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Geological Modeling and Geomechanical Characterization of Rock Masses for Civil and Mining Engineering Practice

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2025 | Viewed by 6860

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sabrina Bonetto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Earth Sciences Department, University of Torino, Via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Torino, Italy
Interests: applied geology; engineering geology; rock mechanics; rock mass classification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Pietro Mosca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, National Research Council of Italy, 10125 Torino, Italy
Interests: structural geology; tectonics; applied geology; rock mechanics; geological field mapping
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chiara Caselle

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Earth Sciences Department, University of Torino, Via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Torino, Italy
Interests: applied geology; microstructures; rock mechanics; evaporitic rocks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Technical planning of civil and mining engineering projects requires accurate 3D geological modeling of the considered area and robust data on mechanical properties of occurring rock masses.

The characterization of mechanical response of rock masses represents one of the most challenging issues for both geologists and engineers. The main difficulties are usually related to the compositional heterogeneities and to the anisotropic behavior that is often the consequence of the occurrence of mechanical discontinues (e.g., foliations, fractures, faults, stratigraphical layering). The process of scaling laboratory and field measures, from rock sample to the entire rock mass, is not straightforward and needs to be carefully evaluated.

This Special Issue welcomes original research, reviews, and case studies concerning any aspects related to the building of geological and geostructural models, the characterization of mechanical properties of rocks and rock masses, and their influence in civil and mining engineering projects as obtained by multiscale and multidisciplinary approaches, including geological and geostructural field studies, field investigations, laboratory tests, and remote sensing analyses.

Dr. Sabrina Bonetto
Dr. Pietro Mosca
Dr. Chiara Caselle
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • geological modeling
  • rock mass characterization
  • rock mechanics and rock engineering for infrastructures
  • heterogeneity
  • anisotropy
  • multiscale approach

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 35797 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Surface Subsidence and Fracture Evolution Caused by Pulang Copper Mine Mining
by Zhengrong Li, Kepeng Hou, Tong Li, Jingtian Tang and Guangyin Lu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2416; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062416 - 13 Mar 2024
Viewed by 990
Abstract
Subsidence of the earth’s surface induced by mining activities has always been a critical concern in the relevant research fields. This subsidence disrupts the original geological structures and can lead to secondary geological hazards, environmental degradation, and threats to human lives and property. [...] Read more.
Subsidence of the earth’s surface induced by mining activities has always been a critical concern in the relevant research fields. This subsidence disrupts the original geological structures and can lead to secondary geological hazards, environmental degradation, and threats to human lives and property. An in-depth investigation of this issue led to us using the three-dimensional finite-difference numerical simulation software FLAC3D 6.0 in this study. The research focuses on the Prang Copper Mine subsidence area in Yunnan Province, China, with a particular emphasis on the comprehensive analysis of the formation mechanisms of a large-scale crack appearing on the south side of the subsidence area. The study also includes a predictive analysis of the future development trends of this crack. The simulation results indicate that the crack formation was a consequence of the combined effects of uneven surface subsidence induced by underground structural interfaces and underground mining activities. As mining activities continued, the non-uniform subsidence of the surface intensified. The northward (Y-axis) displacement difference of characteristic points A and B on both sides of the crack continuously increased, signifying the widening of the crack. Mining activities also influence the displacement in the X-axis direction, potentially posing risks to support structures on either side of existing drainage channels. Therefore, effective control measures are warranted. Furthermore, this study highlights the possibility that new mining activities may further exacerbate subsidence on the south side of the subsidence area. This research provides valuable insights into the complexity of surface subsidence and its associated risks, offering guidance for mining activity planning and safety measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Modeling and Geomechanical Characterization of Rock Masses for Civil and Mining Engineering Practice)
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15 pages, 8319 KiB  
Article
Characterization of the Fracture Network and Its Spatial Variability in Complex Faulted Zones: Implication in Landslide Susceptibility Analysis
by Davide Vianello, Sabrina Bonetto and Pietro Mosca
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12789; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312789 - 29 Nov 2023
Viewed by 958
Abstract
In the frame of a regional study that is aimed at defining the landslide susceptibility in the upper Susa Valley (Western Italian Alps), this paper investigated the variation in the fracture network of rock masses in correspondence to faults zones. Fracture networks were [...] Read more.
In the frame of a regional study that is aimed at defining the landslide susceptibility in the upper Susa Valley (Western Italian Alps), this paper investigated the variation in the fracture network of rock masses in correspondence to faults zones. Fracture networks were characterized at sites located along transects that are oriented normally to fault traces and scattered in their adjacent sectors with the scope to be able to define and estimate the variation in fracture abundance in the bedrock. Fracture collection using a traditional geomechanical survey was combined with topological analysis to estimate the degree of fracturing of rock masses in terms of fracture intensity (P21) and connectivity. Several sites were selected, and the variation in fracturing intensity values and degree of connectivity allowed for the defining of “high fracturing zones” (HFZ) near fault traces moving from the background values of adjacent rock masses. Considering the variation in fracture intensity, a range of 400 m to 150 m HFZ can be defined, with considerable differences between the areas analysed. The values recorded show a high irregular variability in fracture intensity in correspondence to the mapped faults due to the interference and overlay of structures related to the complexity setting of the fault damage zone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Modeling and Geomechanical Characterization of Rock Masses for Civil and Mining Engineering Practice)
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18 pages, 3199 KiB  
Article
Stability Assessment of Rock Slopes Using the Q-Slope Classification System: A Reliability Analysis Employing Case Studies in Ecuador
by Cesar Borja Bernal, Ricardo Laín, Luis Jordá, Miguel Cano, Adrián Riquelme and Roberto Tomás
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7399; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137399 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2064
Abstract
Q-slope is one of the most recent empirical geomechanical classification systems and the least studied in South America. This study aims to expand the knowledge base regarding the Q-slope geomechanical method and demonstrate its applicability and reliability in rock slopes of Andean countries, [...] Read more.
Q-slope is one of the most recent empirical geomechanical classification systems and the least studied in South America. This study aims to expand the knowledge base regarding the Q-slope geomechanical method and demonstrate its applicability and reliability in rock slopes of Andean countries, such as Ecuador. To this end, thirty rocky slopes have been characterized considering (1) the physical visual approach—geographic location, climate, lithology, alteration, and stability (to obtain values of Jr, Ja, Jwice, and SRFa)—and (2) geomechanical stations and kinematic analysis (for the determination of the type of failure, Jn, O-factor, and SRFc for Q-slope). Field data were collected in contrasting environments (coastal, mountain, and forest), and different failure modes were considered (planar, wedge, block, and flexural topplings) to better understand the method. The results and main contributions of this research are (i) verifying the applicability of the Jwice parameters in different climatic settings and (ii) validating the Q-slope method by applying a confusion matrix to evaluate its reliability for slope stability assessment. The overall accuracy obtained is 80%, placing the Q-slope geomechanical method in the highest evaluation quartile and thus classifying it as very good for slope characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Modeling and Geomechanical Characterization of Rock Masses for Civil and Mining Engineering Practice)
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Review

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14 pages, 7063 KiB  
Review
Advantages of Backfill Mining Method for Small and Medium-Sized Mines in China: Safe, Eco-Friendly, and Efficient Mining
by Shuai Li, Peiyuan Zou, Haoxuan Yu, Boyi Hu and Xinmin Wang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7280; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127280 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2240
Abstract
Despite China’s position as a global mining powerhouse, tens of thousands of small- and medium-sized mines (SM mines) within the country continue to pose potential safety hazards and environmental pollution risks. Only through the identification of suitable development paths can these mines improve [...] Read more.
Despite China’s position as a global mining powerhouse, tens of thousands of small- and medium-sized mines (SM mines) within the country continue to pose potential safety hazards and environmental pollution risks. Only through the identification of suitable development paths can these mines improve their economic and environmental benefits, ultimately driving significant progress in China’s mining industry. Backfill mining, an environmentally friendly mining method, has emerged as a viable solution, offering the potential to ensure mining safety, reduce environmental pollution stemming from tailings stockpiles, and enhance ore resource recovery. This review article aims to provide researchers and readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and challenges faced by SM mines in China. It explores the mining processes, technologies, and equipment commonly employed by these mines while addressing the specific problems and challenges they encounter. Furthermore, the article offers recommendations to guide the future development of SM mines. Additionally, the review examines the prospects and potential applications of backfill mining methods within the context of SM mines in China, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable mining practices, environmental protection, and waste utilization. Ultimately, this comprehensive review article serves as a valuable resource, stimulating discourse and encouraging experts and scholars to further explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with SM mines. By highlighting the significance of green mining practices, environmental protection, backfill mining, and waste utilization, the article aims to inspire innovative solutions and foster sustainable practices within the Chinese mining industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Modeling and Geomechanical Characterization of Rock Masses for Civil and Mining Engineering Practice)
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