Prediction of Peak strength of transversely isotropic rocks by using distinct element method

The most common feature of the sedimentary and metamorphic rocks is anisotropy playing a significant role in behaviour of this type of rocks under applied forces. Therefore many experimental investigations are done to consider the influence of anisotropy on mechanical behaviour and peak strength of these rocks. Numerical method and especially Distinct Element Method (DEM) can be used to simulate brittle failure of rocks under uniaxial and triaxial loading. In this study the mechanical behaviour of a transversely isotropic rock is investigated by PFC code. Thus, samples with varying bedding angle (from 0 to 90 degree) are loaded under different confining pressures. Comparison of numerical and experimental results revealed that PFC is an efficient tool for simulation of failure behaviour of transversely isotropic rocks. Also it’s indicated that the peak strength of transversely isotopic rock is varied by anisotropy orientation; then, a model is suggested to predict the peak strength of transversely isotropic rocks.