Collecting discontinuity data at Kartchner Caverns using LIDAR for the purpose of numerical modeling

M. Bates, J. Kemeny, H. Wu, N. Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The addition of discontinuity data into geomechanical numerical models can allow for a better understanding of the behavior of the overall rock mass. For this study, LIDAR data has been collected at the Kartchner Caverns site in Cochise County, Arizona. The discontinuity data collected at this site can be divided into two types. The first type is the overall trends of small to medium-sized discontinuities such as short joints and small fracture faces that appear consistently in the LIDAR point clouds. When added to the numerical model, these fractures can be applied throughout the entire model as joint sets. This is done by inputting statistical information representative of all of the discontinuities in the set such as the mean discontinuity plane orientation, a measure of orientation scatter such as the Fisher constant, and statistical information about joint spacing and joint roughness. The second type of discontinuity information is data collected on a single specific discontinuity such as a major fault or a persistent bedding plane. Because the interaction of these large scale features with one another and with the overall geometry of the cave openings may be relevant to the overall stability of the system, it may be advantageous to model these discontinuities individually, and input them into the numerical model in their actual location.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
PublisherAmerican Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
Pages772-782
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9781510828025
StatePublished - 2016
Event50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016 - Houston, United States
Duration: Jun 26 2016Jun 29 2016

Publication series

Name50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
Volume1

Other

Other50th US Rock Mechanics / Geomechanics Symposium 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period6/26/166/29/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geophysics

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