Simulation of progressive fracturing processes around underground excavations under biaxial compression

Fractures that develop progressively around underground excavations can be simulated using a numerical code called RFPA (rock failure process analysis). This code incorporates the mesoscopic heterogeneity in Young’s modulus and rock strength characteristic of rock masses. In the numerical models of a rock mass, values of Young’s modulus and rock strength are realized according to a Weibull distribution in which the distribution parameters...