Numerical simulation of the anisotropic properties of a columnar jointed rock mass under triaxial compression

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the anisotropic characteristics of the special structure of a columnar jointed rock masses and provide reference to forecast the behavioral characteristics of real samples. Design/methodology/approach This study used FLAC3D numerical software to simulate the mechanical behavior of columnar jointed rock masses with different columns angles (ss) under different stress conditions. The peak strength, elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio were obtained to investigate the strength, deformation characteristics and failure modes of the rock masses under conventional and true triaxial compression. Findings The results showed that the compressive strength of the specimens presents a U-shape under different joint inclinations. The strength of the specimens reaches a maximum value when ss = 90 degrees, and the value for ss = 0 degrees is slightly lower and reaches a minimum value when ss = 50 degrees. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the samples are obviously anisotropic, the anisotropic coefficient decreases with increasing confining pressure. When sigma(2) sigma(3), the peak strengths of the samples are related to the direction of the minor principal stress, and the failure modes of the samples are related to the confining pressure and joint inclination. Originality/value The present paper uses a numerical simulation method to examine the strength and deformation characteristics of a columnar jointed rock mass under conventional and true triaxial compression. The aim is to provide a reference to forecast the mechanical characteristics of test samples in the laboratory.