ABSTRACT
This paper presents a three-dimensional Block-Spring Model (BSM3D) recently developed for simulation of jointed rocks. It is an extension of a two-dimensional Block-Spring Model that has been successfully applied to various rock mechanics cases. Applications of 2-D model have demonstrated that this technique is a useful tool for analyzing the behavior of jointed and faulted rocks. The extension to a 3-D model further enhanced the capability of this technique. The paper presents the algorithm and some special features of the 3-D BSM. Two examples are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the model.
