Numerical investigation for anisotropy of compressive strength of rock mass with multiple natural joints

Abstract

Based on Rock Failure Process Analysis model RFPA2D, the evolutionary processes of failure process of rock mass with multiple natural joints were simulated. Numerical simulations show that anisotropy of compressive strength of jointed rock mass varies with the number of natural joints and inclination of natural joints. As the number of natural joints in rock mass increases, the anisotropy becomes less and less. It is justifiable to treat approximately rock mass containing six or more natural joints instead of four or more joints that was described in literature of Hoek and Brown as isotropy.