Laboratory-Scale Investigation on Shear Behavior of Non-Persistent Joints and Joint Infill Using Lattice-Spring-Based Synthetic Rock Mass Model

Discontinuities mainly control the mechanical behavior of rock mass and cause a significant reduction in strength. Joint persistency joint infill conditions are considered most parameters that response mass. In this study, numerical statistical analyses were performed on pre-cracked specimens with two flaws to investigate effect persistence shear addition, an extensive study was conducted explore infilled mineral strength, thickness, wall roughness The Lattice-Spring-Based Synthetic Rock Mass (LS-SRM) approach utilized perform models. results showed tensile crack propagation is limited at higher normal stresses as damage largely suppressed. increases bridge angle slightly increased strength caused change failure mechanisms from shearing. models minerals revealed controlled when thickness 4.0 mm or greater. had no apparent contrast, it governed mechanisms; cracks initiated asperity rough filling propagated through hosted