Modeling on spatial block topological identification and their progressive failure analysis of slope and cavern rock mass

Within a certain domain of rock mass, identification of all blocks cut by three-dimensional finite random or fixed discontinuities is a critical basic problem in jointed rock mass researches. Based on general method of spatial block topological identification with stochastic discontinuities cutting, the block identification of slope and cavern rock the different characteristics of simply connected loops and multiple connected loops, how to identify the different block types uniformly is discussed. This paper develops an efficient numerical approach to predict deterministic size effects in structures made of quasi-brittle materials using the GeoSMA-3D([1-3]) method. Three jointed rock structures were modelled to validate the approach. Based on these, with classic block theory combined, the technique of block progressive failure analysis of slope/cavern is achieved. Finally, cases of slopes and caverns are studied. The main analysis procedures are given, including 3D discontinuities network simulation, analysis of intersecting lines between discontinuities and surfaces. The process of solving intersecting lines between discontinuities and surfaces of slope/cavern is discussed emphatically. The predicted size effect is in good agreement with site observed data. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of ICM11