On the selection of joint constitutive models for geomechanics simulation of fractured rocks


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Date

2022-05

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

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Data

Abstract

Fractures such as faults and joints often dominate the mechanical strength and deformation of rock masses. It is thus of central importance to adopt an appropriate joint constitutive model in geomechanics simulations so that the behaviour of fractures can be realistically represented. Over the past decades, various joint constitutive models have been proposed from theoretical/experimental perspectives and implemented into different geomechanics solvers. However, numerical modelling researchers are often confronted and even confused with the question about which joint model to use in their simulations, especially when a compromise needs to be reached between the realism (or complexity) of the selected constitutive model and the difficulty in the numerical implementation. In this Short Communication, we review some of the popular joint constitutive laws that have been used for geomechanics simulations and present a discussion on their suitability and limitations, aiming to provide a guidance for the joint constitutive model selection for computer simulations. We also point out a few unrealistic features of some widely used joint constitutive models with corresponding corrections recommended.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

145

Pages / Article No.

104707

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Fractures; Constitutive relationship; Numerical modelling

Organisational unit

02704 - Geologisches Institut / Geological Institute

Notes

Funding

189882 - Future evolution of meta-stable rock slopes in hydropower systems of China: Implications for long-term safety (SNF)

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