The strength and deformability of rock masses transected by non-persistent joints are
controlled by complex interactions of joints and intact rock bridges. The emergence of …

Cracking and coalescence behavior in a rectangular rock-like specimen containing two
parallel (stepped and coplanar) pre-existing open flaws under uniaxial compression load …

Estimating the mechanical properties of nonpersistent jointed rock masses is one of the most
challenging problems in practical rock engineering due to the complex interaction of rock …

A grain-based distinct element model (GBM) is used to investigate the influence of specimen
size on the strength of intact (not defected) and defected rocks. The defected specimens are …

Bonded-particle model (BPM) is widely used to model the cracking processes in rock/rock-
like materials. However, the discrete particles in the BPM cannot produce a continuous …

The cracking behavior of rectangular rock and rock-like specimens containing artificial flaws
under compressive loading has been experimentally investigated for decades. Natural rocks …

Materials' fracture mechanics are crucial because they can predict how a material will break
before it really happens. An extended finite element 2D numerical model implemented in the …

Due to the stochastic nature and random distribution of joints in the rock mass, statistical
analyses can be employed as a scientific tool to improve our understanding regarding the …

In this study, the effect of low normal stress levels on shear behavior of jointed samples was
investigated using discrete element method (DEM). Based on the experimental design, 50 …

The mechanical behaviour of a rock mass is significantly controlled by the presence of
discontinuities, and understanding the effect of discontinuities is essential in the economical …