The characterization and clustering of rock discontinuity sets are a crucial and challenging task in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering.Over the past few decades,the clustering of discontinuity sets has undergone rapid and remarkable development.However,there is no relevant literature summarizing these achievements,and this paper attempts to elaborate on the current status and prospects in this field.Specifically,this review aims to discuss the development process of clustering methods for discontinuity sets and the state-of-the-art relevant algorithms.First,we introduce the importance of discontinuity clustering analysis and follow the comprehensive characterization approaches of discontinuity data.A bibliometric analysis is subsequently conducted to clarify the current status and development characteristics of the clustering of discontinuity sets.The methods for the clustering analysis of rock discontinuities are reviewed in terms of single-and multi-parameter clustering methods.Single-parameter methods can be classified into empirical judgment methods,dynamic clustering methods,relative static clustering methods,and static clustering methods,reflecting the continuous optimization and improvement of clustering algorithms.Moreover,this paper compares the current mainstream of single-parameter clustering methods with multi-parameter clustering methods.It is emphasized that the current single-parameter clustering methods have reached their performance limits,with little room for improvement,and that there is a need to extend the study of multi-parameter clustering methods.Finally,several suggestions are offered for future research on the clustering of discontinuity sets.
Controllable rock cracking technology is crucial for the exploration and exploitation of deep underground resources.Many existing studies have been dedicated to the laser-assisted rock-weakening technology.It has been proved that laser irradiation can improve drilling and blasting efficiency when combined with mechanical rock fracturing methods,which are irrelevant for borehole stabilization.To improve the latter,this study used laser ablation for borehole reinforcement.The high-power laser was applied to typical rock samples(sandstone,mudstone and coal)in both dry and saturated conditions.Multi-technique observations and measurements were used to fully understand the peculiar modifications of the specimens under laser treatment,i.e.mechanical loading,acoustic emission(AE)monitoring,digital image correlation(DIC)strain field evaluation,infrared thermography(IRT)monitoring and X-ray computed tomography(CT)scanning.The results showed that,in addition to the effects already demonstrated,laser irradiation can improve the strength of the soft rock,especially in the saturated state.The process involved a complicated phase change including melting and evaporation of the matrix under high-temperature and high-pressure to form a glassy high strength silicate material.This process is similar to the reaction between molten lava and water,or the impact of an asteroid on the earth.Inspired by the results,a conceptual path for a new borehole stabilization technology using laser ablation was outlined.
Xiaowei FengPeng HuangValter CarvelliGongshun LinChuankai ZhuFengzhen He
Rockbursts, which mainly affect mining roadways, are dynamic disasters arising from the surrounding rock under high stress. Understanding the interaction between supports and the surrounding rock is necessary for effective rockburst control. In this study, the squeezing behavior of the surrounding rock is analyzed in rockburst roadways, and a mechanical model of rockbursts is established considering the dynamic support stress, thus deriving formulas and providing characteristic curves for describing the interaction between the support and surrounding rock. Design principles and parameters of supports for rockburst control are proposed. The results show that only when the geostress magnitude exceeds a critical value can it drive the formation of rockburst conditions. The main factors influencing the convergence response and rockburst occurrence around roadways are geostress, rock brittleness, uniaxial compressive strength, and roadway excavation size. Roadway support devices can play a role in controlling rockburst by suppressing the squeezing evolution of the surrounding rock towards instability points of rockburst. Further, the higher the strength and the longer the impact stroke of support devices with constant resistance, the more easily multiple balance points can be formed with the surrounding rock to control rockburst occurrence. Supports with long impact stroke allow adaptation to varying geostress levels around the roadway, aiding in rockburst control. The results offer a quantitative method for designing support systems for rockburst-prone roadways. The design criterion of supports is determined by the intersection between the convergence curve of the surrounding rock and the squeezing deformation curve of the support devices.
The integration of image analysis through deep learning(DL)into rock classification represents a significant leap forward in geological research.While traditional methods remain invaluable for their expertise and historical context,DL offers a powerful complement by enhancing the speed,objectivity,and precision of the classification process.This research explores the significance of image data augmentation techniques in optimizing the performance of convolutional neural networks(CNNs)for geological image analysis,particularly in the classification of igneous,metamorphic,and sedimentary rock types from rock thin section(RTS)images.This study primarily focuses on classic image augmentation techniques and evaluates their impact on model accuracy and precision.Results demonstrate that augmentation techniques like Equalize significantly enhance the model's classification capabilities,achieving an F1-Score of 0.9869 for igneous rocks,0.9884 for metamorphic rocks,and 0.9929 for sedimentary rocks,representing improvements compared to the baseline original results.Moreover,the weighted average F1-Score across all classes and techniques is 0.9886,indicating an enhancement.Conversely,methods like Distort lead to decreased accuracy and F1-Score,with an F1-Score of 0.949 for igneous rocks,0.954 for metamorphic rocks,and 0.9416 for sedimentary rocks,exacerbating the performance compared to the baseline.The study underscores the practicality of image data augmentation in geological image classification and advocates for the adoption of DL methods in this domain for automation and improved results.The findings of this study can benefit various fields,including remote sensing,mineral exploration,and environmental monitoring,by enhancing the accuracy of geological image analysis both for scientific research and industrial applications.
