Near-field shaft response analysis using the CAVS jointed rock model

A numerical study of the response of an orthogonal fracture system to the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a circular shaft has been performed with the STEALTH explicit finite-difference code and the CAVS Jointed rock constitutive model. This study is unique because STEALTH/CAVS is a continuum model which provides a detailed description of the dynamic and quasi-static response of a jointed rock mass. This study showed that the largest disturbance to the in situ joints occurs during the construction of the shaft. The joint response predicted with the STEALTH/CAVS model was in qualitative agreement with previous analytic studies investigating the joint response in the vicinity of circular openings.