On the basis of microstructure analysis and image analysis, rock heterogeneity is modelled by the rock and tool (R-T2D) interaction code according to homogenisation theory. The simulated results predict very well the non-linear stress-strain behaviour and the progressive fracture process of heterogeneous rock material. It is found that the weak parts and subsequent fractures before localization represent an obvious statistically uniform characteristic. Therefore, a statistical method is used to model rock heterogeneity. The results from the statistical modelling are in surprisingly good agreement with those from the homogenisation modelling. Considering the research scale, the rock heterogeneity is characterized better by the Weibull statistical method as a few characteristic parameters: the homogeneous index and the elemental seed parameters of the R-T2D finite element network. Finally, a series of numerical experiments are conducted to validate that the characterization of rock heterogeneity is reasonable and feasible, and that the R-T2D code is stable, repeatable and a valuable tool to research the fracture process of heterogeneous material. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Engineering
Research Group:	Resources engineering and extractive metallurgy
Research Field:	Geomechanics and resources geotechnical engineering
Objective Division:	Construction
Objective Group:	Construction processes
Objective Field:	Civil construction processes
UTAS Author:	Liu, H (Dr Hong Liu)
ID Code:	63519
Year Published:	2004
Web of Science® Times Cited:	108
Deposited By:	Engineering
Deposited On:	2010-05-11
Last Modified:	2011-08-01
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