation behaviors, and a main single fracture and several minor fractures develop. As the in situ stress ratio increases, hydraulic fractures more easily deflect toward the direction of maximum in situ stress, and stress shadow and mutual interaction effects between them are intensified. Compared to brittle reservoir, plastic-enhanced reservoir may limit fracture growth and cannot form long fracture length; nevertheless, plastic properties of reservoir are prone to induce more microseismic events with larger magnitude.

Originality/value

The obtained fracturing behaviors and mechanisms based on engineering-scale multilayered reservoir may provide effective schemes for controlling and estimating the unstable propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures.

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2022

Ke Ma, Yu Li, Guoyang Liu, Gang He, Chun Sha and Yilin Peng

The purpose of this study is to investigate the deformation characteristics and failure modes of the right bank slope of Xiluodu Hydropower Station after excavation.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the deformation characteristics and failure modes of the right bank slope of Xiluodu Hydropower Station after excavation.

Design/methodology/approach

Micro-seismic monitoring technology is applied to obtain the microfracture information and study the internal damage evolution law of the slope rock mass. A numerical model for discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) is established to analyse the deformation characteristics and failure mode of the slope. Micro-seismic monitoring and DDA can verify and supplement each other's results in the investigation of slope failure.

Findings

The results show that the slope has a downhill displacement along the weathered zone under natural conditions; the maximum resultant displacement at the monitoring point is 380 mm. The micro-seismic events are concentrated in an area located 30–100 m horizontally away from the slope surface and at an elevation of 390–470 m. The distribution of these micro-seismic events is consistent with the location of the unloading and weathered zones; it is the same as the DDA simulation result.

Originality/value

The study is anticipated to be used as reference for the stability analysis of rock slopes. By combining the continuous (micro-seismic monitoring technology) and discontinuous (DDA) methods, the entire process starting from the gradual accumulation of internal rock micro-damage to the macroscopic discontinuous deformation and failure of the slope can be investigated.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 39 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2023

Yongliang Wang and Nana Liu

The unstable dynamic propagation of multistage hydrofracturing fractures leads to uneven development of the fracture network and research on the mechanism controlling this…

Abstract

Purpose

The unstable dynamic propagation of multistage hydrofracturing fractures leads to uneven development of the fracture network and research on the mechanism controlling this phenomenon indicates that the stress shadow effects around the fractures are the main mechanism causing this behaviour. Further studies and simulations of the stress shadow effects are necessary to understand the controlling mechanism and evaluate the fracturing effect.

Design/methodology/approach

In the process of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures, there are both continuous stress fields and discontinuous fractures; therefore, in order to study the stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multistage fracture networks, a series of continuum-discontinuum numerical methods and models are reviewed, including the well-developed extended finite element method, displacement discontinuity method, boundary element method and finite element-discrete element method.

Findings

The superposition of the surrounding stress field during fracture propagation causes different degrees of stress shadow effects between fractures and the main controlling factors of stress shadow effects are fracture initiation sequence, perforation cluster spacing and well spacing. The perforation cluster spacing varies with the initiation sequence, resulting in different stress shadow effects between fractures; for example, the smaller the perforation cluster spacing and well spacing are, the stronger the stress shadow effects are and the more seriously the fracture propagation inhibition arises. Moreover, as the spacing of perforation clusters and well spacing increases, the stress shadow effects decrease and the fracture propagation follows an almost straight pattern. In addition, the computed results of the dynamic distribution of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures under different stress fields are summarised.

Originality/value

A state-of-art review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods for stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures are well summarized and analysed. This paper can provide a reference for those engaged in the research of unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic structures and have a comprehensive grasp of the research in this field.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2018

Long Yan, Weiya Xu, Rubin Wang and Qingxiang Meng

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the anisotropic characteristics of the special structure of a columnar jointed rock masses and provide reference to forecast the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the anisotropic characteristics of the special structure of a columnar jointed rock masses and provide reference to forecast the behavioral characteristics of real samples.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used FLAC3D numerical software to simulate the mechanical behavior of columnar jointed rock masses with different columns angles (ß) under different stress conditions. The peak strength, elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio were obtained to investigate the strength, deformation characteristics and failure modes of the rock masses under conventional and true triaxial compression.

Findings

The results showed that the compressive strength of the specimens presents a U-shape under different joint inclinations. The strength of the specimens reaches a maximum value when ß = 90°, and the value for ß = 0° is slightly lower and reaches a minimum value when ß = 50°. The elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the samples are obviously anisotropic, the anisotropic coefficient decreases with increasing confining pressure. When σ2 ≠ σ3, the peak strengths of the samples are related to the direction of the minor principal stress, and the failure modes of the samples are related to the confining pressure and joint inclination.

Originality/value

The present paper uses a numerical simulation method to examine the strength and deformation characteristics of a columnar jointed rock mass under conventional and true triaxial compression. The aim is to provide a reference to forecast the mechanical characteristics of test samples in the laboratory.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2019

X.K. Li, X.M. Wang and L. Lei

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for assessing the lean construction management performance (LCMP) of engineering projects using the analytic network process-fuzzy…

1351

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for assessing the lean construction management performance (LCMP) of engineering projects using the analytic network process-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (ANP-FCE) model.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and questionnaire surveys were used to achieve an evaluation index system for LCMP. The data needed to calculate the weights of the indices were derived from questionnaire surveys. The ANP and the Super Decisions (SD) software were used to calculate the weights of the indices and verify the validity of the weights. The FCE was adopted to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of LCMP, and the validity of the evaluation results was verified by applying the validity degree of maximum membership principle. The applicability of the method for evaluating LCMP was validated by empirical research.

Findings

The proposed method for assessing the LCMP using the ANP-FCE model is validated to be feasible. Decision makers can easily identify the strengths and weaknesses of lean construction (LC) management of the evaluated project from the evaluation results.

Research limitations/implications

Some subjectivity may exist in the assessment process due to questionnaire surveys, and only one case has been studied to validate the applicability of the method. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to increase the number of LC experts and cases over the world to make the proposed method more standard.

Practical implications

The research is expected to propose an assessment method of LCMP for construction enterprises, provide a reference to develop assessment standards for LCMP for building associations or governments and help decision makers know the improving path of LC management.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by summarizing the commonly used lean management tools for quality, cost, time, safety and organization in practice, and proposing a novel approach for assessing the LCMP of engineering projects. The study is useful for researchers, project managers and decision makers engaged in LC.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Jian Li, Dan Wu, Yan Han and Lina Xu

The purpose of this paper is to extract the angle information of direct P wave within multidimensional vibration signals obtained through the sensor array, and to realize high…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extract the angle information of direct P wave within multidimensional vibration signals obtained through the sensor array, and to realize high precision shallow burst point localization based on direct of angle (DOA).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a method which combines adaptive covariance matrix (ACM) algorithm with geometric constraint conditions for extracting the angle information of direct P wave by using its polarization characteristics. First, modify the obtained three-dimensional vibration data by using attitude rotation matrix and unify the coordinate system of vibration field. Next, construct the beam model of direct P wave by making use of ACM algorithm and extract its angle information. Finally, modify P wave beam model by taking advantage of the space geometric constraint relations between nodes.

Findings

The results of numerical simulation show that this method not only can extract the angle information of direct P wave arriving at each node effectively, but also can evaluate the quality of extracted angle information of direct P wave. Meanwhile, the results of underground shallow explosion experiment show that this method can extract the angle information of direct P wave of each node significantly and can realize underground shallow explosion source localization based on DOA by using this information, the location error can be limited less than 50 cm and satisfies the location requirements of shallow burst point.

Originality/value

This paper provides a method for various problems of underground localization based on the sensor array, such as directional demolition blasting, underground damage assessment, earth-penetrating projectile burst point positioning in weaponry industry testing plant, etc., and has definite value to engineering application in underground space positioning field.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2022

Yongliang Wang and Xin Zhang

Hydrofracturing technology has been widely used in tight oil and gas reservoir exploitation, and the fracture network formed by fracturing is crucial to determining the resources…

Abstract

Purpose

Hydrofracturing technology has been widely used in tight oil and gas reservoir exploitation, and the fracture network formed by fracturing is crucial to determining the resources recovery rate. Due to the complexity of fracture network induced by the random morphology and type of fluid-driven fractures, controlling and optimising its mechanisms is challenging. This paper aims to study the types of multiscale mode I/II fractures, the fluid-driven propagation of multiscale tensile and shear fractures need to be studied.

Design/methodology/approach

A dual bilinear cohesive zone model (CZM) based on energy evolution was introduced to detect the initiation and propagation of fluid-driven tensile and shear fractures. The model overcomes the limitations of classical linear fracture mechanics, such as the stress singularity at the fracture tip, and considers the important role of fracture surface behaviour in the shear activation. The bilinear cohesive criterion based on the energy evolution criterion can reflect the formation mechanism of complex fracture networks objectively and accurately. Considering the hydro-mechanical (HM) coupling and leak-off effects, the combined finite element-discrete element-finite volume approach was introduced and implemented successfully, and the results showed that the models considering HM coupling and leak-off effects could form a more complex fracture network. The multiscale (laboratory- and engineering-scale) Mode I/II fractures can be simulated in hydrofracturing process.

Findings

Based on the proposed method, the accuracy and applicability of the algorithm were verified by comparing the analytical solution of KGD and PKN models. The effects of different in situ stresses and flow rates on the dynamic propagation of hydraulic fractures at laboratory and engineering scales were investigated. when the ratio of in situ stress is small, the fracture propagation direction is not affected, and the fracture morphology is a cross-type fracture. When the ratio of in situ stress is relatively large, the propagation direction of the fracture is affected by the maximum in situ stress, and it is more inclined to propagate along the direction of the maximum in situ stress, forming double wing-type fractures. Hydrofracturing tensile and shear fractures were identified, and the distribution and number of each type were obtained. There are fewer hydraulic shear fractures than tensile fractures, and shear fractures appear in the initial stage of fracture propagation and then propagate and distribute around the perforation.

Originality/value

The proposed dual bilinear CZM is effective for simulating the types of Mode I/II fractures and seizing the fluid-driven propagation of multiscale tensile and shear fractures. Practical fracturing process involves the multi-type and multiscale fluid-driven fracture propagation. This study introduces general fluid-driven fracture propagation, which can be extended to the fracture propagation analysis of potential fluid fracturing, such as other liquids or supercritical gases.

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