Comparison Study between Numerical and Physical Modelling of UCS of Jointed Rock Mass

An accurate assessment of strength of jointed rock masses is one of the most important requirements in the site selection، design and successful execution of mining engineering and geotechnical projects. The strength of intact rock can be determined through standardized laboratory tests، although this is very difficult for heavily jointed rock masses. A quick estimation of these properties for preliminary evaluation of alternate sites will considerably reduce field tests costs. A large number of laboratory tests on a jointed rock mass with various joint configurations had been done by many researchers in order to determine the strength of jointed rock under uniaxial loading. In this present paper، an attempt has been made to compare the results between numerical simulation of experimental modeling on strength and deformability of jointed block masses. For this purpose، numerical simulation of experimental tests for rock mass modulus and strength has been done by 3 Dimensional Distinct Element Code (3DEC). Results showed that numerical simulation and experimental testes have a good agreement and numerical simulation can be used in order to estimate deformation modulus of rock mass.