Transmission of elastic waves through a frictional boundary

• Transmission of incident energy across joint is discussed using Miller's method.
• Tests using bender/extender elements on jointed POP samples are discussed.
• Bender/extender element tests are simulated using 3DEC software and validated.
• Parametric studies are conducted on validated 3DEC numerical model.
• Nonlinear behavior of rock joints due to multiple reflections of energy.

Incident energy gets transmitted, reflected and absorbed across an interface in jointed rock mass leading to energy dissipation and alteration of waves. Wave velocities get attenuated during their propagation across joints and this behavior is studied using bender/extender element tests. The velocity attenuation and modulus reduction observed in experimental tests are modeled with three dimensional distinct element code and results are validated. Normal propagation of an incident shear wave through a jointed rock mass cause slip of the rock blocks if shear stress of wave exceeds the shear strength of the joint. As the properties of joint determine the transmission of energy across an interface, a parametric study is then conducted with the validated numerical model by varying the parameters that may determine the energy transmission across a joint using modified Miller's method. Results of the parametric study are analyzed and presented in the paper.