Numerical derivation of the equivalent hydro-mechanical properties of fractured rock masses using distinct element method

This paper presents a numerical method for deriving the equivalent mechanical and hydraulic properties of fractured rock masses using the Distinct Element Method (DEM). Based on 2D fracture system realizations, numerical experiments were performed on a series of square DEM models of increasing side lengths with constant velocity or constant hydraulic pressure gradient boundary conditions. Representative Elementary Volumes (REVs) were established as the minimum model area after which the average mechanical and hydraulic properties maintain constant values. The results of numerical simulations show that DEM can be an effective numerical tool for the homogenization of the hydro-mechanical properties of fractured rock masses.