Determination of RVE with consideration of the spatial effect

Rock masses possess typical inhomogeneity that can be attributed to discontinuities, and the representative volume element (RVE) reflects this inhomogeneity. The employment of a three-dimensional fracture network enables the determination of the RVE of rock masses. However, previous studies have not fully considered inhomogeneity. Rock mass parameters and the changing trend of increasing study size in different regions vary. The rock mass parameters are characterized by the spatial effect, and RVE values vary for different regions. This thesis discusses the existence of the spatial effect and RVE variation using the 3-D fracture network of the White Crane Dam. By comprehensively examining the parameters P32, mean directions, and concentration parameter as research foci, the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov goodness-of-fit test, and Watson test are conducted, and the RVE (11 m) of the rock mass is calculated. This strategy is more objective and reasonable for mitigating the impact of the spatial effect of the rock mass.

► 3-D fracture network modeling was used to determine RVE.
► This paper discussed the RVE variation caused by the spatial effect of rock masses.
► This paper determined the RVE that mitigates the impact of the spatial effect.
► This paper considered the fracture characteristics in RVE calculation.