Macro-mechanical properties of columnar jointed basaltic rock masses

From the geological structure of the columnar jointed rock mass, a visual model was established in software AUTOCAD by programming based on the algorithm of the Voronoi diagram. Furthermore, a program to convert the AUTOCAD model into 3DEC (3-dimensional distinct element code) model was developed, and a numerical model was established in 3DEC. Moreover, the results of triaxial compression tests of columnar jointed rock masses were simulated numerically. The REV (representative element volume) scale was studied, and the result shows that the REV size is 3 m × 3 m. The proposed approach, the established model and the numerical simulation were applied to study the macro-mechanical properties and the equivalent strength parameters of the columnar jointed rock mass. The numerical simulation results are in good accordance with the in-situ test results.