Three-dimensional modeling of a coupled shear-flow test on soft sedimentary rock

It is fundamental to understand the process of crack initiation and propagation of intact rock to clarify the coupled hydro-mechanical properties due to the stress change in underground. We have been working on the study of coupled shear-flow properties on sedimentary rock using pumice tuff, Japan. The changes of shear stress, normal stress, flow rate and process of fracturing on sample surface have been investigated by using a new type coupled shear-flow test apparatus. In this study, we designed a numerical model for the coupled shear-flow test using a discrete element code. We report the comparison between the experimental results and the simulation results. The porosity changes of model showed good agreement with the flow rate behavior of the test.