Upscaling the Mechanical Properties of a Fractured Rock Mass Using the Lattice-Spring-Based Synthetic Rock Mass (LS-SRM) Modeling Approach—Comparison of Discontinuum, Continuum and Empirical Approaches

A numerical characterization of a fractured rock mass and its mechanical behavior using discontinuum approach was carried out utilizing lattice-spring-based synthetic (LS-SRM) models. First, LS-SRM models on laboratory scale were created to reproduce standard tests Triassic sandstone samples from quarry in Germany. Subsequently, the intact properties upscaled an element volume representative for geotechnical applications, recalibrated combined with Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model. The resulting are compared predictions empirical relationships based classification schemes DFN-Oda-Geomechanics approach. Modeling results reveal significant reduction strength rock, showing high agreement empirically calculated values. Results deformation modulus induced by fracture network good obtained other approaches. It is shown that allows analyzing complex during failure masses, including crack initiation, propagation coalescence. key parameters wide range applications can be used large-scale modeling as well.