Abstract
Large part of deformation and failure of rock masses are governed by both characteristics of geometrical distribution of discontinuities and those of mechanical behavior in a single discontinuity. It is thought that stability of rock structures extremely depend on not only existent discontinuities but also new cracks which are generated and progress due to loading or excavation. In this paper, a new approach is proposed for modeling generation and progress of cracks due to shear and tension failure in the matrix by using distinct element method. Next, applicability of the approach are verified by means of comparison with experimental results by using base friction modeling apparatus. As applications to field problems for discontinuous rock masses, simulation of underground opening excavation is carried out.
