THE DECOVALEX TEST - CASE ONE

This test case is based on experimental data from a study of the mecha nical and hydraulic reaction of a natural rough joint upon normal and shear stress loading. The test was conducted in NGI's Coupled Shear Fl ow Test apparatus, which allows large diameter jointed rock cores to b e tested under controlled boundary stresses with multiple loading-unlo ading cycles, Five teams have modelled two joints, using finite and di screte element codes with different joint constitutive laws, The simul ation results agree well with the experimental data during pure normal stress loading, and less well for shear displacement induced joint di lation.