Influence of rock micro-scale properties and material heterogeneity on rock engineering modeling

岩石在颗粒尺度（微观尺度）上的力学和几何性质决定着所有尺度上的岩体行为。近年来，一些微机械建模技术（例如，离散元法（DEM）、有限元/离散元法（FEM/DEM）、过程控制法（PFC）等已发展到模拟大尺度岩石工程现象。尽管这些数值方法使用微尺度输入参数，但迄今为止，还没有任何明确的程序来将它们与测量的材料性质联系起来，因此，研究人员经常使用繁琐的数值程序来校准和验证他们的模型。 通过目前的研究计划，我的目标是开发解决这些限制的方法。在本研究计划的框架内，（1）岩石微观结构的力学和几何表征，（2）高度受控的实验室试验，以及（3）先进的混合有限元/离散元模型将结合起来，以研究岩石微观和宏观结构对所有尺度岩石破坏过程的影响。预计这种方法将有助于大幅提高我们的数值模拟的质量，通过约束模型与微观力学材料性能和测量的内部几何形状作为输入。这项研究计划的预期成果将有助于减少与任何地下建筑（如深核废料储存库和矿山）相关的岩石工程问题的不确定性，并增加对岩石工程设计的信心。 该研究计划为实验和数值岩石力学的高素质人才培训提供了独特的机会，特别是它将加强加拿大矿产和石油天然气行业。

Mechanical and geometrical properties of rock at grain scale (micro-scale) govern the behaviour of rock-masses at all scales. In recent years several micromechanical modeling techniques (e.g., DEM, FEM/DEM, PFC) have been developed to simulate large scale rock engineering phenomena. Even though these numerical methods use micro-scale input parameters, to date, it does not exist any clear procedure on how to relate them to measured material properties, thus, researchers often use cumbersome numerical procedures to calibrate and verify their models. With the present research program I aim at developing methodologies for addressing those limitations. In the frame of this research program (1) mechanical and geometrical characterization of the rock microstructure, (2) highly controlled laboratory tests, and (3) advanced hybrid finite/discrete element models will be combined to investigate the influence of rock micro- and macro- structure on failure processes in rock at all scales. It is expected that this approach will contribute to drastically improve the quality of our numerical simulations by constraining the models with micromehcanical material properties and measured internal geometry as input. The anticipated outcome of this research program will contribute to reduce the uncertainties related to rock engineering problems associated with any underground construction such as deep nuclear waste repositories and mines, as well as increase confidence in rock engineering design. The research program offers a unique opportunity for highly qualified personnel training in experimental and numerical rock mechanics, and, in particular, it will strengthen the Canadian mineral and oil & gas industry.