Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass Engineering

This study departs from conventional stochastic statistical approaches for rock mass structural modeling. Based on deterministic structural surface parameters, including orientation (dip and dip direction), trace length, trace center coordinates, and spacing between structural surface sets, this res...

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Main Authors: Shuangfeng Guo, Runen Qi, Peng Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6264
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author Shuangfeng Guo
Runen Qi
Peng Zhang
author_facet Shuangfeng Guo
Runen Qi
Peng Zhang
author_sort Shuangfeng Guo
collection DOAJ
description This study departs from conventional stochastic statistical approaches for rock mass structural modeling. Based on deterministic structural surface parameters, including orientation (dip and dip direction), trace length, trace center coordinates, and spacing between structural surface sets, this research investigates the relationships among volumetric density, areal density, structural surface persistence, and inter-set spacing. With a focus on model domain dimensions, positioning of the model center, and mitigation of boundary effects, the methodology systematically addresses key considerations in modeling joints, layers, and faults. A deterministic Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modeling approach is proposed accordingly. In this framework, joints are represented by disks, whereas lithological interfaces such as layers and faults are modeled as flat planes. The proposed method was applied to the Qingdao Metro Line 15 project. Validation results demonstrate that the surrounding rock classification derived from the model is in good agreement with field geological investigation data.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2076-3417
language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-8d731ae97dfb433590321c238e0a21932025-08-20T03:46:38ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011511626410.3390/app15116264Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass EngineeringShuangfeng Guo0Runen Qi1Peng Zhang2College of Transportation Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, ChinaCollege of Transportation Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, ChinaCollege of Transportation Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, ChinaThis study departs from conventional stochastic statistical approaches for rock mass structural modeling. Based on deterministic structural surface parameters, including orientation (dip and dip direction), trace length, trace center coordinates, and spacing between structural surface sets, this research investigates the relationships among volumetric density, areal density, structural surface persistence, and inter-set spacing. With a focus on model domain dimensions, positioning of the model center, and mitigation of boundary effects, the methodology systematically addresses key considerations in modeling joints, layers, and faults. A deterministic Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modeling approach is proposed accordingly. In this framework, joints are represented by disks, whereas lithological interfaces such as layers and faults are modeled as flat planes. The proposed method was applied to the Qingdao Metro Line 15 project. Validation results demonstrate that the surrounding rock classification derived from the model is in good agreement with field geological investigation data.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6264structural surface parametersrock mass quality assessmentDFNsurrounding rock classification
spellingShingle Shuangfeng Guo
Runen Qi
Peng Zhang
Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass Engineering
Applied Sciences
structural surface parameters
rock mass quality assessment
DFN
surrounding rock classification
title Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass Engineering
title_full Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass Engineering
title_fullStr Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass Engineering
title_full_unstemmed Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass Engineering
title_short Deterministic Discrete Fracture Network Model and Its Application in Rock Mass Engineering
title_sort deterministic discrete fracture network model and its application in rock mass engineering
topic structural surface parameters
rock mass quality assessment
DFN
surrounding rock classification
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6264
work_keys_str_mv AT shuangfengguo deterministicdiscretefracturenetworkmodelanditsapplicationinrockmassengineering
AT runenqi deterministicdiscretefracturenetworkmodelanditsapplicationinrockmassengineering
AT pengzhang deterministicdiscretefracturenetworkmodelanditsapplicationinrockmassengineering