| At the outset, this dissertation proposes an implementation of Green's functions, Green's stresses and stress derivatives for three-dimensional generally anisotropic bodies. Subsequently, this implementation was successfully incorporated into existing Boundary Element and coupled Boundary Element-Finite Element codes. An extensive numerical investigation showed that the proposed implementation is efficient, precise, and robust.; Then, the numerical codes developed in the first part were used to investigate the effect of transverse isotropy on underground excavations. It is shown that: (i) it is possible to predict the presence of rock mass weakness ahead of the tunnel face; (ii) when the plane of transverse isotropy strikes parallel to the tunnel axis, it is possible to use expressions valid for isotropic media in order to calculate the amount of deformation that has taken place before installation of the lining/support; (iii) when the plane of transverse isotropy does not strike parallel to the tunnel axis, a three-dimensional analysis of the rock mass-structure interaction is necessary; (iv) the yielded rock mass zone around a tunnel and the state of stress in the lining are governed by the spatial attitude of the plane of transverse isotropy.; Finally, a Bayesian approach to the estimation of the boundary conditions for rock mass models is presented. Both linearly elastic and non-linear rock mass models are considered. Applications are given pertaining to tunneling and to the Underground Research Laboratory (URL) of Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL), Canada. |
