Numerical Investigation of the Scale Effects of Rock Bridges

Due to the challenge of measuring rock bridges in field and negligence progressive damage changes stresses within a mass when defining bridges, it is questionable evaluate mechanical properties using only geometric parameters. A demonstration scale effects because same parameter may refer different sizes numbers leading erroneous equivalent responses. In this context, in-plane slope engineering were subjected direct shear by conducting numerical simulations employing Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC) described constant parameters, i.e., joint persistence, while variant. way, investigated from perspective load–displacement curves, stress displacement fields, crack propagations AE characterizations. The results revealed that deteriorated with decreasing scales. More specifically, resistance area value concentration decreased scale. Furthermore, an uneven distribution fields arc manner moving degrading away load was observed, indicating sequential failure multiple bridges. It also found propagation tensile wing cracks insensitive scale, asperity macro fracture mainly formed secondary addition, increasing dispersion would overlap precursors identified intense activities. Based on abovementioned results, characterized existing bridge potential (RBP) index degree persistence (DoP) index. Interestingly, threshold possibly identify found.