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SUMMARYIn this work, we present a discrete beam lattice model with embedded discontinuities capable of simulating rock failure as a result of propagating cracks through rock mass. The developed model is a two-dimensional (plane strain) microscale representation of rocks as a two-phase heterogeneous material. Phase I is chosen for intact rock part, while phase II stands for pre-existing microcracks and other defects. The proposed model relies on Timoshenko beam elements enhanced with additional kinematics to describe localized failure mechanisms. The model can properly take into account the fracture process zone with pre-existing microcracks coalescence, along with localized failure modes, mode I of tensile opening and mode II of shear sliding. Furthermore, we give the very detailed presentation for two different approaches to capturing the evolution of modes I and II, and their interaction and combination. The first approach is to deal with modes I and II separately, where mode II can be activated but compression force may still be transferred through rock mass which is not yet completely damaged. The second approach is to represent both modes I and II being activated simultaneously at a point where complete failure is reached. A novel numerical procedure for dealing with two modes failure within framework of method of incompatible modes is presented in detail and validated by a set of numerical examples.

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Durability is one of the most important engineering properties of weak and clay-bearing rocks. Weathering can induce a rapid change in rock material from initial properties to soil-like properties. The sensitivity of a rock type against weatherability is usually described by a durability parameter, such as the slake durability index. However, marl resistance is not detected satisfactorily by the durability indices by using slake durability test as suggested by ISRM for two wetting-drying cycles. The results of this study are obtained from samples of compact or laminated eocene marls from region of Dalmatia, Croatia. The samples were subjected to 4 cycles of slake durability, point load tests, determination of dry density, determination of carbonate content and absorption of water. The scatter of data suggests that strength probably has no influence on the durability of marls. On the other hand a separate group of marl samples have a second-cycle slake durability index higher than approximately 85%, and the durability of these samples is classified as ''medium-high'' to ''high'', although the visual inspection of samples after testing, suggests that they should have ''medium'' to ''low'' durability classification. According to obtained results these samples of marl fulfil the criterions for the durability classification: a carbonate content lower than approximately 65%, a dry density lower than 2.4 Mg/m 3 , and values of water absorption higher than 5%.