Effects of finite-size joints on the deformability of jointed rock at the two-dimensional level

Abstract

A numerical decomposition technique, which has resulted from a linking between joint-geometry modeling and generation schemes, and a distinct element code (UDEC), is used to study the effect of joint-geometry parameters of finite-size joints on the deformability properties of jointed rock at the two-dimensional (2D) level. The influence of joint-geometry parameters such as joint density, ratio of joint size to block size, and joint orientation on the deformability of jointed rock is shown. Relations are established between deformability properties of jointed rock and fracture-tensor parameters. An incrementally linear elastic, anisotropic constitutive model is developed to represent the prefailure mechanical behaviour of jointed rock at the 2D level. This constitutive model has captured the anisotropic, scale-dependent behaviour of jointed rock. In this model, the effect of the joint-geometry network in the rock mass is incorporated in terms of fracture-tensor components. Some insight is given related to estimation of representative elementary volumes for deformability properties of jointed rock. Key words : rock masses, deformability, distinct element method, fracture tensor, anisotropy, scale effects.