Modélisations numériques et physique de falaises rocheuses

A physical model of a fractured chalk block is compared with numerical modelling. This comparison represents the tough process taking place when comparing an in situ rock mass with that obtained from numerical models. After presenting the physical model and the procedure of its centrifugation, different geometrical and mechanical modelling running RESOBLOK and 3DEC software are tackled. The rupture mechanisms observed are quite well represented, although dimension problems appear in RESOBLOK modelling. This experiment encourages us to improve the comparison process which allows the geomodel representativity to be repetitively analysed (Which discontnuities are mechanically important?) and the mechanical model to be qualified (From which comparisons? On how many points? On which measurements?).