Improving the reliability of geotechnical design by incorporating realistic 3D DFN modeling

岩体中含有不同尺度的不连续面，如裂缝、节理、剪切面和断层，形成离散的裂隙网络（DFN）。 这些裂缝网络的几何形状和裂缝表面条件控制岩体的强度和变形行为，DFN的几何形状和互连性可以影响地下水流和污染物的流动性。本研究计划的动机是探索和测试创新的基于规则的地质统计学方法的应用，以获得特定地点的DFN的，明确荣誉裂缝网络的几何形状和空间特征的改进实现。 工程挑战是推进DFN建模科学，并为工程师和地球科学家开发一个强大的软件工具，以更有效和可靠地进行3D DFN建模。 该项目的目标是：（1）开发改进的算法，新的接口范例和新的工作流程，使岩土工程师能够生成视觉上逼真的和地质上合理的裂缝网络;（2）研究如何在更好的特征化DFN的帮助下，加强裂缝岩体中的岩石工程;（3）通过在MoFrac软件工具中嵌入算法和方法改进，向行业转让知识;（ii）培训新的人力资源质量人员。采用的方法是实验观测，现场监测和数值模拟相结合的应用。 研究结果将有助于加拿大的核废料管理组织和采矿业拥有一种替代工具，以生成不同尺度（从次区域到隧道尺度）的改进的断裂网络模型。这具有明显的潜力，可以促进DFN的产生，并大大提高地下工程项目的安全性、生产率和盈利能力。

Rock masses contain discontinuities at different scales, such as cracks, joints, shears and faults, forming discrete fracture networks (DFNs). The geometry of these fracture networks and the fracture surface conditions control the strength and deformation behaviour of rock masses and the geometry and interconnectivity of a DFN can influence groundwater flow and contaminant mobility. The motivation of this research program is to explore and test the application of innovative rule-based geostatistical methods in deriving improved realizations of site-specific DFN's that explicitly honour fracture network geometry and spatial characteristics. The engineering challenge is to advance the science of DFN modelling and to develop a robust software tool for engineers and geoscientists to conduct 3D DFN modelling more effectively and reliably. The objectives of the project are to: (1) develop improved algorithms, novel interface paradigms and novel workflows to allow geotechnical engineers to generate visually realistic and geologically plausible fracture networks; (2) investigate how rock engineering in fractured rock masses can be enhanced with the aid of better-characterized DFNs; (3) transfer knowledge to the industry by means of embedding algorithmic and methodological improvements in the MoFrac software tool and (ii) training of new HQP. The approach to be adopted is a combined application of experimental observation, field monitoring, and numerical modeling. The outcome of the research will contribute to the nuclear waste management organization and the mining industry in Canada to have an alternative tool to generate improved fracture network models at different scales (from sub-regional to tunnel scales). This has the distinct potential to advance DFN generation and materially improve the safety, productivity, and profitability of underground engineering projects.