ABSTRACT:

The mechanical behaviors of intact and jointed Blanco Mera granite are studied using the lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) modeling approach. Both intact and jointed granite specimens are characterized for peak compressive strengths and elastic moduli under unconfined and confined conditions. Three (1+2) and five (2+3) planar joints are introduced in the intact specimens to investigate the mechanical behavior of jointed rock masses. Itasca’s SRMTools is used for the numerical modeling. The LS-SRM approach has advantages over other discrete element model (DEM)-based SRM modeling approaches in terms of model construction, model calibration, and computation efficiency. Because the LS-SRM models can incorporate non-planar joints, mechanical responses of jointed granite with non-planar joints are also investigated. The numerical modeling results agree reasonably well with the laboratory test results. Modeling results of confined compression of jointed rock models with planar joints shows a degradation in both strength and deformation modulus with the increase in joint density. Similar trend is observed in jointed rock models with non-planar joints.

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