Domains rock mass modelling

The idea is to partition the rock mass into domains, as illustrated in Fig. 1, so that the domains can be considered as having constant properties for the purposes of modelling. 

This example, with its generic extrapolation, means that in the numerical modelling consideration must be given to the procedure for dealing with the separate components of the input data. This may involve alternative and sequential rock mass domain partitioning, as described in Hudson and Harrison (2002). 

Figure 2. The mapping function serves as a link between the site investigation and modelling, ensuring appropriate site investigation output, appropriate modelling input and suitable rock mass domains.

In this Part II paper, we have concentrated on the input data for T-H-M-C modelling and the associated problem of partitioning the rock mass into domains within each one of which the rock properties are assumed to be constant... 

Hudson J A Harrison J P, 2002. The principles of partitioning rock masses into structural domains for modeling and engineering purposes. In Mining and Tunnelling Innovation and Opportunity. Proc. of the NARMS-TAC2002 Symposium, Eds. Hammah R., Bawden W., Curran J., Telesnicki M. Univ. Toronto Press, 623-628. 

Fig. 2.11. Configurations of reactive transport models of water-rock interaction in a system open to groundwater flow (a) linear domain in one dimension, (b) radial domain in one dimension, and (c) linear domain in two dimensions. Domains are divided into nodal blocks, within each of which the model solves for the distribution of chemical mass as it changes over time, in response to transport by the flowing groundwater. In each case, unreacted fluid enters the domain and reacted fluid leaves it.

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