Using PFC2D to simulate the shear behaviour of joints in hard crystalline rock

Abstract Significant uncertainties remain regarding the assessment of peak shear strength rock joints. In recent years, Particle Flow Code (PFC) has been used to simulate tests Although previous studies showed PFC’s capability joint behaviour, it is uncertain how different parameters in PFC should be combined realistically capture roughness and asperities contact actual Under low normal stresses, behaviour well-mated hard crystalline joints governed by interaction between some tenths a millimetre. This paper investigates 2D under constant stress magnitudes. The simulated two-dimensional profiles were selected from digitised surface obtained with optical scanning measurements. To asperity , values segment length, particle resolution per segment, bond particles studied calibrated while taking into account laboratory observations. results numerical simulations environment show that using profile containing steepest good agreement measured laboratory. needs represented both magnitude length captures grain size, at least two segment. calibration for size number during shearing.