Numerical simulation for layered rock under Brazilian test

This paper presents the results of the numerical simulation of the failure process, failure modes and tensile strength of layered rock. This paper employs 2-D Particle Flow Code (PFC^2D) to simulate layered rock models for different inclination angles that varies between 0° to 90° under Brazilian test. Based on the numerical simulation results, the effect of inclination angle plays an important role in the tensile strength and failure mode of layered rock. The tensile strength of layered rock decreases with the increase of the inclination angle. The failure of simulated layered rock with varied inclination angles under Brazilian test is classified into three modes: (a) split across layer when the inclination angle is 0° to 45°, (2) split along layer when the inclination angle is 60° and 90°, and(3) mixed mode could be observed for θ = 15°. Besides, the numerical simulation results agree well with the experimental data from other investigators, in terms of failure modes.