Numerical modelling of reinforced jointed rock masses I. Theory

The concept of reinforced multi-laminates has been developed and applied to the analysis of reinforced jointed rock masses. The discontinuities and reinforcements in the rock mass are assumed to occur in regular sets, with relatively close spacing within sets. The constitutive equations are established for an ‘equivalent material’, this being identical in its mechanical response to the reinforced jointed rock mass, consisting of its components, i.e. rock material, sets of discontinuities, and sets of reinforcements with associated sets of interfaces. An elasto-visco/plastic algorithm is used so that each component is described by its elastic, failure and flow properties together with its relative orientation. The constitutive equations for the ‘equivalent material’ can be applied to determine optimal reinforcement arrangements for problems of various levels of complexity. Several practical examples illustrating this are contained in a companion paper.