Abstract: Geomechanical model test is a kind of scale rule research method to specific geotechnical engineering problems based on the similarity principle.The research mainly focuses on rocks.How to effectively simulate the structural characteristics and its occurrence is an important aspect to be considered in experimental design of geomechanical model.In addition, there are some shortcomings in the physical model tests, such as long period, high cost, materials that can not be repeatedly utilized.In view of the problems above, and combining with the occurrence characteristics of deep coal in China, the self-developed YDM-C-type devices for rock engineering and geological disasters simulation were utilized, proposing a new method of simulating the rock mass occurrence and its structural characteristics with the physical finite element plate.The finite element plate that had not been destructed in the last test was recovered and used in the next experiment to reduce the experimental period, and lower test costs.The results showed that YDM-C system can satisfy the similar conditions of model boundary; The plate unit could better simulate the occurrence of rock mass; the physical model established  could well satisfy geological conditions of practical engineering; And the tests recreated the destruction phenomena and processes of practical engineering.

Key words: Model test, Deep engineering, Physical finite element, Similar material