Optimized stress analysis model generation for tunneling applications incorporating geology

提出的研究计划旨在开发一个自动化框架，用于优化模型生成，用于结合地质特征的隧道应用中的应力分析。建模和设计涉及到地理材料往往不得不适应我们缺乏知识或数据，主要是由于成本，特别是三维建模。在隧道设计中，地质特征不仅使开挖复杂化，增加了成本，而且如果建模不当，会对结果产生重大影响，并可能导致设计错误。它们的影响主要是由于不同的材料特性（例如，具有3倍高刚度的侵入岩吸引应力）。不幸的是，在目前的应力分析实践中，由于缺乏建模工具和时间限制，地质常常被忽略。所提出的框架将允许在应力分析中使用选择性算法适当地包含地质特征，以过滤掉不影响结果的特征。模型生成将需要输入参数，例如隧道几何形状和地质特征（例如，节理的方向和间距等）。隧道的高分辨率表面网格将使用网格划分算法从输入数据中自动生成，隧道交叉点的分辨率将与地质特征一起实现。该模型将进行优化，以减少网格密度，并基于申请人首创的感兴趣区域（ROI）概念消除地质特征。生成的网格在ROI区域具有良好的质量，在“远”区域具有较低的密度。从这个网格中，可以用三维网格划分算法创建一个体网格，这对有限元分析很有用。研究计划的下一步将包括使用实际场景测试该框架。与现有研究方案的不同之处在于：将地质特征纳入隧道模型进行应力分析，并能够基于ROI自动生成优化网格，在考虑地质特征影响的情况下减少计算时间，同时保持求解精度。该框架将使加拿大和世界各地设计更安全、更经济的隧道和地下基础设施成为可能。

The proposed research program aims at developing an automated framework for optimized model generation for stress analysis in tunneling applications incorporating geologic features. Modeling and design involving geomaterials often has to accommodate for our lack of knowledge or data mainly due to cost, particularly for three-dimensional modeling. In the design of tunnels, geologic features not only complicate excavation and add to the cost, but if not modeled properly, can substantially influence the results and could potentially lead to incorrect design. Their influence is mainly due to differing material properties (e.g. an intrusive dyke with 3x higher stiffness attracting stress). Unfortunately, in current stress analysis practice, geology is often omitted due to lack of modeling tools and time constraints. The proposed framework will enable the proper inclusion of geologic features in stress analysis using a selective algorithm to filter out features not affecting the result. Model generation will require input parameters, such as tunnel geometry and geologic features (e.g. orientation and spacing of joints, etc.). A high-resolution surface mesh of the tunnel(s) will be automatically generated from the input data using meshing algorithms and resolution of intersections of tunnels will be implemented along with inclusion of geologic features. The model will be optimized to reduce mesh density and eliminate geologic features based on a region of interest (ROI) concept pioneered by the applicant. The generated mesh will have good quality at the ROI and reduced density at 'far away' regions. From this mesh, a volume mesh can be created with 3D meshing algorithms useful for FEM analysis. The next step of the research program will involve testing the framework using practical scenarios. What sets the proposed research program apart from the existing ones is: inclusion of geologic features in the tunnel model for stress analysis and the ability to automatically generate optimized meshes based on ROI to reduce computation time while maintaining solution accuracy considering the effect of geologic features. The framework will enable the design of safer and more economical tunnels and underground infrastructure in Canada and around the world.