This paper presents a new technique for estimating the in situ block size distribution in a jointed rock mass. The technique is based on Monte Carlo simulations using more realistic fracture geometry as its input compared to other block size estimation methods described in the literature. This geometry represents fractures as either polygons or triangulated surfaces and therefore models persistence and truncation of fractures accurately. Persistence has been shown to be critically important for the accurate prediction of block size and shape. We show that for rock masses with relatively small discontinuities, the results of our predictions differ markedly from previous methods which over-predict fragmentation.

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