A new approach for predicting direct shear tests on rock fractures

The shear process can significantly affect the hydro-mechanical properties of rock fractures. In the present study, a new approach is developed to predict the direct shear process of rock fractures under the constant normal load condition. This approach is validated by three sets of laboratory direct shear test data and it is then used to study the impact of rock mechanical properties on the shear process. The results show that the presented shear modelling approach can reliably predict the entire shear process of direct shear tests on rough rock fractures under the constant normal load condition. The shear strengths and the normal displacement are sensitive to different physical parameters, which are demonstrated through a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the physical parameters (i.e., the mechanical properties). The presented shear modelling approach and the sensitivity analysis results are useful for further hydro-mechanical investigations of fractured rocks.