Energetics parameter estimation of jointed rock mass based on Hoek-Brown failure criterion

The deformation and failure of rocks are a process of energy dissipation and release. For the jointed rock masses, the estimation of energetics parameters during loading procedures is a challenge because of their complex structures and difficulties of laboratory tests. The paper proposed a methodology for the energetics parameter estimation of jointed rock masses in critical state based on the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and rock energy theory. For the rock mass with continuous joints (or layers), the orientation effect of continuous joints was reflected by the revised uniaxial compressive strength of rock piece. The PFC^3Dnumerical simulation software was used to simulate the triaxial compressive process with small size models of rock pieces (Φ50 mm×100 mm) and big size models of rock masses (Φ2 m×2 m). The mesoscopic parameters of rock numerical model were calibrated by the result of triaxial compression test and applied for the numerical simulation of jointed rock mass. The estimated energetics parameters derived from Hoek-Brown failure criterion were proved to be accurate by the validation with simulated stress strain curves and energy curves.