Strength characteristics and fracture evolution of rock with different shapes inclusions based on particle flow code

Natural rock mass contains defects of different shapes, usually filled with inclusions such as clay or gravel. The presence of inclusions affects the failure characteristics and mechanical properties of rock mass. In this study, the strength and failure characteristics of rock with inclusions were studied using the particle flow code under uniaxial compression. The results show that the presence of inclusions not only improves the mechanical properties of rock with defects but also increases the bearing capacity of rock. Circular inclusion has the most obvious effect on improving model strength. The inclusions affect the stress distribution, development of initial crack, change in crack propagation characteristics, and failure mode of rock. In defect models, concentration area of the maximum tensile stress is generated at the top and bottom of defect, and the maximum compressive stress is distributed on the left and right sides of defect. In filled models, the tensile stress and compressive stress are uniformly distributed. Failing mode of defect models is mainly tensile failure, while that of filled models is mainly shear failure.