Chengqing 3D numerical model for dynamic loading-induced multiple fracture zones around underground cavity faces, Computers and Geotechnics, 2013; 54:33-45. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. NOTICE: this is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication in EarthScience Reviews. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Computers and Geotechnics, 2013; 54:33-45 Abstract: Three dimensional numerical modelling was used to examine the fracture responses around cavities in rock masses experiencing the stress of excavation. In addition to the primary fracture zone in the near field, numerical modelling generated a second fracture zone in the far field, and an elastic non-fracture zone between the two fields, i.e., fracture and non-fracture zones occur alternately around a deep cavity. Further research illustrated that the dynamic loading and static stress gradient are two necessary precursors for far field fracture in the excavation process. Neither quasi-static loading nor homogeneous stress conditions can induce a far field fracture. A simple theory is introduced suggesting that multiple fracture zones occur during excavation due to both the initial stress gradient and the dynamic loading. This finding indicates that it may be possible to induce continuous rock fracture in deep underground rock masses by employing optimal excavation methods to generate multiple contiguous fracture zones.
Answers to the reviewers' commentsDear reviewers: Our manuscript (ID: COGE-D-13-00021) was revised according to your comments. We hope that our responses have classified each of your comments and can be of help to the improvement of our manuscript. We apologize for the troubles brought by our carelessness. We appreciate your constructive criticisms. This answer sheet lists the major changes and our reply to the reviewers" comments and recommendations.
Answer to reviewer #11. Page 5: "a possible"Response: Page 5 "a possible" was added.
Page 8: "surely this is a function of the constitute model, is it brittle behaviour or ductile behaviour?"Response: It is brittle behavior, the secondary fracture zone results from the combination of a dynamic loading acting over a cavity and an ascending static initial stress around it. When the peak stress which results from the ascending static stress gradient field in conjunction with the descending dynamic loading in a zone is more than the failure criterion of rock material, another fracture zone in far field will be induced.
Page 9: "This is a massive deviatory stress field, are you sure?"Response: Yes, this is a massive deviatory stress field. The aim of this manuscript is to illustrate that the unloading process can induce rock failure, thus the extreme massive deviatory stress fie...