A Study on Shear Strength under Constant Normal Load Conditions by Using 3DEC

Abstract

Direct shear tests have been initiated to understand the characteristics of joints which crucially affect the stability of rock mass. In this research, numerical approach in direct shear tests has been initiated using 3DEC on the basis of 3D distinct element method. Normal loads were altered in four different levels on artificial joint tests depending on the sawtooth angle and strengths on constant normal stress conditions, measuring the peak shear strength according to the direct shear tests under laboratory condition. Also results obtained from mechanical properties through laboratory test were used to perform numerical modeling, and shear strength obtained from the modeling was used to compare with laboratory direct shear test. As a result numerical analysis from distinct element method can simulate well on the shear behavior of rockmass.