The
polyaxial results also exhibited the dependence of the peak
strength on increasing s2, following a downward concave shape
where the peak increase was observed at s2 ¼ 5 MPa. Further
investigation, in particular using various s3 values, is required to
study this effect. Overall, the 3D simulations presented promising
results for the use of 3D FDEM in modelling the mechanical
response and damage evolution of the rock.