Characterization on jointed rock masses based on PFC2D

Geometrical parameters of discontinuities, such as spacing, length, dip and fault throw between joints have a great influence on the mechanical behavior of jointed rock masses. Accurate characterization for discontinuities is important for investigate the stability of rock masses. In this paper, the PFC2D is combined with joint network generation method to examine the mechanical behaviors of jointed mass. Taking Miaogou Open-pit Mine as an example, the information and statistical distributions of discontinuities of the slope rock masses are measured by ShapeMetriX3D measuring tool. Then, the automatic generation algorithm of random joints network based on the Monte-Carlo method is proposed using the programming language (FISH) embedded within PFC2D. This algorithm could represent the discontinuities compared with the geological surveys. In simulating the compression test of a jointed rock sample, the mechanical behavior and crack propagation were investigated. The results reveal that the failure mode and crack propagation of the jointed rock are dominated by the distribution of joints in addition to the intact rock properties. The simulation result shows the feasibility of the joints generating method in application to jointed rock mass. © 2013 Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.