Analysis of reinforced excavations in jointed rock requires that the functions of reinforcement be considered explicitly. This can be achieved in a computational model by calculating, for each reinforcement element, the forces generated by displacements across the discontinuity through which the element passes. Simple force-displacement relations are exploited to describe both shear and axial behaviour of a reinforcement element. Large shear displacements are assumed to be accompanied by simple geometric changes in an element where it crosses a discontinuity. The resultant numerical representation based on this model has been incorporated in a distinct element scheme for the analysis of blocky media. Illustrative examples are presented which compare the performance of the numerical model with results from laboratory scale physical experiments.