Numerical direct shear tests to model the shear behaviour of rock joints

In this paper, the shear behaviour of rock joints are numerically simulated using the discrete element code PFC2D. In PFC, the intact rock is represented by an assembly of separate particles bonded together where the damage process is represented by the breakage of these bonds. Traditionally, joints have been modelled in PFC by removing the bonds between particles. This approach however is not able to reproduce the sliding behaviour of joints...