Effects of joints on the strength and deformability of rock masses

The paper provides a methodology to study the effect of non-persistent joint geometry parameters on rock mass deformability and strength using the distinct element method along with some fictitious joints. Preliminary results obtained show that there is a possibility to obtain representative elementary volumes (REV) and REV properties for rock masses with respect to both deformability and strength parameters.

• 1. INTRODUCTION

• 2. OUTLINE OF PROPOSED TECHNIQUE

• 3. REPRESENTATIVE VALUES FOR MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FICTITIOUS JOINTS TO SIMULATE INTACT ROCK BEHAVIOUR IN A GLOBAL SENSE

• 4. EFFECTS OF JOINT GEOMETRY PARAMETERS OF NON-PERSISTENT ACTUAL JOINTS ON STREMGTH AND DEFORMABILITY OF ROCK MASSES-PRELIMINARY RESULTS

• 5. CONCLUSIONS

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• REFERENCES