Numerical assessment and validation of a swelling rock model

In this research project, an assessment and validation of a swelling rock model (Benz, 2012), which is applicable to anhydrite swelling rock, was carried out through the Soil Test Facility of PLAXIS2D Finite Element Software. The validation process was conducted through the simulation of different element tests including stress-controlled oedometer test, and strain-controlled uniaxial compression test. A sensitivity analysis and parameter variations were carried out within the aforementioned tests. The obtained results and recommendations from this study can be used for conducting a case study of tunnelling within swelling rock. This will help to give a better understanding of swelling deformation occurrence around an excavation leading to a better tunnel support design. Furthermore, the way by which the swelling rock model parameters should be dealt with for a practical application is provided.Applied Earth Sciences; Erasmus Mundus Minerals and Environmental Programme (EMMEP)Geoscience & EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience