Strength properties of jointed rock masses based on the homogenization method

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the strength properties of jointed rock masses by means of the homogenization method. To reflect the microstructure of jointed rock masses, a representative element volume (REV) is selected. Assuming being rigid and perfectly plastic and utilizing the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion for rock and joints, an upper bound limit analysis method is proposed based on the homogenization theory. By using the finite element method and Goodman joint element, a nonlinear mathematical programming with equality constraints is formulated, which can be solved by a direct iterative algorithm. Numerical results show the strength of jointed rock masses behaves anisotropy with different joint directions. This method presents an effective tool for the strength analysis of jointed rock masses.