The Joint Empirical Model---an equivalent continuum model for jointed rock masses; Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project

Technical Report · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:138102

Blanford, M L; Key, S W ^[1]

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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

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
FIELD TESTS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FORTRAN
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
SHEAR PROPERTIES
STRESS ANALYSIS
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TUFF
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
YUCCA MOUNTAIN
Yucca Mountain Project