Abstract
The strength parameters and the size effect of stochastic jointed limestone rock mass is investigated in this paper. Based on extensive statistics of joint parameters of rock mass in the research region, the probable distribution of geometric characteristic parameters of discontinuities are obtained by the probability graph method. Then the Monte-Carlo method is used for discontinuities network modeling. In addition, 3DEC software and its built-in FISH programming language are used to establish the stochastic jointed rock mass network model based on discrete element method. Triaxial numerical simulation tests under variable confining pressure are conducted with different model sizes and dip angles of bedding planes. The numerical simulation results indicate that the jointed rock mass exhibits weak anisotropy property and significant size effect when it is cut by stochastic discontinuities; the mechanical strength parameters of rock mass begins to fluctuate distinctly as the model size increases, and tend to be stable once the model size reaches or exceeds 4 m × 4 m × 8 m. Besides, the comprehensive mechanical parameters of rock mass in the research region are determined and failure modes of rock mass are analyzed as well based on the numerical simulation results.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Bahaaddini, M., Hagan, P., Mitra, R., and Hebblewhite, B. K. (2015). “Numerical study of the mechanical behavior of nonpersistent jointed rock masses.” International Journal of Geomechanics, Vol. 16, No. 1, p. 04015035, DOI: 10.1061/(asce)gm.1943-5622.0000510.
Chang, J. L. (2012). Parameter analysis based on random fractured rock slope stability, M.Sc. Dissertation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
Chen, S. H., Feng, X. M., and ISAM, S. (2008). “Numerical estimation of REV and permeability tensor for fractured rock masses by composite element method.” International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, vol. 32, no. 12, pp. 1459–1477. DOI: 10.1002/nag.679.
Dershowitz, W. S., La Pointe, P. R., Doe, T. W., and Goslder, A. (2004). “Advances in discrete fracture network modeling.” Proceedings of the US EPA/NGWA fractured rock conference, Portland, ME, pp. 882–894.
Dowd, P. A., Martin, J. A., Xu, C., Fowell, R. J., and Mardia, K.V. (2009). “A three-dimensional fracture network data set for a block of granite.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 46, no. 5, pp. 811–818. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2009. 02.001.
Dowd, P. A., Xu, C., Mardia, K. V., and Fowell, R. J. (2007). “A comparison of methods for the stochastic simulation of rock fractures.” Mathematical Geology, vol. 39, no. 7, pp. 697–714. DOI: 10.1007/s11004-007-9116-6.
Du, P. Z., Liu, J., Han, Z. Q., and Xu, H. (2003). “Stability analysis of high rock slope based on meticulous description of complex structure.” Rock and Soil Mechanics, Vol. 34, No. s1, pp. 393–398. DOI: 10.16285/j.rsm.2013.s1.017.
Grenon, M. and Hadjigeorgiou, J. (2012). “Applications of fracture system models (FSM) in mining and civil rock engineering design.” International Journal of Mining Reclamation and Environment, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 55–73. DOI: 10.1080/17480930.2011.639190.
Han, X., Chen, J., Wang, Q., Li, Y. Y., Zhang, W., and Yu, T. W. (2016). “A 3D Fracture network model for the undisturbed rock mass at the songta dam site based on small samples.” Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 611–619. DOI: 10.1007/s00603-015-0747-5.
Harrison, J. P., Hudson, J. A., and Popescu, M. E. (2002). “Engineering rock mechanics: Part 2. Illustrative worked examples.” Applied Mechanics Reviews, Vol. 55, No. 2, pp. B30-B31, DOI: 10.1115/1.1451166.
He, M., Xue, T., and Peng, Y. (2001). “A new way of determining mechanical parameters of engineering rock masses.” Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 225–229. DOI: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-6915.2001.02.017.
Hoek, E. (1994). “Strength of rock and rock mass.” International Society for Rock Mechanics News Journal, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 4–16.
Hoek, E. and Brown, E. T. (1997). “Practical estimates of rock mass strength.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 34, no. 8, pp. 1165–1186. DOI: 10.1016/s0148-9062 (97)00305-7.
Hudson, J. A. and Priest, S. D. (1983). “Discontinuity frequency in rock masses.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 73–89. DOI: 10.1016/0148-9062(83)90968-3.
Ivanova, V. M., Sousa, R., Murrihy, B., and Einstein, H. H. (2014). “Mathematical algorithm development and parametric studies with the GEOFRAC three-dimensional stochastic model of natural rock fracture systems.” Computers and Geosciences, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 100–109. DOI: 10.1016/j.cageo.2013.12.004.
Kulatilake, P., Malama, B., and Wang, J. (2001). “Physical and particle flow modeling of jointed rock block behavior under uniaxial loading.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 38, no. 5, pp. 641–657. DOI: 10.1016/s1365-1609(01)00025-9.
Kulatilake, P., Wang, S., and Stephansson, O. (1993). “Effect of finite size joints on the deformability of jointed rock in three dimensions.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, vol. 30, no. 5, pp. 479–501. DOI: 10.1016/0148-9062(93)92216-d.
Kulatilake, P. and Wu, T. (1986). “Relation between discontinuity size and trace length.” Symposium on Rock Mechanics, vol. 27, pp. 130–133.
Min, K. B. and Jing, L. (2004). “Stress dependent mechanical properties and bounds of Poisson’s ratio for fractured rock masses investigated by a DFN-DEM technique.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, vol. 41, no. 3, pp. 431–432. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2003.12.072.
Oda, M. (1988) “A method for evaluating the representative elementary volume based on joint survey of rock masses.” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 440–447. DOI: 10.1139/t88-049.
Priest, S. D. and Hudson, J. A. (1981). “Estimation of discontinuity spacing and trace length using scan line survey.” International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences and Geomechanics Abstracts, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 183–197. DOI: 10.1016/0148-9062 (81)90973-6.
Robinson, P. C. (1983). “Connectivity of fracture systems—a percolation theory approach.” Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and General, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 605–614. DOI: 10.1088/0305-4470/16/3/020.
Sridevi, J. and Sitharam, T. G. (2000). “Analysis of strength and moduli of jointed rocks.” Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, vol. 18, pp. 3–21. DOI: 10.1023/A:1008992621515.
Wang, P. T., Yang, T. H., Yu, Q. L., Liu, H. L., and Zhang, P. H. (2013). “Characterization on jointed rock masses based on PFC2D.” Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 32–38. DOI: 10.1007/s11709-013-0187-9.
Wang, X., Zhao, Y., and Lin, X. (2011). “Determination of mechanical parameters for jointed rock masses.” Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Vol. 3, No. Supp., pp. 398–406. DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1235.2011.00398.
Xu, C. and Dowd, P. (2010). “A new computer code for discrete fracture network modeling.” Computers and Geosciences, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 292–301. DOI: 10.1016/j.cageo.2009.05.012.
Xu, Q., Chen, J., Li, J., Zhao, C., and Yuan, C. (2015). “Study on the constitutive model for jointed rock mass.” PloS One, Vol. 10, No. 4, p. e0121850, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121850.
Yan, C. G., Wu, F. Q., Qi, S. W., Liu, T., and Masakatsu, M. (2009). “Deformation and strength parameters and size effect of random jointed rock mass by numerical simulation.” Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 31, no. 6, pp. 879–885. DOI: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-4548.2009.06.010.
Yang, J. P., Chen, W. Z., and Dai, Y. H. (2011). “Study of scale effect of deformation modulus for fractured rock mass—part II: Analytical method.” Rock and Soil Mechanics, vol. 32, no. 6, pp. 1607–1612. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-7598.2011.06.002.
Zhang, Y. H. (2006). Research on the equivalent hydro-mechanical parameters of rock mass, Ph.D. Dissertation, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.
Zhang, W., Chen, J. P., Liu, C., Huang, R., Li, M., and Zhang, Y. (2012). “Determination of geometrical and structural representative volume elements at the Baihetan dam site.” Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 409–419. DOI: 10.1007/s00603-011-0191-0.
Zhou, C. B., Chen, Y. F., and Jiang, Q. H. (2007). “Representative elementary volume and mechanical parameters of fractured rock masses.” Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 1135–1142. DOI: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-4548.2007.08.004.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ma, C., Yao, W., Yao, Y. et al. Simulating Strength Parameters and Size Effect of Stochastic Jointed Rock Mass using DEM Method. KSCE J Civ Eng 22, 4872–4881 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-017-1581-y
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-017-1581-y