The use of stochastic geomechanical properties of potential failure plane and fracture networks for realistic modelling of rock mass behaviour : A synthetic rock mass modelling (SRM) study

Almost all conventional discrete fracture network (DFN) models embedded within rock masses are discontinuities with zero tensile strength and mean values of geomechanical parameters. However, the spatial variability and networks of weak and strong potential failure planes and discontinuities have a significant effect on rock mass behaviour. Therefore, the geomechanical heterogeneous nature of potential failure planes and fractures, along with their geometrical parameters, is crucial for understanding rock mass behaviour. To bridge this gap in research, this paper provides a methodology for stochastic modelling of potential failure plane and discontinuity geomechanical properties effects on rock mass behaviour using a combination of DFN and discrete element modelling approach. Due to the uncertainties and distributed geomechanical characteristics of DFN, fracturing may occur through an intact part, DFN, or a combination of intact and DFN. A parametric study was performed to investigate the influence of friction angle, normal and shear stiffness, cohesion, and tensile strength of potential failure planes and discontinuities. The results indicate that the proposed stochastic geomechanical DFN model gives more realistic rock mass strengths and failure patterns compared to the conventional DFN framework. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.