Linking between joint geometry models and a distinct element method in three dimensions to perform stress analyses in rock masses containing finite size joints

To use the distinct element method to perform stress analysis in three dimensions (3D), the domain considered has to be discretized into distinct polyhedral blocks by the joints present in rock masses. Unfortunately, most of the joint networks present in rock masses do not produce distinct polyhedral blocks. Therefore, to use the distinct element method to perform stress analysis in actual jointed rock masses, it is necessary to find a procedure to discretize the rock mass into polyhedral blocks starting from a 3D joint network which does not discretize a rock mass into polyhedral blocks. Also, this procedure should not alter the mass deformation and strength properties of the jointed rock. This paper provides needed procedures to link 3D stochastic or deterministic joint geometry modeling schemes to a 3D distinct element method to perform stress analysis in jointed rock masses which contain finite size joints. The procedure is illustrated through an example.