Numerical simulation of a large flat jack test with cycling loading

Abstract

Large flat jack tests are one of the field techniques used to assess rock mass deformability. The paper introduces a methodology for interpretation of these tests. A three-dimensional numerical model was developed, which simulates the test with the actually applied loading and allows assessing the evolution of the displacements in the location of the transducers. The depth of the tension crack that may develop in the rock mass during the test is assessed at each test stage. The paper presents the calculations that were performed for simulation of an actual large flat jack test protocol with four loading and unloading cycles.