Weibull linear parallel bond model (WLPBM) for simulating micro-mechanical characteristics of heterogeneous rocks

Abstract

A Weibull liner parallel bond model (WLPBM) implemented into the two-dimensional particle flow code (PFC2D) is proposed to simulate the mechanical properties of heterogeneous rocks. A continuous parameter calibration strategy associated with the Hoek–Brown strength criterion is performed to determine a series of micro-contact parameters matched with the macro responses observed in laboratory experiments (e.g., uniaxial compression test, direct tension test, and the biaxial compression test). The stress–strain responses, strength characteristics as well as the failure modes under the uniaxial and biaxial compression test are modeled and discussed detailly. The simulation results indicate that the proposed WLPBM provides a promising approach for efficiently studying nonlinear mechanical behaviors, strength characteristics and the corresponding failure modes.