Stochastic modeling method and elastic parameter analysis of the irregular columnar jointed rock masses considering the joint characteristics within the cross section

In this study, a modified constrained centroid Voronoi tessellation (MCCVT) algorithm was used to generate stochastic models of irregular columnar jointed rock masses (CJRMs) considering the joint characteristics within the cross section. Subsequently, the effect of the size and joint characteristics, such as the joint density (JD) and coefficient of variation (COV), on the elastic parameters of the CJRMs were analyzed. The results indicated that the MCCVT algorithm generated irregular CJRMs with a high-accuracy advantage over conventional algorithms, with JD and COV relative errors of only 0.73% and 0.90%, respectively. The minimum representative volume element (RVE) size was found to be larger than 2.0 m. With increasing JD, the elastic modulus decreased almost linearly, whereas Poisson's ratio did not change significantly. As the COV increased, the elastic modulus decreased before increasing, although this effect is not significant. Meanwhile, Poisson's ratio continued to increase. Additionally, the anisotropy ratio of the elastic modulus first increased before decreasing with increasing COV, whereas that of Poisson's ratio continued to increase. The maximum anisotropy ratios of the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio were 1.87 and 1.35, respectively. These findings suggest that treating CJRMs as transverse isotropic media is oversimplified. Finally, fitting equations based on the numerical simulation results were proposed to estimate the elastic parameters of irregular CJRMs based on joint characteristics, which could help researchers better understand the mechanical characteristics of CJRMs.