A new elastoplastic model for bolt-grouted fractured rock

Complexities in mechanical behaviours of rock masses mainly stem from inherent discontinuities, which calls for advanced bolt-grouting techniques for stability enhancement. Understanding the mechanical properties of bolt-grouted fractured rock mass (BGFR) and developing accurate prediction methods are crucial to optimize the BGFR support strategies. This paper establishes a new elastoplastic (E-P) model based on the orthotropic and the Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) plastic-yielding criteria. The elastic parameters of the model were derived through a meso-mechanical analysis of composite materials mechanics (CMM). Laboratory BGFR specimens were prepared and uniaxial compression test and variable-angle shear test considering different bolt arrangements were carried out to obtain the mechanical parameters of the specimens. Results showed that the anisotropy of BGFR mainly depends on the relative volume content of each component material in a certain direction. Moreover, the mechanical parameters deduced from the theory of composite materials which consider the short fibre effect are shown to be in good agreement with those determined by laboratory experiments, and the variation rules maintained good consistency. Last, a case study of a real tunnel project is provided to highlight the effectiveness, validity and robustness of the developed E-P model in prediction of stresses and deformations.