Numerical Simulation of Stress Distribution in a Tilted Transversely Isotropic Rock Stratum

Based on the project of Baihetan hydropower station, concerning the extensively developed columnar joints rock within the dam site area, the article carries out a study on the asymmetric characteristic of stress distribution in a tilted transversely isotropic rock stratum, at presence of inclined structural interfaces, which is subjected to a strip loading. Several theories related to stress distribution of tilted transversely isotropic rock are analyzed, a numerical simulation of rock stratum is subsequently conducted and graphics of stress distribution corresponding to different inclination angle of structural interfaces are obtained. Finally, the paper makes a comparison between the stress distribution procured by simulation and that of the analytical theory, and a conclusion on how inclined structural interfaces influence mechanical properties of transversely isotropic rock is generalized.