Numerical simulation of a direct shear test on a rock joint using a bonded-particle model

Abstract

Rock joints were numerically simulated, and an extensive series of direct shear tests were carried out using the code PFC3D. The feasibility of reproducing a rock joint using the contact bond model was demonstrated, and the effects of the geometrical features and the micro-properties of a joint on its shear behavior were examined. Asperity failure was observed from the micro-cracks and contact force distribution, as well as the stresses and displacements in shear and normal directions. A rough joint with a joint roughness coefficient(JRC)value ranging from 10 to 20 was produced in an intact sample by defining the joint-contacts along a predefined joint surface. To simulate a decrease in joint wall strength(JCS) caused by weathering and alterations, the bond strength between particles involved in the joint-contacts was reduced by up to 70%. The shear behavior and failure progress at a given stress corresponded well to those observed in laboratory tests. The friction coefficient was the most important factor governing the shear strength and dilation angle. The variation in joint roughness and contact bond strength had a larger effect on the cohesion than peak friction angle. In addition, a new approach to represent JRC and JCS values of a joint was proposed for practical use. A numerical 3D-profile scanning technique was developed to evaluate the actual JRC of the simulated joint, and the relationship between the JCS and the contact bond strength was investigated.