Finite element analysis of blast-induced fracture propagation in hard rocks

摘要

This paper presents a numerical analysis based on the finite element method to simulate blast-induced hard rock fracture propagation. Three different approaches are compared: the extended finite element method, with a cohesive zone model to represent the growth of fractures; the conventional finite element method using a remeshing technique and based on the linear fracture mechanics; the element deletion method to simulate a rock fragmentation process. The rock mass is a sound granite that remains linear elastic right up the breakage. Two numerical examples are presented in order to discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.