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U.S. Department of Energy
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The Joint Empirical Model---an equivalent continuum model for jointed rock masses; Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:138102
;  [1]
  1. RE/SPEC, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (USA)

The Joint Empirical Model is an equivalent continuum model for mechanical behavior of jointed rock masses that was developed for incorporation into computer programs based on the finite element method. The model is based on the fundamental assumption that the joints are contact discontinuities; i.e., the tractions supported by the joint are in equilibrium with the stresses in the adjacent rock. The mathematical description of joint response is based on empirical relations derived from laboratory and field experiments. The FORTRAN implementation solves for simultaneous equilibrium on as many as four joint sets. This report describes the empirical relations and mathematical development used in the model, the program structure, and the verification problems that were solved to ensure that the FORTRAN implementation of the model performs the intended functions. 20 refs., 22 figs., 7 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States); RE/SPEC, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
138102
Report Number(s):
SAND--87-7072; ON: DE91012637
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English