Title of Paper:Modelling Rock Failure with a Novel Continuous to Discontinuous Method

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Date of Publication:2019-09-01

Journal:ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING

Included Journals:EI、SCIE

Volume:52

Issue:9

Page Number:3183-3195

ISSN No.:0723-2632

Key Words:Rock failure; Whole-process analysis; Discontinuous deformation analysis; Numerical simulation

Abstract:The original discontinuous deformation and displacement (DDD) method is greatly refined using the statistical damage theory and contact mechanics. Next, a novel coupled method is proposed to model the continuous to discontinuous failure process of rocks. By hybridizing the finite element method (FEM) and discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method, the proposed method inherits the advantages of both and is able to provide a complete and unified description of rock deformation, crack initiation and propagation, and rock body translation, rotation and interaction. Moreover, to improve the deformation results and refine the stress distribution within the model blocks, finite elements are introduced into the blocks. The ability of an intact block to fracture is included as well, i.e., the deformable blocks that contain several finite elements may split into smaller blocks if the strength criteria are satisfied continuously. The boundaries of damaged elements represent newly formed joints, and sliding and opening may occur along these joints, i.e., mechanical interaction is allowed between adjacent blocks. The correctness and validity of the proposed method are verified through a series of benchmark tests. The simulated results are consistent with the analytical solutions, previous studies and experimental observations. Overall, the coupled method is an effective and reliable approach for modelling the entire rock failure process with satisfactory accuracy and shows considerable potential in geotechnical engineering.