Modeling Rock Failure Around a Circular Opening

摘要

Distinct element modeling is a powerful technique to simulate the softening behavior of rock. With this method, cracks can develop and propagate in the specimen with no need for remeshing and with no mesh sensitivity. The loading and failure of the rock can be followed easily, even if large displacements are involved. In this paper, the results of some numerical and physical biaxial tests on Berea sandstone were discussed. The calibration procedure was restricted to Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and uniaxial compressive strength of the rock. The synthetic material was tested numerically using the distinct element method. The results of the numerical test, including the failure mechanism, orientation of the failure plane, notches around the circular opening and the specimen strength, matched very well with those observed in the laboratory test.