A specific upscaling theory of rock mass parameters exhibiting spatial variability: analytical relations and computationalA specific upscaling theory of rock mass parameters exhibiting spatial variability: analytical relations and computational Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-11-052008enIn this paper the representation of geological conditions in a numerical simulation model is considered. By the expression “geological conditions” we mean the 3D volume geometry of the geological formations, the spatial variability exhibited by the rock parameters inside each of these geological volumes and the necessary upscaling of the rock deformability and strength parameters that are determined in the laboratory from cores collected in the field. A specific theory is outlined of how to go from laboratory tests, geological information and field measurements and observations to the full-scale numerical or “ground model” that includes, apart from initial and boundary conditions and ground water, the rock constitutive laws and associated material parameters for use in simulation models. The term “specific” used in the title of this paper stems from the fact that other possible approaches for the same problem may be applied; i.e. empirical rock mass classification systems, explicit modeling of joints in the rock by the distinct element or finite element methods, homogenization techniques, etc. The method used to take into account the spatial variability of rock mass properties by virtue of Geostatistical Theory and 3D modeling tools is also outlined, with an example case study.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences4571102-1125 Exadaktylos Georgios Εξαδακτυλος Γεωργιος Stavropoulou, Maria Elsevier Rock mass Upscaling Geostatistics Numerical modelling Damage Mechanics Size effect