Krukovska V. Finite element analysis of deformation, groundwater flow, and polymer injection with rockbolts
- Details
- Parent Category: Geo-Technical Mechanics, 2025
- Category: Geo-Technical Mechanics, 2025, Issue 174
Geotech. meh. 2025, 174, 161-169
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF DEFORMATION, GROUNDWATER FLOW, AND POLYMER INJECTION WITH ROCKBOLTS
M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
UDC 622.268.6
Language: English
Abstract. This study introduces a novel finite element model for simulating the coupled processes of rock deformation, groundwater inflow, and polymer injection during installation of injection rockbolts in weak water-bearing strata. The model integrates mechanical response of the rock mass, hydraulic behavior of water and polymer, and their mutual interactions within a single computational framework. The governing equations include equilibrium of stresses with damping and continuity equations for water flow and polymer infiltration. Stress-controlled permeability is introduced, which links absolute permeability and water permeability coefficients to the components of the principal stress tensor. Originality of the model lies in several aspects: it captures the time-dependent evolution of the disturbed zone as the polymer hardens, explicitly accounts for the delayed onset of reinforcement, and incorporates stress-controlled permeability reflecting realistic fracture opening and closure under variable stress states. In addition, the model parameters are linked directly to engineering practice, such as the delay before bolt installation and the duration of injection. The problem is solved in an elasto-plastic formulation using finite element discretization.
Computational experiments demonstrate that the injection process produces a strengthened zone of rock with markedly reduced permeability and enhanced stability, effectively transforming weak fractured strata into a low-permeability support reinforced by the rockbolt. The analysis confirms that the model can reproduce polymer hardening, changes in stress distribution, and the progressive reduction of hydraulic conductivity around the bolt. The framework therefore offers a practical tool for designing support systems in underground excavations driven through weak, water-saturated formations, where both structural stability and hydraulic sealing are required. Further refinement of polymer hardening kinetics, incorporation of rock mass anisotropy, and experimental calibration of parameters are suggested as directions for future research.
Keywords: injection rockbolt, rock deformation, polymer injection, groundwater inflow, numerical simulation.
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About theauthor
Krukovska Viktoriia, Doctor of Technical Sciences (D. Sc), Senior Researcher, Senior Researcher in Department of Dynamic Manifestations of Rock Pressure, M.S. Poliakov Institute of Geotechnical Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IGTM of the NAS of Ukraine), Dnipro, Ukraine, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Corresponding author), ORCID 0000-0002-7817-4022