The use of Discrete Fracture Networks (DFNs) is becoming increasingly common in geomechanical practice in addition to their continuing role in hydrogeology. These models can serve as useful tools for estimating interconnectedness of fractures, leading to estimates of probable block sizes and shapes for a set of input parameters. However, the development of these models is reliant on assumptions made about collected field data and while constructing the model themselves. The implications of these biases and assumptions are not well documented. This work investigates the variables involved in building a Discrete Fracture Network model in order to provide insight into the decisions and assumptions made during the modeling process. Select assumptions required within the FracMan DFN software pertaining to model selection and construction are evaluated; biases and assumptions relating to field data and how it is collected that may impact the development of DFN input parameters are investigated and limits of the effects of these models on block sizes are determined. The parameters determined to be critical in determining the overall geometry of the fracture network are ranked according to their relative importance in DFN modelling and according to the relative accuracy of each parameter. / Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-05-30 18:00:51.384

Η συγκεκριμένη εργασία έχει ως θέμα τις τεχνικογεωλογικές συνθήκες της πόλης του Αιγίου και αναφέρεται στα αποτελέσματα της δειγματοληπτικής γεώτρησης Γ4 και γενικότερα στις επί τόπου δοκιμές γεωτεχνικής τύπου Cross Hole. / Its about geotechnics in Aigio city, and Cross hole drilling.

Various geotechnical-related energy applications, such as geothermal piles, subject soils to temperature changes. Recorded temperature variations around thermo-active infrastructure and within the active layer of the permafrost reveal the cyclic and transient nature of these temperature changes. Previous studies on the thermo-mechanical behavior of soils did not consider the effect of the temperature change rate on such behavior. Since it is widely accepted nowadays that soil behavior is rate-dependent, evaluating soil behavior under more realistic, transient temperature changes is crucial. In this dissertation, a method to calibrate triaxial cells used to expose soil samples to transient thermal loads is developed. This calibration is critical to ensure reliable thermally induced pore water pressure measurements and estimates of thermally induced volumetric strains of tested specimens. Then, thermally induced water flow and pore pressure generation under partial drainage conditions are formulated to account for the effect of temperature change rate on the thermal consolidation of cohesive soils. The formulation is performed by coupling Darcy's law for water flow in porous media with existing relations estimating thermally induced fully-drained volumetric strains. The resulting partial differential equation—the thermal consolidation theory—is solved and validated against experimental results that used the calibration from the first task. Using this newly developed theory, it was found that temperature-dependent properties of the pore water and the soil's hydraulic conductivity have a significant role in thermal consolidation. Lastly, a microstructural analysis is performed to assess the evolution of the microstructure of a normally consolidated clay under a full thermal cycle consisting of a freezing (F), thawing (T), heating (H), and cooling (C) thermal path. This microstructural investigation aims to explain the observed macroscale responses of cohesive soils under such a thermal path. After each step along the considered thermal path, the microstructure evolution was assessed using measurements of the specific surface area and pore size distribution. In the end, the variations of specific surface areas and pore size distributions were used to explain the macro-scale thermo-mechanical behavior of cohesive soils. / Doctor of Philosophy / Temperature can impact the properties of the soil, such as strength and stiffness. Besides the alterations in the strength, temperature change can cause volume change in the ground. In cold regions such as Alaska, the soil is frozen all year (i.e., permafrost) or experiences freezing-thawing cycles throughout the year. Freezing strengthens the soil but causes expansion of its volume, destroying infrastructures, including roads, runways, and buildings. Also, geothermal energy applications that utilize the ground as a heat exchanger medium may increase or decrease the surrounding soil temperature. Increasing the ground temperature changes the strength of the soil and also causes settlements. Climate change is also aggravating the situation. The temperature rises due to climate change alters the temperature pattern worldwide. Furthermore, global warming exposes frozen grounds to longer thawing stages at higher temperatures, deteriorating the permafrost. Consequently, such thermal cycles make cold regions' infrastructures susceptible to damage. Measurements of the temperature variations in the ground show that they are cyclic in nature, with different rates, maximums, and minimums. Therefore, it is essential to study the thermal behavior of soils under cyclic thermal loads. For this purpose, a new method for accurately measuring soils' response to more realistic temperature changes is developed in this dissertation. Then a model is developed to predict thermally induced volume changes and water pressures that account for the rate of temperature change. The model is then used for a sensitivity analysis to study the most important parameters controlling the deformation induced by temperature changes. It was found that variations of pore water properties with temperature and the ability of the soil to retain or drain water are the two most critical parameters that control thermally induced deformation in soils. Finally, the microstructure evolution of cohesive soils with temperature is also investigated to explain the observed alterations in soil behavior with temperature. This microstructural assessment suggests that the microstructure of soils reacts to temperature by changing the pore size distribution, shape, and number of pores.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / Entre as aÃÃes realizadas para minimizar os efeitos da seca no Estado do CearÃ, a construÃÃo de barragens tem sido aquela de maior vulto, aliada a aÃÃes complementares como a construÃÃo de canais e adutoras. Entre as pesquisas essenciais para a elaboraÃÃo de um projeto de barragens, devem ser realizados estudos de caracterizaÃÃo do meio fÃsico (localizaÃÃo, clima, vegetaÃÃo e hidrologia), levantamento da geomorfologia, geologia e hidrogeologia locais, assim como estudos das caracterÃsticas do solo local e das Ãreas de emprÃstimo de material de construÃÃo de barragens de terra. Este trabalho destina-se a analisar as caracterÃsticas geolÃgico-geotÃcnicas das barragens dos programas PROURB-RH e PROGERIRH por meio de tÃcnicas de geoprocessamento. O Estado do Cearà à a Ãrea de estudo, onde foi realizada pesquisa bibliogrÃfica das caracterÃsticas do meio fÃsico e dos estudos bÃsicos das barragens selecionadas neste trabalho. A anÃlise de caracterÃsticas foi realizada atravÃs da seleÃÃo de 23 barragens construÃdas entre 1996 e 2008 atravÃs dos programas PROURB-RH e PROGERIRH. Utilizou-se como base os mapas da Companhia de Pesquisa de Recursos Minerais - CPRM, para os quais foi dado tratamento atravÃs do software ArcGISÂ. Como resultado foram elaborados 13 mapas georeferenciados que contemplam a geologia local, pacote aluvionar, ensaio de campo nas fundaÃÃes e caracterizaÃÃo do solo das Ãreas de emprÃstimo. Ainda que os estudos nos locais especÃficos previstos para a execuÃÃo de obras nÃo possam ser desprezados, o subsÃdio advindo deste trabalho propiciarà a racionalizaÃÃo de novas investigaÃÃes geolÃgicas e geotÃcnicas, complementando os tradicionais e indispensÃveis estudos de campo / Among the actions performed to minimize the effects of drought in the Ceara state, the construction of dams have been that one of greatest impact, allied to complementary actions as the construction of canals and water stations. Among the essential researches for dam design, categorization of physical environment must be performed (location, climate, vegetation and hydrology), local geomorphology, geology and hydrogeology appraisals as well the study of characteristics of the local soils and the areas for loans of construction materials for earth dams. The objective of this work is to examine the geological-geotechnical characteristics of the dams of the PROURB-RH and PROGERIRH through geoprocessing techniques. The Ceara state is the area under study, in which a broad bibliographical research about the physical environment characteristics had been performed, as well as basic studies of dams within this project. The macro zoning was performed through the selection of 23 dams built between 1996 and 2008 by the programs PROURB-RH and PROGERIRH. Maps from the Companhia de Recursos Minerais-CPRM were used as a basis, to which were given treatment through the software ArcGISÂ. As a result, 13 maps were georeferenced, and which considered local geology, sediment packages, field tests of the foundations, and soil specification of the loan area. Even though the predicted studies of the specific areas for the accomplishment of constructions can not be despised, the aid derived from this work will enable the rationalization of new geological and geotechnical investigations thus complementing the traditional and indispensable field studies

Boliden’s Garpenberg mine produces Zn-Pb-Ag(Cu-Au) using a sublevel stoping with pastefill mining method. The orebody is strongly affected by the existence of weakness zones mainly consisting of Talc Schist and Phlogopite Schist which affect the design, planning and production of the stope. To mine the ore two drifts, one below and one above the ore section, are excavated typically at a distance of 25 meters. Afterwards parallell longhole drilling is done for the primary stopes and drilling in a fan pattern is done for secondary stopes by automated remotely controlled SIMBA drills. Those drill rigs are equipped with sensors that record drilling parameters during drilling, so called Measurements While Drilling. The drilling parameters that are recorded are depth, time, penetration rate, percussive pressure, feed pressure, dampening pressure, rotation pressure and flush pressure at selected intervals. This thesis aims to identify the mentioned weakness zones using the existing MWD data. First of all, this thesis contains six chapters. The first is a detailed introduction to the problem. The second chapter describes the geology, the mining method used in Garpenberg and also includes a brief section on how SIMBA drills work. The third chapter consists of the MWD theory, literature review and the methodology used to come up with the solution of the stated problem. In the fourth chapter is described how a successful method was developed using 3D models created from MWD data and geologic maps to identify the weakness zones and classify the rock based on four filters created. The fifth chapter is a detailed discussion of the results and findings of this thesis. Finally, the sixth chapter is the conclusion.

La presente tesis aplica métodos estadísticos asociados a la probabilidad de falla y factor de seguridad para determinar el riesgo y por consiguiente, desarrollar una propuesta de ingeniería más precisa con respecto al diseño geotécnico de cimentaciones ya que, esta investigación tomaría en cuenta el riesgo de falla a los que se exponen las estructuras; así mismo, se evaluará el impacto económico, del costo de la construcción más la ruina entre el costo de la edificación y el riesgo disminuido; obteniendo así, la respuesta de modificar la normativa y mejorarla consiguiendo así una calidad de vida alta ya que se mejoraría la sostenibilidad y la seguridad. Para el desarrollo de esta tesis se estudió 8 puentes de la carretera Huánuco – Conococha los cuales cuentan cada uno con su análisis geotécnico. / This thesis applies statistical methods associated with the probability of failure and safety factor to determine the risk; and consequently, develop a more precise engineering proposal regarding geotechnical design of foundations. The present investigation considers the risk of failure to which the structures are exposed; likewise, the economic impact of the construction cost plus the ruin, between the construction cost and the diminished risk is evaluated; obtaining the response to modify the regulations and improve it, thus achieving a high quality of life with better sustainability and security. For the development of this thesis, 8 bridges of the Huánuco - Conococha highway were studied, each one having its own geotechnical analysis. / Tesis

Pipelines used for the transportation of oil and gas products offshore are often buried beneath the seabed for protection from mechanical damage and for thermal insulation. During high temperature and high pressure operations, these pipelines are susceptible to resurfacing behaviour known as upheaval buckling, a structural response that is strongly influenced by the resistance of the surrounding soil. Despite much previous research on pipe uplift, the influence of the initial soil state – particularly in loose and liquefiable soil conditions – on the uplift resistance and corresponding buckling behaviour of the pipe is not well understood. This thesis presents research that examines the implications of these backfill conditions in the context of the global behaviour of the pipeline. The work consists of plane-strain monotonic uplift experiments focusing on density, rate, and stress level effects on the initial pipe-soil response. This is followed by numerical modelling of the global buckling behaviour using the experimental data as inputs. Finally, plane-strain cyclic experiments examine the possibility of progressive upward displacements over a number of cycles causing eventual upheaval buckling. A key finding from the uplift tests is that very loose backfill conditions may result in a localised flow-around failure mechanism, associated with lower peak resistance and a softer force-displacement response than with the sliding block mechanism that is typically assumed. This leads to lower peak buckling loads/temperatures than those predicted by current design guidelines. High quality data from both the monotonic and cyclic experiments was used to assess and suggest improvements to design guidance for these conditions.

O estudo apresentado fundamenta-se no evento extremo ocorrido em março de 1967, na Bacia do Rio Santo Antônio, no Município de Caraguatatuba, Brasil, tendo por objetivo esclarecer os reais impactos do fenômeno de debris flows, ou corridas de detritos, produzido por precipitações intensas. Os riscos intangíveis de vítimas humanas e tangíveis de danos materiais associados a tal evento na região são muito maiores nos dias de hoje, devido ao crescimento demográfico e à implantação de grandes empreendimentos industriais, como os do setor petrolífero, com reduzidos e, muitas vezes inexistentes, sistemas de defesa. Considerando tais fatores, a região necessita de estudos detalhados que possibilitem a elaboração de planos diretores mais eficazes, com objetivas diretrizes para a tomada de decisões, planos de contingência, regulação da distribuição da população, medidas estruturais mitigadoras e remediadoras. Para chegar aos resultados do estudo, foi definido o modelo digital do terreno a partir de análises topográficas, geográficas, hidrográficas e de uso e ocupação do território. A simulação de um evento similar ao ocorrido em 1967 resultou em valiosas informações para a definição de planos de evacuação, diretrizes de zoneamento, critérios de desmobilização, planos diretores para o município e implantação de obras de defesa. / The study here proposed aims to define the real impacts of the debris flows phenomenona, caused by a very intense rainfall, based on the disaster occurred in March of 1967, in Caraguatatuba, Brazil. The risk regarding mainly human casualties and material losses associated to such events in the region is higher nowadays, due to the increasing population rates and the settling of large companies such as oil industry, with reduced defense measures and works. Considering these factors, the region needs more detailed studies that will enable more effective master plans, decision making guidelines, contingency plans, population distribution regulation and structures of mitigation and remediation. In order to achieve these results, it was defined a digital terrain model through analysis of topographic, geographic, hydrographic and soil occupation data. The simulation of a similar extreme event as of 1967\'s on this model will result in valuable information to define evacuation plans, zoning guidelines, demobilization criteria, master plans and structural defenses.

O estudo apresentado fundamenta-se no evento extremo ocorrido em março de 1967, na Bacia do Rio Santo Antônio, no Município de Caraguatatuba, Brasil, tendo por objetivo esclarecer os reais impactos do fenômeno de debris flows, ou corridas de detritos, produzido por precipitações intensas. Os riscos intangíveis de vítimas humanas e tangíveis de danos materiais associados a tal evento na região são muito maiores nos dias de hoje, devido ao crescimento demográfico e à implantação de grandes empreendimentos industriais, como os do setor petrolífero, com reduzidos e, muitas vezes inexistentes, sistemas de defesa. Considerando tais fatores, a região necessita de estudos detalhados que possibilitem a elaboração de planos diretores mais eficazes, com objetivas diretrizes para a tomada de decisões, planos de contingência, regulação da distribuição da população, medidas estruturais mitigadoras e remediadoras. Para chegar aos resultados do estudo, foi definido o modelo digital do terreno a partir de análises topográficas, geográficas, hidrográficas e de uso e ocupação do território. A simulação de um evento similar ao ocorrido em 1967 resultou em valiosas informações para a definição de planos de evacuação, diretrizes de zoneamento, critérios de desmobilização, planos diretores para o município e implantação de obras de defesa. / The study here proposed aims to define the real impacts of the debris flows phenomenona, caused by a very intense rainfall, based on the disaster occurred in March of 1967, in Caraguatatuba, Brazil. The risk regarding mainly human casualties and material losses associated to such events in the region is higher nowadays, due to the increasing population rates and the settling of large companies such as oil industry, with reduced defense measures and works. Considering these factors, the region needs more detailed studies that will enable more effective master plans, decision making guidelines, contingency plans, population distribution regulation and structures of mitigation and remediation. In order to achieve these results, it was defined a digital terrain model through analysis of topographic, geographic, hydrographic and soil occupation data. The simulation of a similar extreme event as of 1967\'s on this model will result in valuable information to define evacuation plans, zoning guidelines, demobilization criteria, master plans and structural defenses.

<p>Vid exploatering av mark måste ofta stora volymer jordmassor schaktas bort för grundläggning av hus och anläggning av ledningar och vägar. Dessa jordmassor skickas många gånger till en deponi, vilket orsakar emissioner av miljö- och hälsofarliga gaser från transporter, förbrukning av naturmaterial och innebär även en ekonomisk kostnad.</p><p>I Johannelund i västra Stockholm har Stockholms stad planerat ett nytt bostadsområde, och stora mängder jordmassor kommer att behöva schaktas bort under exploateringen. Stockholms stad lät skapa en miljögeoteknisk 3D-modell för att få en översikt över markkvaliteten och bestämma vilka massor som kunde återanvändas för utfyllnad inom området. Med en miljögeoteknisk 3D-modell menas här en CAD-modell i 3D baserad på provtagningar, geotekniska undersökningar och planerad bebyggelse i området. Då detta examensarbete påbörjades var planeringen av Johannelundsprojektet klar och 3D-modellen skapad, men själva bygget hade ännu inte påbörjats.</p><p>Syftet med detta examensarbete var att avgöra om miljögeotekniska 3D-modeller bör användas i <em>framtida</em> exploateringsprojekt, och målet var att utvärdera och ge råd om framtida användning av modellen samt att undersöka möjligheterna med att återanvända schaktmassor. En fallstudie gjordes av Johannelundsprojektet där de miljömässiga och ekonomiska konsekvenserna av masshanteringen utvärderades och åsikter om problematiken undersöktes genom intervjuer med myndigheter och intressenter. Vidare bestämdes det underlag som behövs till modellen och en lämplig arbetsordning togs fram. Denna information baserades på beräkningar, eget arbete i 3D-modellen samt intervjuer med involverade i Johannelundsprojektet.</p><p>Utvärderingen av Johannelundsprojektet visade att återanvändningen av schaktmassor reducerade kostnader för masshantering med 67 % och emissioner från transporter med 85 % jämfört med om den totala volymen schaktmassor skulle ha skickats på deponi. Vidare visade intervjuerna att myndigheter och intressenter har vitt skilda åsikter vad gäller riktvärden, hantering av schaktmassor och miljögeotekniska 3D-modeller. Studien visade även att om arbetet med 3D-modellen ska bli lyckat krävs bland annat ett fullgott dataunderlag och investering i viss kunskapsutveckling hos personalen.</p><p>3D-modeller används allt mer inom samhällsbyggnad, och stora ekonomiska och miljömässiga vinster kan göras genom verktygets möjlighet till effektiv planering och kommunikation. Användning av en miljögeoteknisk 3D-modell rekommenderas i framtida byggprojekt där det förekommer ställvis förhöjda halter av markföroreningar och en omfattande volym schaktmassor beräknas uppkomma.</p> / <p>Land development can cause a great deal of excessive soil masses due to shafting. The total volume of excessive soil is many times transported to a landfill, causing gas emissions, use of natural resources and a significant economical cost.</p><p>In a land development project in the area of Johannelund in Stockholm much of the soil masses were planned to be reused instead. To overview the soil quality and decide on what soil masses to reuse and where an Environmental 3D Model for Land Development was used by the City of Stockholm. This means a 3D Model based on soil samples, geotechnical investigations and planned shafting. When the work with this thesis begun the Project Johannelund was already planned and the 3D Model had been created, but the land development had yet not been started.</p><p>The aim of this thesis was to decide if Environmental 3D Models should be used in <em>future</em> land development projects, and the goals were to evaluate the model, give advice on future use and to investigate the possibilities to reuse soil masses. A case study of the environmental and economical effects of reusing soil masses in the Project Johannelund was done. Public authorities and stakeholders were interviewed and advices on how to use Environmental 3D Models were given, this includes the data needed to create a model as well as a suggested way of work. The information is based on calculations, personal experience with the 3D Model and interviews with people involved in the Project Johannelund.</p><p>The evaluation of the Project Johannelund showed that the reuse of soil masses reduced the costs of transports and land fill fees with 67 %, and the gas emissions from transports with 85 %. The opinions of public authorities and stakeholders vary greatly. Advices on how to use the Environmental 3D Model includes a thorough database and that the staff will need support in order to use the 3D Model properly.</p><p>3D Models are used to a larger and larger extent in Urban Management. There are economical and environmental benefits with using the Environmental 3D Model for a more efficient project planning and communication. The City of Stockholm is recommended to use the 3D Model in future land development projects with heterogeneous soil contamination and a large volume of expected excessive soil masses.</p>