Following up from our previous blog post on 3D FEMDEM Simulations, 3D simulations of a tunnel excavated in a weak rock (resembling properties of a clay shale) are presented here (E=3.8 GPa, ν=0.25, σt=0.41 MPa, c=5 MPa). In this simplified case study, the entire length of the tunnel was excavated at once at the beginning … Read more
We have been working on a prototype of three-dimensional FDEM. We’ve implemented most of the critical features into the code, including a quasi-static friction law, Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion, and transversely isotropic elastic constitutive law. We’re excited to showcase some of the simulations results here. The figure below shows the simulation of a uniaxial compression test … Read more
Mechanical anisotropy: sources and implications The mechanical behaviour of several rocks, such as schists, sandstones, shales and basalts, is characterized by strong stiffness and strength anisotropy . This anisotropy may arise at different spatial scales within the rock: mineral scale: laminated material micro-structure; centimetre scale: schistosity, foliation, and bedding planes; rock mass scale: presence of … Read more