Abstract
Numerical modelling is playing an increasing role in the interpretation of geological observations. A similar phenomenon is occurring with respect to the interpretation of the stress–strain response of intact rock measured in laboratory tests. In this research, the three-dimensional (3D) bonded particle model (BPM) with flat-jointed (FJ) contact was used to investigate the impact of stress paths on rock failure. The modified FJ contact model used for these studies numerically captured most of the intact rock behavior of Lac du Bonnet granite observed in the laboratory. A numerical simulation was used to track the behavior of this rock for different stress paths, starting with uniaxial tension and compression loading conditions. The migration from uniaxial tension to triaxial compression is challenging to simulate in physical laboratory tests but commonly observed around underground excavations. The numerical modelling methodology developed for this research tracks this stress path and the impact of the intermediate stress on peak strength at low confinements, commonly found around underground excavations.
Highlights
Design parameters of rock typically start with the results from laboratory testing carried out for the stress conditions and the stress path expected in the field; as noted by Brady and
The FJ bonded particle model (BPM) was used in this study to capture the rock behavior observed in the laboratory during
With amineral single mineral with antype average particles along the width of the sample, modelthe could produce reasonable grain with of an15 average of 15 particles along the width of thethe sample, model could produce responses observed for Bonnet granite in the laboratory during
Summary
Design parameters of rock typically start with the results from laboratory testing carried out for the stress conditions and the stress path expected in the field; as noted by Brady and. Near the boundary of an underground opening, the rock can be subjected to a variety of stress conditions ranging from confined extension to confined compression [2,3]. While the rock near the boundary was initially subjected to all-around compressive stresses, by the end of the excavation those stresses had converted to confined extension. Analyses of stress-induced failures observed around underground excavations show that the mobilized strength of sparsely fractured and massive rock masses is typically one-third to one-half the strength measured in laboratory compression tests [6,7,8]. A numerical simulation that followed the laboratory behavior of Lac du Bonnet granite was used to track the behavior of this rock under confined extension and triaxial loading conditions for different stress paths. The impact of the intermediate stress on peak strength at low confinements, commonly found around underground excavations, was investigated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
