Abstract：A linear elastic damage model based on finite element method at mesoscopic level was applied to investigate the three-dimensional failure process of rock subjected to various stress loadings. Uniform cube element was adopted in RFPA3D code and rock specimens were discritisized into uniform cube elements with the same size and shape. Mechanical properties in the elements，including elastic modulus and peak strength，were distributed with the specimens following a certain statistical function. In each element，the mechanical properties were homogenous. The elastic moduli and other mechanical properties were weakened when the stresses in the elements are satisfied with the failure criterion. By following a simple elasto-brittle constitutive relation，the complete 3D rock progressive failure was obtained. Finally，three basic experiments were conducted with RFPA3D. Complete nonlinear stress-strain curves as well as facture pictures during damage evolution process were obtained. The numerical simulation results showed that 3D failure process was much more complicated than 2D failure process. It also shows RFPA method is a useful and effective tool to simulate the failure process of heterogeneous materials.
