Numerical Analysis Of The Rock Massif'S Discontinuities Of The Highway Rafael Caldera In Venezuela

The main objective of this work is to analyze the geological numerical modeling of the discontinuities in the rock massif located in the Rafael Caldera highway, which is in the state of Merida at the west side of Venezuela. The methodology used in this paper is based on the field reconnaissance and analysis of rock samples at the laboratory to obtain the geo-mechanical parameters to be used in the simulation, utilizing the Finite Elements Method through the commercial software known as ABAQUS T. Elastic models are made in two and three dimensions with geometrics and physical-natural features obtained during the fieldwork. The results show values of Elasticity Modulus and of Poisson relation according to the values found on the bibliography, for the type of rock present in the zone. The stress and strain distribution are obtained in the zone of study, determining the geological-structural features present in the area along with the main geo-mechanical classifications, estimating the behavior of the discontinuities, as well as possible anomalous behaviors and possible collapses. The main conclusions allow describing the rock massif in a good quality, confirming the results of the simple compression tests. Also, susceptible zones to plasticity with close values to the non-allowed limits are analyzed, conditioning the sector to responses produced by states of non-controlled overcharge. The zone in study corresponds to slopes located in one of the main vial arteries of Venezuela, and the economic-environmental impact in case of a collapse is relevant, therefore, this sector must be highly controlled.