The use of fracture network connectivity to characterize rock mass behaviour

Rock engineering has usually relied on fracture intensity to measure how good or bad rock quality is. But this measure does not really capture how fractures in the rock connect and interact with each other, which is important. We propose using a different approach based on fracture connectivity instead. This looks at how fractures are arranged and linked together in the rock. By understanding this, we can get a better picture of how stress moves through the rock and how it changes shape. Our plan is to study this using a new measure called the Network Connectivity Index (NCI), which tells us how connected the fractures are. We will compare this measure in real rock with what we find in models of synthetic rock masses. This should help us understand how different factors like the strength of the rock, how it is loaded, and how the rock masses fit together affect its behavior. We are teaming up with Equilibrium Mining, a Canadian company that knows a lot about mining and geotechnical engineering. They will help us make sure our findings can actually be used in real-world situations, not just in theory.

Faculty Supervisor:

Davide Elmo

Student:

Partner:

Equilibrium Mining Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: