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Stress Analysis for Rock Mass Failure with Offset Joints

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Abstract

Two-dimensional finite element model was created in this work to investigate the stress distribution within rock-like samples with offset open non-persistent joints under uniaxial loading. The results of this study have explained the fracture mechanisms observed in tests on rock-like material with open non-persistent offset joints (Mughieda and Alzo’ubi, Geotech Geol Eng J 22:545–562, 2004). Finite element code SAP2000 was used to study the stresses distribution within the specimens. Four-noded isoperimetric plain strain element with two degrees of freedom per node, and the three-noded constant strain triangular element with two degree of freedom per node were used in the present study. The results of the present study showed that the tensile stress in the bridge area caused coalescence for specimens with overlapped preexisting cracks (joints) while the coalescence of the secondary cracks, due to shear stress, caused the failure of specimens with non-overlapping cracks.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Omer Mughieda

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Intelligent Systems and Infrastructure & Energy and Environment Research Groups, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    Maher T. Omar

Authors
  1. Omer Mughieda
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  2. Maher T. Omar
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Correspondence to Omer Mughieda.

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Mughieda, O., Omar, M.T. Stress Analysis for Rock Mass Failure with Offset Joints. Geotech Geol Eng 26, 543–552 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-008-9188-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-008-9188-1

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