ABSTRACT
Discrete element models are widely used in the representation of discontinuous media, ranging from granular materials to jointed rock masses. These numerical techniques have also become a powerful tool in micro- and meso-scale modeling of fracture processes in rock. A review is presented of the bonded-particle and bonded-block models developed for the analysis of laboratory tests on rock specimens, and their extensions intended for failure analysis of rock engineering works. Key modeling issues are examined and the current research trends are discussed.
