How can structural geology be used in rock engineering and rock mechanics: Practical applications in underground works

摘要

Structural geology (a branch of geology aiming at describing the structures-joints,faults,folds,etc.-at various scales) can be used in the field of rock mechanics and rock engineering,and particularly in underground engineering works (tunnelling and rock caverns) to gather more reliable data for empirical stability analyses and deterministic calculation models.Methods of structural geology are presented and their applications in rock mechanics/rock engineering are highlighted in particular through the observation of faults and joints arrest.Structural geology allows a better understanding of the origin,the chronology and the mechanical behaviour of discontinuities,and therefore a more accurate rock mass characterization and rock mass classification,as well as a validation of the actual stress regime.Examples selected from different countries of using structural models are also given with emphasize on the necessity and the way to build a 3D model at each stage of an underground project,from site selection to investigation and construction,to ensure the quality and validity of rock mechanical data and assumptions.