Presentation Summary

In order to conduct rigorous geotechnical design of underground space, it is recognized that the impact of scale on the response of the excavated system needs to be well understood. In this regard, one of the major challenges is to translate the small measured (laboratory) geomechanical properties and those of the joints observed at a larger scale to a scale and stress-dependant strength value for design. . Dr Keneti’s presentation presents a comprehensive review of existing geomechanical data for the Hawkesbury Sandstone and demonstrates an analysis of strength-scale dependency. Large-scale, Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) tests have been completed to establish a strength-scale relationship that considers defect spacing. Validation of the SRM sample responses has been completed for both the strength and deformation modulus based on reported and/or commonly accepted characteristics of a tunnel-scale rock mass. The presentation highlights the importance of inputs as well as the process involved in the estimation of rock mass parameters for FEM/DEM numerical modelling of underground structures.

Speaker bio

Ali Keneti (PhD, PEng) is a senior engineer at McMillen Jacobs (Melbourne) conducting ground-structures interaction studies in Itasca Flac3D and 3DEC for tunnelling projects in AU/NZ regions. Dr. Keneti has 15 years of professional and research experience in geomechanical aspects of Civil and Resources Engineering in North America and Austrasia, including Tunnelling, Hydro-Electric, Mining, and Pipeline projects. He is co-author of several scientific articles and an invited reviewer for renowned international journals in Geomechanics.

Note: The VIC chapter will hold the annual meeting from 5:00 PM prior to the presentation. Due to the COVID restrictions on Engineers Australia VIC venues, the annual meeting and presentation both run on the online meeting which can be accessed by clicking the registration link. No fees will be incurred.