We present a discussion of the state-of-the-art on the use of discrete fracture networks (DFNs) for modelling geometrical characteristics, geomechanical evolution and hydromechanical (HM) behaviour of natural fracture networks in rock. The DFN models considered include those based on geological mapping, stochastic generation and geomechanical simulation. Different types of continuum, discontinuum and hybrid geomechanical models that integrate DFN information are summarised. Numerical studies aiming at investigating geomechanical effects on fluid flow in DFNs are reviewed. The paper finally provides recommendations for advancing the modelling of coupled HM processes in fractured rocks through more physically-based DFN generation and geomechanical simulation

An algorithm is presented for representing irregular particles as clusters of overlapping spheres, for use within discrete element method (DEM) simulations of particulates. The algorithm is sufficiently fast to be implemented on desktop computers. Although volume and moment of inertia comparisons of resulting clusters with prototypical geometric data show that in the region of 50 to 100 spheres may be needed to represent a particle, actual DEM simulations of an unstable pile of simulated particles show that only 10 or so spheres may be sufficient to capture the mechanics of the system.

We study through numerical simulations the dependence of the hydraulic permeability of granular materials on the particle shape and the grain size distribution. Several models of sand are constructed by simulating the settling under gravity of the grains; the friction coefficient is varied to construct packs of different porosity. The size distribution and shapes of the grains mimic real sands. Fluid flow is simulated in the resulting packs using a finite element method and the permeability of the packs is successfully compared with available experimental data. Packs of nonspherical particles are less permeable than sphere packs of the same porosity. Our results indicate that the details of grain shape and size distribution have only a small effect on the permeabilty of the systems studied.