Modeling and Calibration of a Blocky Granite Rock
Project Description
In the framework of the development of a subsea tidal turbine, the design of the foundations has to be optimal. Cathie Associates, on behalf of HydroQuest, wanted us to investigate the penetration of a single steel foundation pin in a granitic rock mass by using a discrete numerical approach and follow the state of the damaged zone around the tip during penetration.
The sea floor is a complex system because of fractures in the rock mass and the irregularity of the rocky surface. To make the discrete numerical model usable, it is first necessary to calibrate the micro-mechanical properties of the contact laws by reproducing the desired elastic properties and the strength properties of the rock.
OFFICE
- France
- Itasca Consultants S.A.S.
INDUSTRIESCLIENT NAME
- Cathie Associates, HydroQuest
LOCATION
- France
SOFTWARE
Itasca`s Role
Model and calibrate in collaboration with Cathie Associates an “intact” granite block (without any initial fracture network) by reproducing the desired elastic properties and the strength properties of the intact rock. Model a blocky granite rock by inserting simplified pre-existing fracture networks. Compare the responses of the synthetic rock mass with the relevant measured responses of the material being modeled using unconfined compressive test and direct tensile test and calibrate the model parameters.
Project Results
To calibrate an “intact” granite block, we use the “Flat-joint” contact model (Potyondy D.O., 2012). The model has been shown to be able to capture the essential features of intact rock mass behaviour such as large UCS/Tensile strength ratio and progressive damage.
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