Abstract
The aim of this work is to provide a complete data set of direct shear tests and to propose a corresponding simulation approach. Tests have been conducted on crystalline rock samples applying constant normal load (CNL) and constant normal stiffness (CNS) boundary conditions. A physical consistent algorithm which explicitly calculates the forces acting on the fracture surface (FFS) has been developed. This FFS approach can explain the occurrence of surface degradation and shows the main shear characteristics. After all, shearing of rough rock joints remains a complex process and the differences between laboratory and simulation results are still significant in some cases. All data and input files are provided free for download and testing.
Highlights
MotivationThe shear characteristics of rock joints are important in geotechnical engineering
The newly developed code was tested against results of lab experiments gained in series of direct shear tests on crystalline rock samples using different boundary conditions
As the new model approach strictly calculates shear behavior on single grid points and does not use any spatial averaging or smearing of features, one single erroneous node will affect the behavior of the entire model
Summary
MotivationThe shear characteristics of rock joints are important in geotechnical engineering. Shear movements along discontinuities such as joints or fracture planes can cause substantial damage or even the collapse of engineering structures at the surface as well as underground. If shear stresses on structures exceed the local shear strength, shear movements will arise which typically are coupled to normal displacements. This is commonly observed as joint dilation or closure and will cause a change in permeability. In case of CNS boundary conditions, a normal stress feedback is generated. This complex behavior is highly influenced by the roughness and local strength of the joint surfaces.
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