Abstract
Scale model tests and the DEM analysis are carried out to grasp a shear behavior of discontinuous rock masses with rock block of two prominent sets of discontinuities, which are oriented perpendicular to each other.
The results of the model test and the analysis indicate that there is the anisotropy of shear properties between counter-dip arrangement and dip arrangement In the case of counter-dip arrangement, the failure mechanism is dominated by shear failure of intact rock, however, in the case of dip arrangement, it is dominated by tensile failure of intact rock due to toppling failure, which is caused by opening of discontinuities.
