A review of computational approaches for simulating fracturing mechanisms in layered rock formations

Abstract With the increasing availability and sophistication of computer hardware and software, computational modelling has become a cornerstone in the understanding of geomaterials mechanical behaviours over recent decades. Numerous researchers have sought to develop and refine various simulation models to accurately represent the mechanical behaviour and fracturing mechanisms in rocks. It is the purpose of this review paper to present a comprehensive overview of the most advanced numerical approaches, including continuum methods, discrete element methods, and combined finite-discrete element methods, which have been widely used in the rock engineering fields to simulate fracture processes in layered rock. The fundamentals of each simulation technique are elucidated, focusing particularly on approaches that model fracture initiation, propagation, and the effects of discontinuities in rock masses. This discussion is supplemented by a concise summary of application work, highlighting both laboratory-scale models of layered rock failure and simulations of fracturing behaviour in geoengineering projects involving layered rock masses.