Experimental and numerical study of step-path failure in jointed rocks

To study the failure process and mechanism of step-path failure in jointed rocks, experimental and numerical methods are conducted. In the damage evolution model, the previous damage field is introduced into the following finite element calculation. Based on this way, the initiation, propagation and coalescence of cracks can be simulated and presented. According to the results of numerical simulations and physical experiments, the brittle fractures caused by tensile stress may be the main reason of step-path failure, which interact with natural discontinuities to form macroscopic shear planes. Shear cracks also play an important role in the process of step-path failure, which can accelerate the process of step-path failure. Additionally, the proposed damage evolution model has a good agreement with the test results. According to the test and numerical results, the stability of jointed rocks by step-path failure is discussed, and the possible slides due to step-path failure are classified and analyzed, and the corresponding criterion and protective measures are also given. These results are expected to improve the understanding of step-path failure in rocks and can be used to analyze the stability of rock structures and rock masses, such as the slopes tunneling construction or, excavated underground openings.