UTAH2: A Finite-Element Model for Simulating Thermoelastic-Plastic Behavior in Anisotropic Rock Masses

摘要

UTAH2 is a two-dimensional thermomechanical finite-element code designed to evaluate deformation in a rock mass exhibiting highly anisotropic strength properties. The code was developed by the University of Utah under the US Bureau of Mines. This report is written to supplement the final report for the aforementioned USBM contract and to fulfill the need for performance, design, and test specifications in accordance with the format required. UTAH2 can be used to model the mechanical and thermomechanical behavior of sedimentary rocks such as shales or bedded salt deposits. The code can take into account anisotropic elastic, plastic, and brittle behavior, time-dependent properties, temperature-dependent properties, arbitrary extraction and fill sequences, and the effects of artificial support systems on stability in layered media. The yield criteria is an extended von Mises criteria that was developed especially for analyzing bedded rock masses showing anisotropic strength properties. The code does not analyze creep behavior and does not take individual fractures into consideration. UTAH2 is mainly suitable for use in repository, room, and canister scale studies of the excavation, operational, and short-term post closure processes. (ERA citation 08:039474)