Abstract
In this paper, the coupled thermal-mechanical processes in the Äspö pillar stability experiments (APSE) were simulated using Distinct Element Method (DEM). By considering pre-existing cracks in the rock model, mechanical response of the rock during excavation phase and heating phase were successfully represented by DEM. Simulation results agree qualitatively well with the experimental results. However, the microcracks in the simulation were widely distributed around the heater and exfoliation of rock surfaces observed in the in-situ experiment was not formed accurately. To simulate more realistically the experimental results by the DEM models, the calibration of the microscopic parameters considering the model scale should be done. Moreover, more detailed discussion on the excavation damaged zone around the borehole and the distribution of pre-existing cracks are required.
