Development of global numerical honeycomb models with interpolated rock mass properties
Yu.Yu. Golovchenko1, A.E. Rumyantsev1, A.P. Kirkin1, A.V. Trofimov1, M.A. Sonnov2
1 Gipronickel Institute LLC, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
2 Fidesis LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4/ 2026 p. 60-66
Abstract: A method for developing global numerical honeycomb models with interpolated physical and mechanical properties of a rock mass is proposed. The methodology is based on transferring data on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the rock mass from the geomechanical block models into the finite element models while accounting for a complex geometry of geological structures and underground excavations. This helps to avoid averaging of the properties over large lithological domains. The methodology relies on the simultaneous use of data from several block models with different levels of detail. Each model serves its own purpose, i.e. geometric, geomechanical, or other. The finite element mesh is generated with the minimal use of the external CAD geometry, which improves numerical stability in solving large-scale problems. As part of the methodology, an external module was implemented in Python using Gmsh as the mesh generator. The module was validated through integration with CAE Fidesys. A highly detailed global numerical model of a mine was constructed using the developed module. The results of numerical simulations are presented. The adequacy of the numerical model was evaluated based on the current geomechanical conditions.
Keywords: numerical modelling, finite element method, CAE Fidesys, block modelling, honeycomb structure, Coulomb-Mohr strength condition, stress-and-strain state, rock mass
For citation: Golovchenko Yu.Yu., Rumyantsev A.E., Kirkin A.P., Trofimov A.V., Sonnov M.A. Development of global numerical honeycomb models with interpolated rock mass properties. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(4):60–66. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-4-60-66
Information about the article
Received: 02.03.2026
Received after peer review: 04.05.2026
Accepted for publication: 25.05.2026
Information about the authors
Yury Yu. Golovchenko – Senior Researcher, Geotechnics Laboratory, Gipronickel Institute LLC, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2980-2173; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alexander E. Rumyantsev – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Head of Geotechnics Laboratory, Gipronickel Institute LLC, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2204-961X; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alexander P. Kirkin – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Senior Researcher, Geotechnics Laboratory, Gipronickel Institute LLC, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4830-8042; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Andrey V. Trofimov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Director of Scientific and Technical Development Department, Gipronickel Institute LLC, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7557-9801; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Maxim A. Sonnov – Full Member of the Academy of Mining Sciences, Deputy General Director, Fidesis LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3932-5571; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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