Numerical modeling of failure process in cohesive geomaterials

Abstract

This paper is devoted to numerical modeling of failure process in anisotropic rocks. An extended Rigid Block Spring Method (RBSM) is proposed to describe the onset and propagation of cracks. The continuous rock material is replaced by an equivalent discrete assembly of rigid blocks using the Voronoi scheme. The material strength and deformation are described by an appropriate constitutive law and failure criterion of interfaces between blocks. The proposed method is applied to an anisotropic rock containing parallel bedding planes. The influence of the initial anisotropy on the failure process of material is investigated.