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Comparison of Hoek-Brown GSI system and discrete element method in characterizing rock masses behavior
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DOI：10.1007/s10064-026-05198-2.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
The Hoek-Brown Geological Strength Index (HB-GSI) system and the Discrete Element Method (DEM) are widely employed in rock engineering to characterize rock mass behavior; however, their comparative performance has rarely been systematically assessed. This study presents a comprehensive comparison between these two approaches by evaluating their predictions for pseudo-isotropic jointed rock masses. A total of 100 DEM models encompassing a broad range of joint configurations and material properties were developed and analyzed. GSI values were determined using a quantified GSI chart and by back-calculation from DEM-derived mechanical properties obtained through uniaxial compressive and tensile strength tests. The comparative analysis revealed significant discrepancies between chart-based and DEM-derived GSI values, reflecting an internal inconsistency in HB-GSI predictions across different rock mass mechanical parameters. This study observed that even rock masses with equivalent GSI values could display divergent mechanical behaviors when analyzed using DEM. Furthermore, the HB-GSI system predicted uniaxial compressive strength, deformation modulus, and tensile strength within a ± 20% margin of the DEM results for only 16%, 24%, and 4% of the models, respectively. Although HB-GSI predictions for uniaxial compressive strength and deformation modulus approximated the median values of DEM-derived results, substantial variability around these medians undermines their reliability for rigorous engineering applications. These findings emphasize caution when using HB-GSI in isolation and highlight the necessity of incorporating detailed discontinuum numerical modeling approaches to achieve robust and reliable rock mass characterization in engineering geological practice.
Keywords:
Hoek-brown model
Geological strength index (GSI)
Discrete element method (DEM)
Comparative analysis
Rock mass behavior
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