A comparison between random mesh schemes and explicit growth rules for rock fracture simulation

Abstract A procedure for simulating the formation of fractures using a random mesh scheme is described. Fracturing is simulated by selecting appropriate arcs of the mesh in sequence to build up the resulting fracture pattern. Results are compared to physical modelling experiments and the effect of the choice of residual strength parameters for each activated crack is examined. The results of using an alternative scheme to simulate shear band growth as an equivalent single discontinuity in which the growth direction is controlled by a strain energy release criterion, are also presented.