Application of digital image-based heterogeneity characterization in coupled hydromechanics of rock

The heterogeneity has significant effect on the failure process and seepage characteristics of rock.A digital image-based(DIB) technique was proposed to characterize and quantify the heterogeneity of rock,and it was implemented into RFPA(Rock failure process analysis) code in order to simulate the complete failure process of rock under both the external loading and fluid pressure.It was shown by numerical simulations that the DIB technique was effective in capturing the rock heterogeneity,and it paved a new way for quantifying the effect of local heterogeneity on macroscopic failure process and seepage characteristics.