Publications

Simulation of rock-mass strength anisotropy and scale effects using a Ubiquitous Joint Rock Mass (URJM) model

B. Sainsbury, M. Pierce & D. Mas Ivars

ABSTRACT: Some of the most challenging aspects of design in moderately to heavily jointed rock masses relate to the impacts of in-situ joint fabric on rock mass behavior. Preferred joint orientations can induce a marked anisotropy in modulus, strength and brittleness. In addition, joint density and persistence must be considered relative to problem size, as rock mass properties can exhibit significant scale dependence. Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) testing provides a means to study these effects in simulated rock mass samples on the scale of 10 to 100 meters. This paper focuses on a technique to account for strength anisotropy and scale effects (as quantified through SRM testing) within large-scale FLAC3D continuum models. This follows the work of Clark (2006), who used FLAC to demonstrate that the assignment of ubiquitous joint orientations at the zone level (from a known joint-orientation distribution) results in realistic rock mass behavior and yields properties that are consistent with empirical techniques. The resulting calibrated FLAC3D material incorporates several key behaviors obtained from SRM testing and can be used in large-scale continuum models for analysis and design.

Available in Continuum and Distinct Element Numerical Modeling in Geo-Engineering - 2008

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