Discrete simulation of fracturing and failure of rock samples

Abstract

An adequate understanding of the formation of new fractures around rock excavations is crucial for a good design. Discrete simulations of the initiation and growth of individual fractures help to create a better understanding, e.g. knowledge on fracture mode (shear and/or tensile) and quantification of the effect of heterogeneities in the studied material. In this paper, this is illustrated using three examples: (i) fracturing around a natural discontinuity, (ii) failure of transversely isotropic rock and (iii) fracturing around soft inclusions. In this way, the importance of the stiffness of a natural discontinuity is highlighted, the complex behavior of transversely isotropic material is better understood and discrete simulations have shown to create an added value in comparison to experiments. The latter is certainly the case for a large parametric study, as one can create a much larger number of models with a predefined percentage and distribution of soft inclusions. Of course, also for the latter set of simulations, a good calibration and comparison with experiments is needed.