Failure Behaviour of Jointed Rock Masses with 3D Nonpenetrating Joints under Uniaxial Compression: Insights from Discrete Element Method Modelling

It is well known that joints or fissures have an important effect on the failure mechanism of natural rocks. Previously, many numerical and experimental papers been carried out to study strength anisotropy characteristics jointed However, few studies nonpersistent rock masses with different persistence, especially for in three dimensions. In present study, a 3D mass inclinations (θ) persistence (K) are studied by simulation. For digital elevation model (DEM), linear parallel bond (LPBM) smooth-joint (S-J) were used rock-like material joint interface, respectively. The connections between geometric parameters peak revealed. strength, only plays minor role specimens 0° 90°, its influence mainly reflected shear (θ = 45°, 60°, 75°). Based microcrack accumulation evolution, four typical processes (shear failure, split mixed intact failure) analysed from micro perspective. stress evolution process specimen under K1 0.42 was monitored measurement circle, it found distribution inside bridge related mode specimen. θ had little change, indicating there slight slip behaviour surface. When inclination 75°, changes obviously during loading, action strong this mode.