Progressive Evolution Model of Fault Water Inrush Caused by Underground Excavation Based on Multiphysical Fields

Abstract

Underground fault water inrushes are frequent hydrogeological disasters associated with underground mining and tunnel construction projects. In this study, we analyze the water inrush mechanism of underground engineering by building a numerical simulation model to evaluate the process of water inrush, analyze water inrush changes under various working conditions, and consider the fluid-solid coupling effect of rock mass and water. These analyses provide effective suggestions for preventing water inrush from faults. The study establishes a two-dimensional numerical model based on Darcy’s law and plane strain field to analyze water inrush from faults in underground engineering. The analysis shows that factors such as aquifer pressure, permeability between the aquifer and fault zone, and permeability sensitivity coefficient are important considerations that affect the occurrence of water-inrush disasters. The study also identifies the sudden change in water inrush speed at the fault zone and the roadway when the working condition is changed as an indication of the nature of water inrush at the fault. Additionally, the study presents preventive measures such as drainage grouting to ensure the safety of underground engineering constructions. Overall, this research provides important insights into the causes and effects of water inrush from faults and can inform practical measures to mitigate the risks associated with underground engineering.

Study on the water conductivity of large-scale boundary fault of the mine field and the design of water-proof coal pillar

“…The excavation process of coal seams triggers the redistribution of strata stress, which in turn influences the evolution of fracture development within the rock mass, and changes in the impermeability of the rock mass are crucial manifestations of this evolution (Yu et al 2020;. The evaluation of strata rock mass impermeability becomes particularly challenging in the presence of fault structures, where, upon reaching a critical threshold of waterproof, the fault fractures become completely interconnected, leading to sudden water inrush accidents Li et al 2023). Consequently, assessing the variation of water conductivity in fault during mining production is integral to mine safety.…”

Evolution Law and Grouting Treatment of Water Inrush in Hydraulic Tunnel Approaching Water-Rich Fault: A Case Study

“…Zhang et al [16] performed a 3D finite element analysis to investigate the evolution of a fault mud outburst of a tunnel and classified the evolution process into three stages, i.e., the prepared stage, latent stage, and explosive stage. Li et al [17] investigated the influences of the dip angle, permeability, and flow pattern of the fault on the pressure and velocity of water inrush in a tunnel by means of finite element software COMSOL 5.6. Fu et al [18] used the finite difference programme to analyze the distribution of the rock seepage field, face extrusion deformation, plastic zone volume, water yield, and shear deformation of the grouting reinforcement circle ahead of the face when the face advanced to different positions, and they finally determined a reasonable thickness of the grouting reinforcement circle.…”