Distinct element analysis for Class II behavior of rocks under uniaxial compression

In this study, the radial strain control method for uniaxial compression tests was introduced in the distinct element method (DEM) codes and the Class II behavior of rocks was simulated. The microscopic parameters used in the DEM models were determined based on laboratory uniaxial compression tests and Brazilian tests carried at Aspo Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden. The numerical simulation results show good agreement with the complete stress-strain curves for Class II obtained from the laboratory experiments. These results suggest that the DEM can reproduce the Class II behavior of the rock successfully. The mechanism of the Class II behavior was also discussed in detail from the microscopic point of view. The loading condition and microscopic structure of rocks will play an important role for the Class II behavior. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.