A computer model for simulating progressive large-scale movements in blocky rock systems

Abstract

A simple computer program is described which permits the progressive failure of a system of discrete blocks to be modelled making certain assumptions about the nature of jointed rock. The assumptions are that the intact rock may be regarded as rigid and that the normal stiffness of a joint plays only a small part in the failure processes of the rock mass. Realistic friction laws may be used including those in which shear resistance decreases with shear displacement. Other laws have been tried with success such as normal dilation of a joint and non-linear failure envelopes.