PFC 7 Creation of a Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) Specimen

This tutorial will guide you through how to create a fractured Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) specimen.

Rock masses are complex systems composed of a rock matrix that may have heterogeneous material properties, often riddled with discontinuities (e.g., fractures, joints, faults, etc.). With PFC, SRM modeling consists of superimposing fracture information (i.e., geometries and properties), from a discrete fracture network (DFN), onto a bonded-particle model (BPM). The BPM is used to model intact rock, and the mechanical behavior of the fractures is introduced by modifying the particle contacts intercepting fractures. As PFC models are inherently discrete, failure can occur both in intact BPM regions and along the fracture planes. The simulation of a rock mass from such a configuration is known as the Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) methodology.

Learn more about PFC and see the tutorial write-up in PFC's online documentation. The project files are included with PFC.

Latest News
  • Newsletter October 2023 ...
    Read More
  • Newsletter August 2023 ...
    Read More
  • New General Manager for ITASCA Sweden We have appointed a new GM in Sweden!...
    Read More

Upcoming Events
13 May
Getting Started With Dynamic Modeling in FLAC3D
This training supplies the tools needed to describe and apply the workflow for dynamic analysis in FLAC3D, demonstrating a comprehensiv... Read More
8 May
World Tunnel Congress 2025
This year the World tunnel congress 2025 is hosted in Sweden Stockholm. We are excited to meet all of you in Stockholm the 9-15th of Ma... Read More
11 Jun
Python in Itasca Software
This course provides an overview of the Python programming language in Itasca software.The course covers major applications of Python t... Read More