Extended Rigid Body Spring Network method for the simulation of brittle rocks

In this paper, the Rigid Body Spring Network method is extended in order to provide for a realistic representation of the fracturing processes of brittle rocks. To achieve this objective, three new contributions are given to the method: a Cohesive Zone Model; a representation of rock heterogeneity; and the consideration of preexisting natural microcracks. In order to verify the competence of the contributions proposed, a case study is presented based on a granite rock. Conventional laboratory tests are numerically performed and the results are compared to those obtained in laboratory in order to show the performance of the proposed model.