Investigation of mechanical properties of jointed granite under compression using lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass modeling approach

Abstract

Joint waviness is one of the important parameters of joint that need to be considered in civil and mining engineering design of structures built in or on jointed rock masses. However, this parameter is often overlooked by designers. In this study the mechanical properties of laboratory scale jointed granite with both planar and non-planar joints of different joint configurations are investigated using the lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) modeling approach. Jointed granite models are calibrated using the laboratory test results and the calibrated lattice model parameters are used to perform both conventional triaxial and true triaxial compression tests. In addition, the influences of joint orientation, intensity, and persistence on the strength and deformability of jointed granite with both planar and non-planar joints are investigated. The simulation results show that the strength and deformation modulus of the jointed rock decrease with the increase of joint intensity and persistence. The strength and deformation modulus of the jointed rock are higher for the ones with non-planar joints. Under the true triaxial loading condition, the strength and deformation modulus of the jointed granite depend strongly on the magnitude and orientation of the intermediate principal stress.