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A Study of Three Intrinsic Problems of the Classic Discrete Element Method Using Flat-Joint Model

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Abstract

Discrete element methods have been proven to offer a new avenue for obtaining the mechanics of geo-materials. The standard bonded-particle model (BPM), a classic discrete element method, has been applied to a wide range of problems related to rock and soil. However, three intrinsic problems are associated with using the standard BPM: (1) an unrealistically low unconfined compressive strength to tensile strength (UCS/TS) ratio, (2) an excessively low internal friction angle, and (3) a linear strength envelope, i.e., a low Hoek–Brown (HB) strength parameter m i . After summarizing the underlying reasons of these problems through analyzing previous researchers’ work, flat-joint model (FJM) is used to calibrate Jinping marble and is found to closely match its macro-properties. A parametric study is carried out to systematically evaluate the micro-parameters’ effect on these three macro-properties. The results indicate that (1) the UCS/TS ratio increases with the increasing average coordination number (CN) and bond cohesion to tensile strength ratio, but it first decreases and then increases with the increasing crack density (CD); (2) the HB strength parameter m i has positive relationships to the crack density (CD), bond cohesion to tensile strength ratio, and local friction angle, but a negative relationship to the average coordination number (CN); (3) the internal friction angle increases as the crack density (CD), bond cohesion to tensile strength ratio, and local friction angle increase; (4) the residual friction angle has little effect on these three macro-properties and mainly influences post-peak behavior. Finally, a new calibration procedure is developed, which not only addresses these three problems, but also considers the post-peak behavior.

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Acknowledgments

The support received from Key Program of Natural Science Foundation of China (51074014, 51174014) and Beijing Training Project for the Leading Talent in S & T (Z151100000315014), is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil and Environment Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China

    Shunchuan Wu & Xueliang Xu

  2. Key Laboratory of Ministry for Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China

    Shunchuan Wu & Xueliang Xu

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  1. Shunchuan Wu
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Wu, S., Xu, X. A Study of Three Intrinsic Problems of the Classic Discrete Element Method Using Flat-Joint Model. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49, 1813–1830 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0890-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0890-z

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