ABSTRACT
This paper reports on the potential of using numerical methods in predicting the shear behavior of rock discontinuities. For this purpose, the Barton-Bandis empirical model for joint behavior has been implemented in a three-dimensional finite difference code (FLAC3D). A series of direct shear tests under controlled normal stress were numerically undertaken on both saw-cut and natural discontinuities and compared to laboratory tests. It was demonstrated that it was possible to obtain realistic simulation of joint behavior.
