This thesis describes the development and production of numerical simulations of the creation of a Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal reservoir. This geothermal reservoir that was simulated is owned by Geodynamics Limited and is located in the Cooper Basin, South Australia. The simulations show the geometry of the geothermal reservoir and predict the productive lifespan of the reservoir. Geothermal energy, which is the thermal energy that is stored in the interior of the earth, is an enormous energy source and as such there is great interest in technology that allows this energy to be harnessed. The HDR process of extracting the geothermal energy from rock involves drilling a borehole to a suitable depth and injecting cold water into the rock via this well (known as the injection well) to create a reservoir by opening up fractures in the rock. As water is forced through the reservoir, heat is extracted from the rock via conduction and transferred to the water, creating an heat exchange. Warm water is brought to the surface via another well known as the extraction well. The heat from the water is used to generate electricity and then the water is fed back into the injection well, completing the cycle. The creation of a HDR geothermal reservoir comprises of many aspects: the injection of the fluid into the jointed rock system, the opening and shearing of the joints, the creation of the fluid reservoir in the rock and the temperature effects of the fluid flow through the joints. This work incorporates all of these aspects. Due to the multi-physics nature of this process multiple computational modelling strategies were implemented to allow for authentic simulation of the entire process. The mechanical rock behaviour was primarily simulated the Distinct Element Method. This two dimensional Distinct Element Method program allowed for a realistically scaled model of the whole geothermal reservoir to be developed. This model was particularly useful for modelling the joint behaviour as the discrete nature of this method compares well with the joint system on such a scale. A discrete particle based model was used to model the joint behaviour on a small scale. These models demonstrated the behaviour of joints under compressional strain, showing slip and the effects of joint dilatancy. The productive lifespan of the geothermal reservoir was modelled using a Finite Element Method program based on Darcy's Law and an height-averaged heat equation. The aim of this model was to simulate the effects on the rock temperature of the fluid flow through the reservoir. The lifespan of the reservoir with differing well geometries was tested using this model to show which geometry would extend the productive lifetime of the geothermal reservoir. The results produced from the DEM models showed that the reservoir geometry is very much dependent upon the joint angle, and under the Cooper Basin stress regime steeper joints will be more likely to open. Joint dilatancy also affects the fluid flow rates as the amount of joint opening is dependent upon the joint dilatancy angle. The modelling of the temperature drawdown of the rock due to the fluid flow showed that a square configuration of wells is the ideal configuration to prolong the productive lifespan of the HDR geothermal reservoir. Results produced with the modelling parameters provided by Geodynamics Limited indicate that the productive lifespan of the Cooper Basin HDR geothermal reservoir created is approximately 50 years. This reservoir is only one of many that can be created at the site to prolong the productivity of the energy plant. The combined results of this modelling strategy give an overall image of the creation and lifetime of the HDR geothermal energy plant in the Cooper Basin.

This thesis describes the development and production of numerical simulations of the creation of a Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal reservoir. This geothermal reservoir that was simulated is owned by Geodynamics Limited and is located in the Cooper Basin, South Australia. The simulations show the geometry of the geothermal reservoir and predict the productive lifespan of the reservoir. Geothermal energy, which is the thermal energy that is stored in the interior of the earth, is an enormous energy source and as such there is great interest in technology that allows this energy to be harnessed. The HDR process of extracting the geothermal energy from rock involves drilling a borehole to a suitable depth and injecting cold water into the rock via this well (known as the injection well) to create a reservoir by opening up fractures in the rock. As water is forced through the reservoir, heat is extracted from the rock via conduction and transferred to the water, creating an heat exchange. Warm water is brought to the surface via another well known as the extraction well. The heat from the water is used to generate electricity and then the water is fed back into the injection well, completing the cycle. The creation of a HDR geothermal reservoir comprises of many aspects: the injection of the fluid into the jointed rock system, the opening and shearing of the joints, the creation of the fluid reservoir in the rock and the temperature effects of the fluid flow through the joints. This work incorporates all of these aspects. Due to the multi-physics nature of this process multiple computational modelling strategies were implemented to allow for authentic simulation of the entire process. The mechanical rock behaviour was primarily simulated the Distinct Element Method. This two dimensional Distinct Element Method program allowed for a realistically scaled model of the whole geothermal reservoir to be developed. This model was particularly useful for modelling the joint behaviour as the discrete nature of this method compares well with the joint system on such a scale. A discrete particle based model was used to model the joint behaviour on a small scale. These models demonstrated the behaviour of joints under compressional strain, showing slip and the effects of joint dilatancy. The productive lifespan of the geothermal reservoir was modelled using a Finite Element Method program based on Darcy's Law and an height-averaged heat equation. The aim of this model was to simulate the effects on the rock temperature of the fluid flow through the reservoir. The lifespan of the reservoir with differing well geometries was tested using this model to show which geometry would extend the productive lifetime of the geothermal reservoir. The results produced from the DEM models showed that the reservoir geometry is very much dependent upon the joint angle, and under the Cooper Basin stress regime steeper joints will be more likely to open. Joint dilatancy also affects the fluid flow rates as the amount of joint opening is dependent upon the joint dilatancy angle. The modelling of the temperature drawdown of the rock due to the fluid flow showed that a square configuration of wells is the ideal configuration to prolong the productive lifespan of the HDR geothermal reservoir. Results produced with the modelling parameters provided by Geodynamics Limited indicate that the productive lifespan of the Cooper Basin HDR geothermal reservoir created is approximately 50 years. This reservoir is only one of many that can be created at the site to prolong the productivity of the energy plant. The combined results of this modelling strategy give an overall image of the creation and lifetime of the HDR geothermal energy plant in the Cooper Basin.

This thesis describes the development and production of numerical simulations of the creation of a Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal reservoir. This geothermal reservoir that was simulated is owned by Geodynamics Limited and is located in the Cooper Basin, South Australia. The simulations show the geometry of the geothermal reservoir and predict the productive lifespan of the reservoir. Geothermal energy, which is the thermal energy that is stored in the interior of the earth, is an enormous energy source and as such there is great interest in technology that allows this energy to be harnessed. The HDR process of extracting the geothermal energy from rock involves drilling a borehole to a suitable depth and injecting cold water into the rock via this well (known as the injection well) to create a reservoir by opening up fractures in the rock. As water is forced through the reservoir, heat is extracted from the rock via conduction and transferred to the water, creating an heat exchange. Warm water is brought to the surface via another well known as the extraction well. The heat from the water is used to generate electricity and then the water is fed back into the injection well, completing the cycle. The creation of a HDR geothermal reservoir comprises of many aspects: the injection of the fluid into the jointed rock system, the opening and shearing of the joints, the creation of the fluid reservoir in the rock and the temperature effects of the fluid flow through the joints. This work incorporates all of these aspects. Due to the multi-physics nature of this process multiple computational modelling strategies were implemented to allow for authentic simulation of the entire process. The mechanical rock behaviour was primarily simulated the Distinct Element Method. This two dimensional Distinct Element Method program allowed for a realistically scaled model of the whole geothermal reservoir to be developed. This model was particularly useful for modelling the joint behaviour as the discrete nature of this method compares well with the joint system on such a scale. A discrete particle based model was used to model the joint behaviour on a small scale. These models demonstrated the behaviour of joints under compressional strain, showing slip and the effects of joint dilatancy. The productive lifespan of the geothermal reservoir was modelled using a Finite Element Method program based on Darcy's Law and an height-averaged heat equation. The aim of this model was to simulate the effects on the rock temperature of the fluid flow through the reservoir. The lifespan of the reservoir with differing well geometries was tested using this model to show which geometry would extend the productive lifetime of the geothermal reservoir. The results produced from the DEM models showed that the reservoir geometry is very much dependent upon the joint angle, and under the Cooper Basin stress regime steeper joints will be more likely to open. Joint dilatancy also affects the fluid flow rates as the amount of joint opening is dependent upon the joint dilatancy angle. The modelling of the temperature drawdown of the rock due to the fluid flow showed that a square configuration of wells is the ideal configuration to prolong the productive lifespan of the HDR geothermal reservoir. Results produced with the modelling parameters provided by Geodynamics Limited indicate that the productive lifespan of the Cooper Basin HDR geothermal reservoir created is approximately 50 years. This reservoir is only one of many that can be created at the site to prolong the productivity of the energy plant. The combined results of this modelling strategy give an overall image of the creation and lifetime of the HDR geothermal energy plant in the Cooper Basin.

The objective of this master’s thesis is to evaluate the use of Bonded Block Modelling (BBM) in 3DEC software combined with hybrid rock bolts, for three different cases. These cases included the laboratory rock bolt case, the shearing case and the blocky rock mass case. 3DEC is a Distinct Element Method (DEM) numerical software which can be used to simulate both continuum and discontinuum media in 3D. The Bonded Block Model in 3DEC can be used to simulate a rock mass as bonded polyhedral elements. The BBM is a relatively new numerical modelling technique. Earlier studies have focused mainly on laboratory test cases and less on field scale studies. The laboratory rock bolt test was introduced by Hoek and the main idea was to describe the way that rock bolts work. Four different rock bolt spacing designs were simulated and one unsupported model, in order to validate Hoek’s results. The diameter of the blocks was 15 cm while the zones were modelled with length of 5 cm. The tunnel on the shearing case was excavated at the depth of 1500 m. For the stress field, the in-situ stresses of Kiirunavaara mine were considered. The tunnel on the blocky case was excavated at the depth of 30 m and a gravitational stress field was assumed. The shearing model as well as the blocky model, were simulated on a quasi-3D model. The zone length for both cases was 0.1 m. In both cases, a discontinuum non-BBM was modelled first and then, a discontinuum BBM with different rock UCS values was simulated. The discontinuum BBM on the shearing case was simulated for rock UCS of 200, 100, and 50 MPa, while on the blocky case, it was simulated for rock UCS of 50 MPa. The Mohr – Coulomb constitutive model was selected for all three modelling cases. The conclusions of this work were the following: –       The laboratory rock bolt model validated the results of Hoek. Hoek suggested that rock bolt spacing less than three times the average rock piece diameter would be sufficient to produce positive results. The stabilization of the rock pieces as well as the forming of the compression zone were achieved when this equation was satisfied. The geometry of the stabilized material as well as the compression zone, were also correct. –       The discontinuum BBM on the shearing case with intact rock UCS of 200 MPa, produced similar results as the discontinuum non-BBM. This indicates that BBM can be applied for these cases and produce reliable results. The displacement of the fault was expected to be higher than the resulting values. The discontinuum BBM with reduced rock strength (100 MPa and 50 MPa) resulted in rock mass fragmentation. However, the fragmented rock pieces did not detach from the rock mass as the displacement values were not high enough.   –       The discontinuum BBM on the blocky case with intact rock UCS of 50 MPa, produced similar results as the discontinuum non-BBM. There were two discontinuities that affected the smooth transition of the displacement/stress results on the different blocks. The fragmentation of the rock mass due to the existence of the discontinuities did not produce any further rock mass movements.   –       The interaction between rock mass and rock bolts was evident in any modelling case. For the laboratory rock bolt model, the hybrid bolts design was vital for producing correct results. For the shearing model, the hybrid bolts were subjected to shearing movements due to fault movements. In the blocky model, the bolts in the roof of the tunnel were subjected to axial displacements, due to the existence of blocks. The recommendations for further work were the following: –       The hybrid bolts in the laboratory rock bolt test were pretensioned only in the beginning of the computation phase. In reality, the tensioned bolts act at every moment and not only in the beginning. However, it would be interesting to see if the results are similar with continuously tensioned hybrid bolts. It is anticipated that the constantly tensioned hybrid bolts should be able to keep the compressive zones with high values throughout the whole cycling process. Thus, it is suggested for future modellers that this case could be modelled with continuously tensioned hybrid bolts. –       The installation of rock bolts in the shear case as well as in the blocky case, was at the exact same time as the tunnel was excavated.  This is not realistic fact because it is impossible to install the rock bolts exactly the same time as the tunnel excavated. Thus, it is suggested that those two cases could be modelled in the future with more focus on the stress relaxation factor.

The equivalent continuum approach uses equivalent propertiesof rock mass as the input data for a continuum analysis. Thisis a common modeling method used in the field of rock mechanicsand hydrogeology. However, there are still unresolvedquestions; how can the equivalent properties be determined andis the equivalent continuum approach suitable for modeling thediscontinuous fractured rock mass. The purpose of this paper is to establish a methodology todetermine the equivalent hydraulic and mechanical properties offractured rock masses by explicit representations of stochasticfracture systems, to investigate the scale-dependency of theproperties, and to investigate the conditions for theapplication of the equivalent continuum approach for thefractured rock masses. Geological data used for this study arefrom the site characterization of Sellafield, Cumbria, UK. Aprogram for the generation of stochastic Discrete FractureNetwork (DFN) is developed for the realization of fractureinformation and ten parent DFN models are constructed based onthe location, trace length, orientation and density offractures. Square models with the sizes varying from 0.25 m× 0.25 m to 10 m × 10 m are cut from the center ofthe each parent network to be used for the scale dependencyinvestigation. A series of the models in a parent network arerotated in 30 degrees interval to be used for investigation oftensor characteristic. The twodimensional distinct elementprogram, UDEC, was used to calculate the equivalentpermeability and compliance tensors based on generalizedDarcy’s law and general theory of anisotropic elasticity.Two criteria for the applicability of equivalent continuumapproach were established from the investigation: i) theexistence of properly defined REV (Representative ElementaryVolume) and ii) existence of the tensor in describing theconstitutive equation of fractured rock The equivalentcontinuum assumption cannot be accepted if any one of the abovetwo criteria is not met. Coefficient of variation and meanprediction error is suggested for the measures toquantitatively evaluate the errors involved in scale dependencyand tensor characteristic evaluation. Equivalent permeability and mechanical properties (includingelastic modulus and Poisson’s ratios) determined onrealistic fracture network show that the presence of fracturehas a significant effect on the equivalent properties. Theresults of permeability, elastic moduli and Poisson's ratioshow that they narrow down with the increase of scale andmaintain constant range after a certain scales with someacceptable variation. Furthermore, Investigations of thepermeability tensor and compliance tensor in the rotated modelshow that their tensor characteristics are satisfied at acertain scale; this would indicate that the uses of theequivalent continuum approach is justified for the siteconsidered in this study. The unique feature of the thesis is that it gives asystematic treatment of the homogenization and upscaling issuesfor the hydraulic and mechanical properties of fractured rockswith a unified approach. These developments established a firmfoundation for future application to large-scale performanceassessment of underground nuclear waste repository byequivalent continuum analysis. <b>Keywords :</b>Equivalent continuum approach, Equivalentproperty, Representative Elementary Volume (REV), DistinctElement Method, Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) / NR 20140805

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Die Rotliegend-Vulkanite aus dem Norddeutschen Becken (NDB) sind in jüngster Zeit stärker in den Fokus geothermischer Betrachtung gerückt. Ein wichtiger Meilenstein war das Forschungsprojekt Groß Schönebeck, bei dem wider Erwarten die Vulkanite als sekundärer Zielhorizont die besten Voraussetzungen für eine geothermische Erschließung boten. Über die hydraulisch/mechanischen Eigenschaften der Vulkanite im Untergrund ist jedoch kaum etwas bekannt und auch die Oberflächenäquivalente sind hinsichtlich geothermisch relevanter Parameter weitgehend unerforscht. Aus den positiven Erfahrungen des Standorts Schönebeck entstand die Motivation einer umfangreichen Analyse der Rotliegend-Vulkanite mit Blick auf eine tiefengeothermische Nutzung. Es wurden thermische, felsmechanische und petrophysikalische Untersuchungen von sieben Oberflächenäquivalenten durchgeführt; drei der Oberflächengesteine sowie zwei Tiefenbohrungen wurden ferner hinsichtlich auftretender Kluftmuster analysiert. Die Daten fungieren als Eingangsparameter für hydraulische sowie hydromechanische numerische Modellierungen zur Potenzialabschätzung und zum Prozessverständnis. Die thermische Analyse der Gesteine ergab eine hohe Wärmeleitfähigkeit für die quarzreichen und dichten Vulkanitvarietäten. Durch die Wärmekapazität und die Reservoirtemperatur wurde das technische Strompotenzial für die Eruptionsstadien ermittelt. Das größte Potenzial liegt im explosiven Ignimbritstadium und im Post-Ignimbritstadium und wird auf einen Wert geschätzt, der allein dem 20-fachen des deutschen Jahresstromverbrauchs entspricht. Regional betrachtet ist das größte Potenzial bei Standortwahl im zentralen östlichen NDB zu erwarten. Die untersuchten Vulkanite sind überwiegend dicht und erfordern Stimulationsmaßnahmen für eine erfolgreiche Erschließung. Auch die stärker porösen Tuffe erreichen nicht die erforderliche Matrixpermeabilität für einen Porenleiter. Triaxiale Druckversuche unter in-situ Spannungsbedingungen haben jedoch gezeigt, dass es nur bedingt möglich ist, Risse im intakten Gestein zu erzeugen. Man ist folglich auf eine gestörte Kruste, also Klüfte im Gestein angewiesen. Sowohl die Oberflächengesteine als auch die Vulkanite im Untergrund sind nachweislich geklüftet. Das tektonische Grundmuster beschreibt Klüfte, die NW-SE bis NNW-SSE sowie NE-SW bis NNE-SSW orientiert sind und dabei steil einfallen. Die Scherfestigkeitskriterien der Kluftflächen liegen deutlich unterhalb derer für das intakte Gestein, so dass die Bedingung für eine Aktivierung der Klüfte im Spannungsfeld des NDB positiv bewertet wird. Die Kluftdaten wurden zum Zwecke numerischer Modellierungen in diskrete Kluftnetzwerkmodelle überführt. Hydraulische Modellierungen ergaben eine bevorzugte Fließrichtung in NW-SE. Die mit der Tiefe zunehmende Kluftschließung führt zu einer Durchlässigkeit, die für eine geothermische Nutzung nicht ausreichend ist, das Gestein muss hydraulisch stimuliert werden. Eine Stimulation der Kluftflächen zur Steigerung der Fließrate wurde mittels hydromechanischer Modellierungen erfolgreich dargestellt. Die wichtigsten Kriterien für eine erfolgreiche Stimulation sind die Geometrie des Kluftsystems und die Orientierung des Spannungsfelds. Aufgrund der überwiegend vertikalen Kluftflächen im Vulkanit und der hohen Vertikalspannung im tiefengeothermischen Reservoir wird eine Erschließung über das Multiriss-Konzept empfohlen. Durch den in der vorliegenden Arbeit dargestellten methodischen Ansatz kann mittels repräsentativer Eingangsparameter für einen Standort entsprechend der notwendige Injektionsdruck sowie die Art und Intensität der Verformung der Kluftflächen für eine hydraulische Stimulation prognostiziert werden.

Neste trabalho são abordados dois aspectos relacionados com modelos físicos fraturados: o primeiro, referido à resistência, é abordado através da avaliação de ensaios triaxiais em modelos fraturados pelo critério empírico de resistência de Hoek-Brown, e por análise numérica através do Código Universal de Elementos Distintos (UDEC). O segundo, referido a modos de ruptura, é abordado através da simulação em termos de deformabilidade e resistência de modelos fraturados e a simulação de taludes de diferentes alturas com o intuito de estudar a influência do tamanho do bloco no modo de ruptura. Ambos aspectos estão baseados nos resultados experimentais de Brown (1970) e de Singh (1997). A influêcia do tamanho do bloco no modo de ruptura foi estudada utilizando RMR89\", levando em consideração a escala do maciço (altura do talude). Através de análises numéricas preliminares e de um processo de retroanálises, foi simulado o comportamento mecânico dos modelos fraturados referidos. A avaliação da resistência aplicando o critério de resistência empírica de Hoek-Brown mostrou resultados coerentes quando comparados com os resultados experimentais de Brown (1970). Através de RMR89\" foi possível observar a influência do tamanho do bloco nos modos de ruptura e na estabilidade dos taludes de diferentes alturas. / This works treats about two aspects related to jointed physical models: one related to strength, by back-analyzing data using the Hoek-Brown criterion by means of numerical analyses with the Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC). The record refers to failure modes, is analyzed by means of numerical simulations taking into account deformability and strength of jointed physical models, as well as the simulation of slopes in jointed rock masses. Slopes of different heigths and different block sizes were analyzed to investigate scale effects. The analyses were made taking experimental results obtained by Brown (1970) and Singh (1997). The influence of the block size was studied using RMR89\", taking the rock mass scale into consideration. Strength evaluation adopting Hoek-Brown empirical strength criterion proved consistent with Brown\'s model test results. By means of RMR89\" the influence of the block size could be analyzed on failure models and in the stability of slopes with different heights.

This thesis presents the analysis of complex slope deformations through the application of numerical modelling techniques. Complex slope deformations, in this thesis, include cases where the use of more conventional analytical tools such as limit equilibrium techniques or the use of empirical criteria are not readily applicable. Such a scenario often results from adverse geological and environmental conditions or from human activity. Examples of complex slope deformations are the influence of underground mining on a slope, or situations where rigid jointed rocks overly relatively weak layers. The use of numerical modelling techniques, both continuum and discontinuum, in the analysis of slope stability problems has increased rapidly in the last decade and proved valuable in the analysis of complex geomechanical problems. Two numerical modeling programs FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua) and UDEC (Universal Distinct Element Code) were used in this thesis. Three main groups of problems were investigated: (1) The analysis of deformation associated with rigid jointed rocks overlying relatively weak layers including a case study involving deformation taking place in the foundation of the Spis Castle in Slovakia. It was demonstrated that the type of deformation in such cases depends on the strength, deformability and thickness of the weak layer as well as the jointing pattern of the overlying rocks. It was shown, that the deformations at Spis castle are governed primarily by the presence of a weak, plastic "creep zone" under the base of the travertine blocks on which the castle is founded. (2) The analysis of toppling deformation in a weak rock slope comprising several lithostratigraphic units at the Luscar Mine, Alberta. It was found that the instability mechanism in the initial phase was flexural toppling, confined to a distinct quasi-linear failure surface which provided the shear plane for subsequent sliding movement. A prediction of slope stability for a planned mine extension in the same pit was made, thereby determining "safe excavation limits". (3) The analysis of interaction between underground mining and slope instability. The analyses of various slope deformation mechanisms that can be induced by underground mining are presented. The analysis of the Frank Slide in southwestern Alberta illustrated the critical role of underground mining at the base of the Turtle Mountain on triggering the final slope failure. The analyses present within this thesis demonstrate the application of numerical modelling techniques in the characterization of complex slope deformations. New interpretations of existing failure mechanisms were presented in the case of the Frank Slide, and improved understanding of the failure mechanism and slope deformation were gained in the Luscar Mine and Spis Castle case studies. Furthermore, hypothetical modelling studies relevant to underground mining and block-type deformations allow an increased understanding of complex slope deformations.

Shear strength characterization of discontinuities is an important concept for slope design in discontinuous rocks. This study presents the development of a methodology for implementing Barton-Bandis empirical shear strength failure criterion in three dimensional distinct element code, 3DEC, and verification of this methodology. Normal and shear deformation characteristics of discontinuities and their relations to the discontinuity surface characteristics have been reviewed in detail. First, a C++ dynamic link library (DLL) file was coded and embedded into 3DEC for modelling the Barton-Bandis shear strength criterion. Then, a numerically developed direct shear test model was used to verify the normal and shear deformation behaviour with respect to empirical results of the Barton-Bandis shear strength criterion. A three dimensional simple discontinuous rock slope was modelled in 3DEC based on Barton-Bandis shear strength criterion. The slope model was first utilized by Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. Then, with the use of the new model developed here, the effects of the discontinuity surface properties on shear strength were introduced to the slope problem. Applicability of the developed model was verified by three large scale real case studies from different open pit lignite mines of Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKi), namely Bursa Lignites Establishment (BLi) &ndash / 2 cases and &Ccedil / an Lignite Establishment (&Ccedil / Li). The results with the new model option, which allows users to use important discontinuity surface properties like joint roughness coefficient and joint wall compressive strength, compared well with results of previous studies using Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion.