A three-dimensional equivalent continuum constitutive model for jointed rock masses containing up to three random joint sets

A three dimensional constitutive model is formulated for deformation analysis of jointed rock masses containing up to three joint sets with arbitrary spatial configurations. A representative elementary volume (REV) that represents the deformational response of the rock mass is defined and the constitutive relationships are developed based on superposition of deformations of the REV components. By representing the constitutive relationships in a tensorial form, the model is able to implement deformation anisotropy of jointed rock masses. The Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion with tension cut-off is used for the intact rock and the joint sets. The model is implemented in FLAC(3D) and the deformations and strength values calculated by the model are compared with the results from a 3DEC model and analytical solutions. The model results are in good agreement with those obtained from 3DEC.