Prediction of strength and deformability of an interlocked blocky rock mass using UDEC

Alshkane, Younis Mustafa Ali; Marshall, Alec M.; Stace, L.R.

Abstract

The accurate prediction of strength and deformability characteristics of a rock mass is very challenging. In practice, properties of a rock mass are often estimated from available empirical relationships based on the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). However, UCS does not always give a good indication of in-situ rock mass strength and deformability. The aim of this paper is to present a methodology to predict the strength and deformability of a jointed rock mass using UDEC (universal distinct element code). In the study, the rock mass is modelled as an assemblage of deformable blocks that can yield as an intact material and/or slide along pre-defined joints within the rock mass. A range of numerical simulations of UCS and triaxial tests were conducted on rock mass samples in order to predict the equivalent mechanical properties for the rock mass under different loading directions. Results are compared against the deformability parameters obtained by analytical methods.

Citation

Alshkane, Y. M. A., Marshall, A. M., & Stace, L. (2017). Prediction of strength and deformability of an interlocked blocky rock mass using UDEC. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 9(3), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2017.01.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 5, 2017
• Online Publication Date: May 4, 2017
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Apr 7, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 4, 2017
• Journal: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
• Electronic ISSN: 1674-7755
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2017.01.002
• Keywords: Strength, Deformability, Rock mass, Universal distinct element code
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/862725
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674775516300622