Numerical simulation scheme of jointed rock masses using UAV photogrammetry and a disk-based discontinuous deformation analysis model

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for photogrammetry allows the rapid acquisition of high-resolution images of geological masses in complex landforms. However, effective analysis of the acquired image information remains a key research issue. At K158 + 837 on the Chongqing-Huaihua Railway, Baima jointed rock masses were reconstructed with high accuracy using UAV close-range photogrammetry technology, and rock discontinuities were extracted from the projected image. The proposed modeling algorithm for jointed rock masses enables the preprocessing of two-dimensional jointed rock mass slopes. Numerical simulations using the disk-based discontinuous deformation analysis method show that the discontinuity network formed by initial cutting significantly affects the subsequent crack development. Meanwhile, simulation results under different scenarios indicate the importance of the pre-reinforcement measures applied to unstable rock masses. The workflow developed based on these results can serve as a reference for the comprehensive acquisition, recognition and numerical modeling analysis of similar jointed rock masses.